Spin
(טָוָה, νήθω). The notices of spinning in the Bible are confined to Ex 35:25-26; Mt 6:28; and Pr 31:19. The latter passage implies (according to the A.V.) the use of the same instruments which have been in vogue for hand spinning down to the present day, viz. the distaff and spindle. The distaff, however, appears to have been dispensed with, and the term (פֶּלֶך) so rendered means the spindle (q.v.) itself, while that rendered "spindle" (בַּישׁוֹר) represents the whirl (verticillus, Pliny, 37, 11) of the spindle, a button or circular rim which was affixed to it, and gave steadiness to its circular motion. The "whirl" of the Syrian women was made of amber in the time of Pliny (loc. cit.). The spindle was held perpendicularly in the one hand, while the other was employed in drawing out the thread. The process is exhibited in the Egyptian paintings (Wilkinson, Ancient Egypt. 2, 85). Spinning was the business of women, both among the Jews (Exodus loc. cit.) and for the most part among the Egyptians (Wilkinson, ibid. 2, 84). — Smith. Similar customs have prevailed in most modern nations; hence the word "spinster" for an unmarried female. SEE WEAVE.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More