Aqueduct
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Aqueduct in the Bible?
An aqueduct is a hydraulic engineering structure designed to transport water from natural sources to settlements for domestic, agricultural, or industrial purposes. Although the elevated stone arches associated with aqueducts are characteristic of Roman engineering, ancient Near Eastern civilizations, including those depicted in the Bible, employed sophisticated water management systems such as tunnels, channels, and cisterns to secure reliable water supplies.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the existence of advanced ancient water infrastructure clarifies the historical and technological context of biblical narratives, illustrating how societies managed scarce resources and sustained urban populations through engineering rather than relying solely on immediate natural water sources.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Aqueduct in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Aqueduct 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.