Armhole
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Armhole in the Bible?
The Hebrew word 'atstsil' denotes the armpit and appears in biblical narratives to describe the ragged garments used to cover the prophet Elisha's body when he was lowered into a cistern, as well as the ornamental items associated with false prophetesses.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the specific anatomical and sartorial references in these passages clarifies the physical conditions of biblical figures and the material culture of ancient Israelite religious practices.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Armhole. 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 Armhole in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Armhole clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Armhole." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/armhole/