Saw (Hastings' Dictionary)

TiJD 2 S 12", 1 K 7», 1 Ch 20» [but in this last the correct text is niitm ' axes '], -\\so Is 10'* ; LXX irpiuiv. From 1 K 7° it is evident that saws were used for cutting stone. In Syria, at the present time, long smooth blades of iron are used to cut out columns. These have no handles : a heav}' piece of wood is fitted to the back of the saw ; this is grasped by two men, who draw it backwards and forwards, sand and water being plentifully used.

It seems probable, from the marks on the rocks, that the ancient Egyptians used bronze saws with emery for cutting granite (WOkinson, Anc. Efjt/pt. ii. p. 254 n.) The ancient Egyptian car- penters in cutting wood drew the saw towards them instead of pushing it from them. In India the same custom prevails. English saws are bought eagerly by the Hindu carpenters, but the English handles are removed, and other handles fixed at the narrow end of the blades.

In the NT the verb used is tt/jIj-u, He 11". \V. Carslaw.