Distaff
/DIS-taf/
Summary
A staff around which wool or flax was wound for spinning thread, mentioned in praise of the virtuous woman.
☩Virtuous Woman
The virtuous woman of Proverbs 'layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.' The distaff held the raw fiber, while the spindle twisted and wound the spun thread. This indicates she was industrious in providing clothing for her household. Spinning was one of the principal occupations of women in ancient times.
Key verses:Proverbs 31:19
Related Verses1 mention
Proverbs· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Distaff," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Distaff," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).