CORD

Cord. Cord
Frequently used in its proper sense, for fastening a tent (Ex. 35:18; 39:40), yoking animals to a cart (Isa. 5:18), binding prisoners (Judg. 15:13; Ps. 2:3; 129:4), and measuring ground (2 Sam. 8;2; Ps. 78:55). Figuratively, death is spoken of as the giving way of the tent-cord (Job 4:21. “Is not their tent-cord plucked up?” R.V.). To gird one’s self with a cord was a token of sorrow and humiliation. To stretch a line over a city meant to level it with the ground (Lam. 2:8). The “cords of sin” are the consequences or fruits of sin (Prov. 5:22). A “threefold cord” is a symbol of union (Eccl. 4:12). The “cords of a man” (Hos. 11:4) means that men employ, in inducing each other, methods such as are suitable to men, and not “cords” such as oxen are led by. Isaiah (5:18) says, “Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope.” This verse is thus given in the Chaldee paraphrase: “Woe to those who begin to sin by little and little, drawing sin by cords of vanity: these sins grow and increase till they are strong and are like a cart rope.” This may be the true meaning. The wicked at first draw sin with a slender cord; but by-and-by their sins increase, and they are drawn after them by a cart rope. Henderson in his commentary says: “The meaning is that the persons described were not satisfied with ordinary modes of provoking the Deity, and the consequent ordinary approach of his vengeance, but, as it were, yoked themselves in the harness of iniquity, and, putting forth all their strength, drew down upon themselves, with accelerated speed, the load of punishment which their sins deserved.”

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CORD. → Ancient uses of
* In casting lots Mic 2:5
* Fastening tents Ex 35:18; 39:40; Isa 54:2
* Leading or binding animals Ps 118:27; Ho 11:4
* Hitching to cart or plough Job 39:10
* Binding prisoners Jud 15:13
* Measuring ground 2Sa 8:2; Jos 17:14; Ps 78:55; Am 7:17; Zec 2:1
* Worn on the head as a sign of submission 1Ki 20:31

→ FIGURATIVE
* Of spiritual blessings Ps 16:6
* Of sin Pr 5:22
* Of life Ec 12:6
* Of friendship Ec 4:12; Ho 11:4

→ SYMBOLICAL USES OF
* Token in mourning 1Ki 20:31-33; Job 36:8
* Signifying an inheritance Jos 17:14

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cord. Cord, n. a small rope, line, sinew, measure of wood of 128 square feet

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Cord (kôrd), n. [[F. corde, L. chorda catgut, chord, cord, fr. Gr. χορδή; cf. χολάδεσ intestines, L. haruspex soothsayer (inspector of entrails), Icel. görn, pl. garnir gut, and E. yarn. Cf. Chord, Yarn.]] 1. 1. A string, or small rope, composed of several strands twisted together.
2. 2. A solid measure, equivalent to 128 cubic feet; a pile of wood, or other coarse material, eight feet long, four feet high, and four feet broad; — originally measured with a cord or line.
3. 3. Fig.: Any moral influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as if by a cord; an enticement; as, the cords of the wicked; the cords of sin; the cords of vanity.
The knots that tangle human creeds, The wounding cords that bind and strain The heart until it bleeds. Tennyson. 4. 4. (Anat.) Any structure having the appearance of a cord, esp. a tendon or a nerve. See under Spermatic, Spinal, Umbilical, Vocal.
5. 5. (Mus.) See Chord.
Cord wood, wood for fuel cut to the length of four feet (when of full measure).