Array
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Array in the Bible?
The Hebrew terms labhesh, `aTah, and `arakh denote the acts of clothing oneself and arranging or marshaling forces, encompassing both personal adornment and military disposition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the semantic overlap between personal attire and military organization in Hebrew vocabulary illuminates biblical metaphors where divine presence and prophetic judgment are depicted through the imagery of preparedness, status, and orderly arrangement.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Array. 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 Array in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Array 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
"Array." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/array/