Abject
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Abject in the Bible?
The Hebrew term 'anah denotes a state of being afflicted, humbled, or lowly, often applied to enemies or the wicked who rejoice in the distress of others, as seen in Psalm 35:15.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the meaning of 'anah illuminates the depth of the psalmist's suffering, highlighting how the malicious joy of adversaries was viewed as a profound social and spiritual injustice in ancient Israelite thought.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Abject. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Abject in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Abject clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Psalm 35:15
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Abject." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/abject/