Bible Encyclopedias
Cruse
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
kroos : A small earthen vessel or flask, usually for holding liquids: צפחת , cappaḥath ; as water, 1 Samuel 26:11 , 1 Samuel 26:12 , 1 Samuel 26:16; 1 Kings 19:6; it being porous, the liquid is kept cool; also for holding oil, as in 1 Kings 17:12 , 1 Kings 17:14 , 1 Kings 17:16 .
In 1 Kings 14:3 ("a cruse of honey") the word בּקבּוּק , baḳbūḳ , would be better rendered "bottle," doubtless deriving its name from the gurgling sound of issuing liquids. In 2 Kings 2:20 צלחית , celōḥı̄th , is not a jar or flask, but a dish, or platter, for salt or other substances.
In the New Testament a small jar or vial, ἀλάβαστρον , alábastron , "alabaster cruse" or flask, for holding ointment; not "box" as in the King James Version (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; compare 1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:1 , 2 Kings 9:3 , where "box" in the King James Version is used for "vial" the Revised Version (British and American)).
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Cruse'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/c/cruse.html. 1915.