Meaning
A small container or vessel used for holding a liquid or other substance.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses cruse for a small container, particularly one holding oil or another liquid. The term appears in accounts involving household supplies and provisions.
The cruse of oil belonging to the widow of Zarephath continued to provide oil during the famine, according to the word of the LORD through Elijah. The term is therefore associated with a small vessel for storing or carrying a liquid.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 26:11 — David takes Saul’s cruse of water.
- 1 Samuel 26:12 — The cruse is taken from beside Saul’s head.
- 1 Samuel 26:16 — Abner is questioned about the missing cruse.
- 1 Kings 17:12 — The widow of Zarephath has a little oil in a cruse.
- 1 Kings 17:14 — The widow is promised that the cruse of oil will not fail.
- 1 Kings 17:16 — The cruse of oil does not fail.
- 1 Kings 19:6 — Elijah finds a cruse of water beside his head.
Related Terms
- Bottle
- Vial
- Vessel
- Oil
- Container