Bdellium
NatureWhat is the meaning of Bdellium in the Bible?
Bdellium is a fragrant resinous gum mentioned twice in the Pentateuch, identified by the Greeks as bdellion and sourced from regions including Arabia, India, and Afghanistan, with a physical appearance likened to manna.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing bdellium as a valuable, aromatic substance illuminates the sensory descriptions of manna in the biblical text, highlighting its purity and desirability to the ancient Israelite audience.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Bdellium were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bdellium in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bdellium 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
"Bdellium." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bdellium/