Strawed
Definition and Usage
The word "strawed" is an older English form of "strewn," the past participle of the verb "to strew." It means to scatter, spread about, or distribute over a surface. While modern Bible translations have replaced this term with words like "scattered," "spread," or "strewn," the King James Version preserves this archaic form in several important passages. Understanding this term helps modern readers grasp the vivid imagery the biblical authors intended.
The Golden Calf Destroyed
The most dramatic use of "strawed" appears in Exodus 32:20, where Moses, furious at Israel's idolatry, took the golden calf the people had made, burned it in fire, ground it to powder, and strawed (scattered) it upon the water, making the Israelites drink it. This forceful act of destruction demonstrated the complete worthlessness of the idol. Moses reduced the object of Israel's false worship to nothing more than dust on water, a powerful visual lesson that idols have no power and deserve utter contempt.
The Triumphal Entry
In Matthew 21:8, the crowds strawed (spread) branches on the road before Jesus as He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This act of honor, combined with the laying of garments on the path, echoed the royal welcome given to kings in the ancient Near East (2 Kings 9:13). The strewing of palm branches and leafy boughs created a living carpet for the coming King, fulfilling the messianic prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This spontaneous act of devotion marked one of the most significant moments in the Gospel narratives.
The Parable of the Talents
In Matthew 25:24-26, the word appears in the parable of the talents, where the unfaithful servant accuses his master of being a hard man who gathers where he has not strawed (scattered seed). The servant claims his master reaps harvests from fields he never sowed. This accusation reveals the servant's misunderstanding of his master's character, portraying him as unreasonably demanding rather than generous and trusting. Jesus uses this exchange to illustrate the wrong attitude toward God's gifts and the accountability that comes with stewardship.
Theological Significance of Scattering
The act of scattering or strewing carries different theological weight depending on context. In the golden calf episode, scattering represents divine judgment on idolatry. At the triumphal entry, it symbolizes worship and royal honor. In the parable of the talents, it relates to sowing and investment. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of scattering connects to themes of God's sovereignty over both destruction and blessing (Psalm 147:16, Isaiah 28:25).
Biblical Context
"Strawed" appears in the KJV in three key passages: Exodus 32:20 (Moses scattering the ground golden calf on water), Matthew 21:8 (crowds spreading branches before Jesus at the triumphal entry), and Matthew 25:24-26 (the parable of the talents, where the unfaithful servant accuses his master of reaping where he has not scattered seed). Each usage carries distinct narrative and theological weight.
Theological Significance
The concept of scattering or strewing in Scripture touches on several theological themes: the total destruction of false idols (Exodus 32), the recognition of Jesus as King (Matthew 21), and faithful stewardship of God-given resources (Matthew 25). Together these passages show that what we scatter and how we scatter it reflects our relationship with God, whether in judgment against sin, worship of the true King, or responsible use of His gifts.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, grinding an idol to powder and mixing it with water was a known method of ritual destruction, attested in other ancient texts. The practice of strewing branches before a dignitary was common in Greco-Roman and Near Eastern royal processions. The agricultural imagery of scattering seed was central to daily life in Palestine, where grain was typically broadcast by hand across prepared fields.