Encyclopedia entry

Clay

This word is used of sediment found in pits or in streets (Isa. 57:20; Jer. 38:60), of dust mixed with spittle (John 9:6), and of potter’s clay (Isa. 41:25; Nah. 3:14; Jer. 18:1-6; Rom. 9:21). Clay was used for sealing (Job 38:14; Jer. 32:14). Our Lord’s tomb may have been thus sealed (Matt. 27:66). The practice of sealing doors with clay is still common in the East. Clay was also in primitive times used for mortar (Gen. 11:3). The “clay ground” in which the large vessels of the temple were cast (1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chr. 4:17) was a compact loam fitted for the purpose. The expression literally rendered is, “in the thickness of the ground,”, meaning, “in stiff ground” or in clay.

Also from Smith's (1884) +

As the sediment of water remaining in pits or in streets, the word is used frequently in the Old Testament. (Psalms 18:42; Isaiah 57:20; Jeremiah 38:6) and in the New Testament, (John 9:6) a mixture of sand or dust with spittle. It is also found in the sense of potter’s clay. (Isaiah 41:25) The great seat of the pottery of the present day in Palestine is Gaza, where are made the vessels in dark-blue clay so frequently met with. Another use of clay was for sealing. (Job 38:14) Our Lord’s tomb may have been thus sealed, (Matthew 27:66) as also the earthen vessel containing the evidences of Jeremiah’s purchase. (Jeremiah 32:14) The seal used for public documents was rolled on the moist clay, and the tablet was then placed in the fire and baked.

In the Bible

Verses where Clay is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).

1 Kings 7:46
The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.
2 Chronicles 4:17
The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zeredah.
2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
2 Timothy 2:20
A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
Daniel 2:33
its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay.
Daniel 2:34
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.

+36 more verses naming Clay.

Entries that reference Clay

Clay references

See all 12 +

Voices on Clay

Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.

Death, Meaning, and the Power of the Invisible World | Clay Routledge | EP 199