Bible Dictionary
CUSHION
A cushion was a headrest or seat cushion. In Mark 4:38, Jesus rested on a cushion in the stern of the boat during the storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Definition
A cushion is a support for the head, or a padded article used for sitting or reclining. It could also be a rower’s cushion.
Biblical Usage
In Mark 4:38, Jesus was resting on a cushion in the stern of the boat during the storm.
Historical Background
The article in the passage suggests a customary furnishing of the boat, comparable to a cushion provided for passengers. Cushions could also form the divan in an oriental reception room.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>koosh'-un (proskephalaion): In New Testament, only in Mr 4:38 the Revised Version (British and American). The word means literally, a cushion for the head (the King James Version "pillow") but was also used of one for sitting or reclining upon, e.g. of a rower's cushion. The article used with it in this passage suggests that it was one of the customary furnishings of the boat, and it was probably similar to the cushion placed for the comfort of passengers in the stern of modern boats on the Sea of Galilee. "Silken cushions" of Am 3:12 the Revised Version (British and American) is a rendering of the Hebrew demesheq from its supposed connection with damask. These cushions formed the divan, often the only article of furniture in an oriental reception room. "Cushions" occurs further in the somewhat doubtful the Revised Version, margin rendering of Pr 7:16; 31:22.</p><p>Benjamin Reno Downer</p>