Augury
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Augury in the Bible?
Augury denotes the systematic interpretation of omens, primarily through the observation of bird flight patterns and other natural phenomena, serving as a primary method for determining divine favor in ancient Mediterranean societies.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding augury clarifies the ancient worldview where natural events were viewed as direct communications from the divine, providing essential context for biblical narratives involving prophets and kings who sought or rejected such signs to guide their decisions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Augury. 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 Augury in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Augury 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
"Augury." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/augury/