Asphalt
NatureWhat is the meaning of Asphalt in the Bible?
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia entry for ASPHALT redirects to SLIME, indicating that the two terms are synonymous. This suggests that the biblical authors did not distinguish between the two substances.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical properties of asphalt clarifies the practical applications of the 'slime pits' mentioned in Genesis 14:10 and the bitumen used in the construction of Noah's ark, grounding these narratives in the geological reality of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Asphalt were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Asphalt in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Asphalt clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 14:10
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
"Asphalt." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/asphalt/