In the Bible, “roll” often refers to the act of rolling away stones or scrolls, symbolizing the removal of barriers or the preservation of written law and prophecy. It signifies both physical movement, such as in the context of the stone at Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:2), and metaphorical significance related to recording and revealing God’s message.
Scripture
9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
10 And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
Biblical Meaning of “Roll” Explained
The concept of “roll” in the Bible highlights the dual themes of physical and spiritual transformation. One of the most profound instances of this is found in Matthew 28:2, where an angel rolls away the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb. This act not only signifies the physical triumph over death but also symbolizes the removal of barriers that keep humanity from accessing the fullness of life in Christ. Similarly, in Luke 4:17-20, the scroll of Isaiah is unrolled as Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of prophecy, illustrating how “rolling” an item opens up new revelations and interpretations of God’s promises, allowing believers to connect deeper with divine truth.
Moreover, the act of rolling can also be seen in the context of burdens and the call to trust in God. In Psalm 55:22, believers are encouraged to “cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” The act of casting is akin to rolling one’s burdens onto God, portraying a sense of surrender and faith in divine support. In this way, “roll” conveys a rich tapestry of meanings, embodying both the physical act of relocation and the spiritual act of releasing and revealing, reminding the faithful of the continual process of overcoming obstacles that hinder their relationship with God and the revelations contained within Scripture.
The term “roll” also resonates in the context of stewardship and the calling to embrace God’s guidance. In the Old Testament, the practice of rolling stones away is often associated with communal identity and responsibility. In Genesis 29, for example, Jacob encounters a stone covering a well, which represents not only a physical barrier but also the way that community and leadership emerge through cooperation and effort. The act of rolling aside the stone illustrates the necessity of working together to access life-giving resources, be they water or spiritual insights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers as they support one another in their faith journeys.
Additionally, the element of rolling appears in prophetic acts throughout the scriptures, where it signifies both action and intention in heralding God’s word. The prophets often used symbolism in their messages to convey truth. For instance, the rolling of a scroll as seen in Jeremiah and Ezekiel symbolizes the spread of prophetic messages across the land, serving as a call to repentance and renewal. These scrolls, when unrolled, expose the weight of divine instruction and push the faithful toward understanding the implications of their relationship with God, thereby reinforcing the idea that rolling and revealing is a natural progression in divine communication. This metaphor of “roll” thus encapsulates the ever-evolving experience of faith and the call for believers to continuously seek understanding and embrace God’s plan.
Symbol of Burden and Release
In biblical contexts, the act of “rolling” often symbolizes the transfer or release of burdens. This can be seen in the imagery of rolling away stones or burdens, which signifies the act of giving one’s troubles to God or finding relief from life’s pressures. This concept encourages believers to trust in divine support and to let go of their anxieties, reflecting a deeper spiritual truth about reliance on God.
Metaphor for Prophecy and Revelation
The term “roll” can also be associated with the idea of scrolls, which were used to contain written prophecies and revelations. In this sense, “rolling” a scroll signifies the unfolding of God’s message to humanity. It represents the process of revealing divine truths and the importance of scripture in guiding believers. This metaphor emphasizes the significance of God’s word as a source of wisdom and direction.
Representation of Change and New Beginnings
Rolling can symbolize movement and change, often indicating a transition from one state to another. In biblical narratives, rolling away stones or barriers can signify the beginning of new life or the dawn of a new era. This theme is prevalent in stories of resurrection and renewal, where the act of rolling away obstacles leads to transformative experiences, highlighting the hope and possibilities that come with faith.
How to Embrace Change for Spiritual Growth in Christ
Embracing change can often feel daunting, but as Christians, we are called to see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on Christ. When we face transitions—whether they be personal, professional, or relational—it’s essential to remember that God is sovereign and has a purpose for every season of our lives. Start by inviting God into your uncertainties through prayer, asking Him to guide your heart and mind. Reflect on Scripture, particularly verses like Romans 8:28, which remind us that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to share your struggles and victories, as fellowship can provide strength and perspective. Finally, be open to the lessons that change brings; sometimes, it’s in the discomfort of the unknown that we discover new facets of our faith and character. Trust that God is shaping you into the person He wants you to be, and take each step forward with faith and courage.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Roll”:
Ezekiel 3:1-3: 1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”
2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat.
3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Jeremiah 36:2-4: 2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.”
3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.
4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah, and Baruch wrote on a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord that he had spoken to him.
Jeremiah 36:23-25: 23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot.
24 Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments.
25 Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.
Jeremiah 36:27-29: 27 Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah:
28 “Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned.”
29 And concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, ‘Thus says the Lord, You have burned this scroll, saying, “Why have you written in it that the king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land, and will cut off from it man and beast”?
Revelation 5:1-3: 1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”
3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,
Revelation 6:14-17: 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains,
16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,
17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Isaiah 34:4-5: 4 All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.
5 For my sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; behold, it descends for judgment upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction.
Psalms 40:7-8: 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.
Zechariah 5:1-3: 1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll!
2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”
3 Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.