clay Summary and Overview

This word is used of sediment found in pits or in streets (Isa. 57:20; Jer. 38:60), of dust mixed with spittle (John 9:6), and of potter's clay (Isa. 41:25; Nah. 3:14; Jer. 18:1-6; Rom. 9:21). Clay was used for sealing (Job 38:14; Jer. 32:14). Our Lord's tomb may have been thus sealed (Matt. 27:66). The practice of sealing doors with clay is still common in the East. Clay was also in primitive times used for mortar (Gen. 11:3). The "clay ground" in which the large vessels of the temple were cast (1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chr. 4:17) was a compact loam fitted for the purpose. The expression literally rendered is, "in the thickness of the ground,", meaning, "in stiff ground" or in clay.

As the sediment of water remaining in pits or in streets, the word is used frequently in the Old Testament. #Ps 18:42; Isa 57:20; Jer 38:6| and in the New Testament, #Joh 9:6| a mixture of sand or dust with spittle. It is also found in the sense of potter's clay. #Isa 41:25| The great seat of the pottery of the present day in Israel is Gaza, where are made the vessels in dark-blue clay so frequently met with. Another use of clay was for sealing. #Job 38:14| Our Lord's tomb may have been thus sealed, #Mt 27:66| as also the earthen vessel containing the evidences of Jeremiah's purchase. #Jer 32:14| The seal used for public documents was rolled on the moist clay, and the tablet was then placed in the fire and baked.

Tough plastic earth, containing silica and alumina. Used for making pottery in Israel (Jeremiah 18:2; Jeremiah 18:6). Vessels of dark blue clay are still made at Gaza. Used by Jesus in curing the blind man (John 9:6), a mixture of dust and spittle. Doors are sealed with clay in the East, to facilitate detection of thieves. Wine jars were so sealed. It may have been with clay our Lord's tomb, and the earthen vessel with the proofs of Jeremiah's purchase, were sealed (Matthew 27:66; Jeremiah 32:14). At Koyunjik fine clay cylinders with Assyrian impressions have been found, which were made by rolling the seals on the moist clay, which was then baked in the fire.