In first century Israel what were Vessels of Honor and Vessels of Dishonor?

Answer 1

NOTE on the QUESTION...

These phrases are used symbolically in The Bible (Romans 9 and 2 Timothy 2); but I'm wondering what the metaphors were actually rooted in. Were there actually such vessels in ancient homes and what was their literal usage?

The Greek phrases used are, "σκεῦος εἰς τιμή" (vessel for honor) and "σκεῦος εἰς ἀτιμία" (vessel for disonor).

Edited Side Note:

This is in regard to mentioned scripture Romans 9 and the honor system of the first century.

In the first century honor was foundational to the society. Children were raised to seek honor and avoid disgrace, and this honor would come from the pronouncement of a person's worth by his peers. It was actually common and quite acceptable for men to boast about their deeds, which if accurate would bring them more honor. (But if inaccurate would simply make them look like a fool) As for Romans 9, verse 21 it was referring to mankind as the vessel, and God as the potter. In this chapter Paul was talking to the church in Rome about God's power over our lives and how He makes us how He wishes. (He gives the example with pharaoh) A question is returned about the justice behind our free-will and His judgment and Paul uses the example with the potter and the clay. The clay has no right to tell the potter how or what to make it into, implying the same how we have no right to tell God how He should make us. Thus he says God can make some "vessels" (men/women) for honor, while others for dishonor depending on His will.