Bible Dictionary
Bolster
Bolster refers in older English usage to a pillow, quilt, or support near the head. In the biblical passages, the underlying idea is chiefly the place or covering at a sleeper’s head.
Definition
Bolster is an older English term for a pillow, quilt, covering, cushion, or support at the head of a sleeper. In the biblical passages, the underlying idea is chiefly the head-place or covering near the sleeper’s head.
Biblical Usage
The term occurs in descriptions of Saul’s sleeping place and of the head-place used by Jacob. Other passages refer to cushions or pillows, including those associated with prophetic imagery.
Historical Background
The Revised Version replaces “bolster” with “head,” “under his head,” or related terms because the Hebrew expressions more directly denote the place or covering at the head.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Hebrew word kebir, rendered “pillow” in 1 Sam. 19:13, 16, but in Revised Version marg. “quilt” or “network,” probably means some counterpane or veil intended to protect the head of the sleeper. A different Hebrew word (meraashoth’) is used for “bolster” (1 Sam. 26:7, 11, 16). It is rightly rendered in Revised Version “at his head.” In Gen. 28:11, 18 the Authorized Version renders it “for his pillows,” and the Revised Version “under his head.” In Ezek. 13:18, 20 another Hebrew word (kesathoth) is used, properly denoting “cushions” or “pillows,” as so rendered both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bol'-ster: Found in the King James Version only in 1Sa 19:13,16, "Behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goat's hair at the head thereof" (the King James Version "for his bolster"), and 1Sa 26:7,11,12,16, "Saul lay sleeping .... with his spear stuck in the ground at his head." "Bolster" in these passages in the King James Version was used to translate a Hebrew word whose true significance is "the place of the head," or "the head-place." It will be noted that it has disappeared from the Revised Version (British and American), which rightly has throughout "head," instead of "bolster."</p><p>See CUSHION.</p>