Cruse

a utensil; a flask or cup for holding water ( 1 Samuel 26:11 1 Samuel 26:12 1 Samuel 26:16 ; 1 Kings 19:6 ) or oil ( 1 Kings 17:12 1 Kings 17:14 1 Kings 17:16 ). In 1 Kings 14:3 the word there so rendered means properly a bottle, as in Jeremiah 19:1 Jeremiah 19:10 , or pitcher. In 2 Kings 2:20 , a platter or flat metal saucer is intended. The Hebrew word here used is translated "dish" in 21:13 ; "pans," in 2 Chronicles 35:13 ; and "bosom," in Proverbs 19:24 ; 26:15 (RSV, "dish").

A pot.

And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a CRUSE of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child. ( 1 Kings 1:1 Ezekiel 14:3 )

a small vessel for holding water, such as was carried by Saul when on his night expedition after David, ( 1 Samuel 26:11 1 Samuel 26:12 1 Samuel 26:16 ) and by Elijah. ( 1 Kings 19:6 )

CRUSE

kroos:

A small earthen vessel or flask, usually for holding liquids: tsappachath; as water, 1 Samuel 26:11,12,16; 1 Kings 19:6; it being porous, the liquid is kept cool; also for holding oil, as in 1Ki l7:12,14,16.

In 1 Kings 14:3 ("a cruse of honey") the word baqbuq, would be better rendered "bottle," doubtless deriving its name from the gurgling sound of issuing liquids. In 2 Kings 2:20 tselochith, is not a jar or flask, but a dish, or platter, for salt or other substances.

In the New Testament a small jar or vial, alabastron, "alabaster cruse" or flask, for holding ointment; not "box" as in the King James Version (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; compare 1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:1,3, where "box" in the King James Version is used for "vial" the Revised Version (British and American)).

Edward Bagby Pollard