Affright
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Affright in the Bible?
Affright denotes a sudden state of terror or panic induced by an unexpected and startling event, distinguishing it from mere amazement by emphasizing the visceral shock and fear rather than a stunned stupor.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing affright allows readers to accurately gauge the profound psychological impact of divine manifestations or sudden crises in biblical texts, revealing how characters experienced overwhelming fear rather than simple surprise.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Affright. 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 Affright in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Affright 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
"Affright." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/affright/