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Allied

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Allied in the Bible?

Allied relationships denote connections formed through marriage or kinship, such as the bond between Abraham and his nephew Lot or the political ties established by Jacob with Laban, reflecting the social structures of the ancient Near East.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing these alliances clarifies the complex social networks and familial obligations that shaped the narratives and interactions of biblical figures, providing deeper insight into the cultural context of the text.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Allied. 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 Allied in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Allied 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

"Allied." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/allied/
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