Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 2 Timothy 4:13 - 4:13
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The cloak (φελόνην)
Hesychius, however, explains as a γλωσσόκομον, originally a case for keeping the mouthpieces of wind-instruments; thence, generally, a box. Γλωσσόκομον is the word for the disciples' treasury-chest (bag, Joh 12:6). Also a box for transporting or preserving parchments. Specimens have been found at Herculaneum. In lxx, 2Sa 6:11, the ark of the Lord (but the reading varies): in 2Ch 24:8, the chest placed by order of Joash at the gate of the temple, to receive contributions for its repair. Joseph. Ant. 6:1, 2, of the coffer into which the jewels of gold were put for a trespass-offering when the ark was sent back (1Sa 6:8). Phrynicus defines it as “a receptacle for books, clothes, silver, or anything else.” Φαιλόνης or φαινόλης a wrapper of parchments, was translated figuratively in Latin by toga or paenula “a cloak,” sometimes of leather; also the wrapping which a shopkeeper put round fish or olives; also the parchment cover for papyrus rolls. Accordingly it is claimed that Timothy is here bidden to bring, not a cloak, but a roll-case. So the Syriac Version. There seems to be no sufficient reason for abandoning the translation of A.V.
Carpus
Not mentioned elsewhere.
The books (βιβλία)
Βίβλος or, βιβλίον was the term most widely used by the Greeks for book or volume. The usual derivation is from βύβλος the Egyptian papyrus. Comp. Lat. liber “the inner bark of a tree,” also “ book.” Pliny (Nat. Hist. xiii. 11) says that the pith of the papyrus plant was cut in slices and laid in rows, over which other rows were laid crosswise, and the whole was massed by pressure. The name for the blank papyrus sheets was χάρτης (charta) paper. See on 2Jo 1:12. Timothy is here requested to bring some papyrus documents which are distinguished from the vellum manuscripts.
Parchments (μεμβράνας)
N.T.o. Manuscripts written on parchment or vellum. Strictly speaking, vellum was made from the skins of young calves and the common parchment from those of sheep, goats, or antelopes. It was a more durable material than papyrus and more expensive. The Latin name was membrana, and also pergamena or pergamina, from Pergamum in Mysia where it was extensively manufactured, and from which it was introduced into Greece. As to the character and contents of these documents which Timothy is requested to bring, we are of course entirely ignorant.