Bible Dictionary
Silk
Silk was a valuable textile known especially in New Testament commerce. Revelation lists it among the luxury goods of Babylon, while some Old Testament translations use “silk” where fine linen is intended.
Definition
Silk is a valuable textile. In the biblical material, the term sometimes represents silk cloth, while in other passages older translations use it where fine linen is intended.
Biblical Usage
Silk is explicitly mentioned among the luxury goods of the symbolic Babylon in Revelation. Other Old Testament uses of the word “silk” are identified in the supplied material as references to fine linen or possibly damask cloth.
Historical Background
Silk was common in New Testament times. The Hebrew language did not use the well-known classical name for the substance, and the material was probably known through extended commercial relations.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. demeshek, “damask,” silk cloth manufactured at Damascus, Amos 3:12. A.V., “in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch;” R.V., “in the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed” (marg., “in Damascus on a bed”). Heb. meshi, (Ezek. 16:10, 13, rendered “silk”). In Gen. 41:42 (marg. A.V.), Prov. 31:22 (R.V., “fine linen”), the word “silk” ought to be “fine linen.” Silk was common in New Testament times (Rev. 18:12).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The only undoubted notice of silk in the Bible occurs in (Revelation 18:12) where it is mentioned among the treasures of the typical Babylon. It is however, in the highest degree probable that the texture was known to the Hebrews from the time that their commercial relations were extended by Solomon. The well-known classical name of the substance does not occur in the Hebrew language.