pitcher Summary and Overview

a vessel for containing liquids. In the East pitchers were usually carried on the head or shoulders (Gen. 24:15-20; Judg. 7:16, 19; Mark 14:13).

This word is used in the Authorized Version to denote the earthen water-jars or pitchers with one or two handles, used chiefly by women for carrying water, as in the story of Rebekah. #Ge 24:15-20| but see Mark 14:13; Luke 22:10 This mode of carrying has been and still is customary the East and elsewhere. The vessels used for the purpose are generally borne on the head or the shoulder. The Bedouin women commonly use skin bottles. Such was the "bottle" carried by Hagar #Ge 21:14| The same word is used of the pitchers employed by Gideon's three hundred men. #Jud 7:16|

PITCH'ER . The custom of drawing water in pitchers still prevails in the East, an earthen vessel with two handles or in modern times a skin-bottle being used for the purpose; and the letting down of the pitcher upon the hand. Gen 24:18, justifies the inference that it was carried upon the head or left shoulder and balanced with the right hand, and when presented was rested on the left hand.

Women's water jars with one or two handles, carried on the shoulder (Genesis 24:15-20).