Accursed
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Accursed in the Bible?
The term accursed translates the Hebrew word cherem, denoting a state of being devoted to destruction or completely set apart. In the Old Testament, this concept required the total eradication of specific populations and objects linked to idolatry to prevent cultural contamination.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the concept of cherem clarifies the ancient Israelite perspective on purity and separation, illustrating how strict adherence to divine law was maintained by eliminating perceived spiritual threats.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Accursed. 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 Accursed in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Accursed clarify?
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
"Accursed." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/accursed/