bolster Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
bolster in Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Hebrew word "kebir", rendered "pillow" in 1 Sam. 19:13, 16, but in Revised Version marg. "quilt" or "network," probably means some counterpane or veil intended to protect the head of the sleeper. A different Hebrew word (meraashoth') is used for "bolster" (1 Sam. 26:7, 11, 16). It is rightly rendered in Revised Version "at his head." In Gen. 28:11, 18 the Authorized Version renders it "for his pillows," and the Revised Version "under his head." In Ezek. 13:18, 20 another Hebrew word (kesathoth) is used, properly denoting "cushions" or "pillows," as so rendered both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
bolster in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
BOL'STER . See Bed.
bolster in Fausset's Bible Dictionary
The pillow of goat's hair which Michal put for a bolster (1 Samuel 19:13) was probably a curtain to protect the sleeper from mosquitoes, or a counterpane, with which sleepers in the East protect the head and face. Kebir means something woven, from kaabar "to weave." The indefinite article implies it was one of the articles of regular use, as a counterpane or veil woven of goat's hair to cover the head and face while sleeping.