Asylum
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Asylum in the Bible?
The practice of seeking refuge at sacred sites, specifically the altar or designated cities, to avoid retribution or unjust execution.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this institution clarifies the biblical distinction between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, revealing the ancient legal framework for justice and mercy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Asylum. 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 Asylum in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Asylum 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
"Asylum." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/asylum/