Bible Dictionaries
Pillow
Holman Bible Dictionary
A support for the head. KJV and REB described the rock on which Jacob rested his head as a pillow (Genesis 28:11 ,Genesis 28:11,28:18 ). The Hebrew term translated pillow at 1Samuel 19:13,1 Samuel 19:16 (KJV, RSV, TEV) is of uncertain meaning. Possible translations include quilt (NAS), net (NRSV), and rug (REB). KJV followed the earliest Greek translation in reading pillows at Ezekiel 13:18 ,Ezekiel 13:18,13:20 . Modern translations render the underlying Hebrew as magic bands (NAS, REB, NRSV), charms (NIV), or wristbands (TEV). Jesus demonstrated His absolute trust in God by sleeping through a storm with his head on a pillow (Mark 4:38 KJV, TEV) or cushion (NAS, NIV, REB, NRSV).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Pillow'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/p/pillow.html. 1991.