Beacon
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Beacon in the Bible?
The Hebrew term toren, generally understood as a ship's mast, is employed in Isaiah 30:17 to describe a signal-staff, with scholarly discourse centering on whether the word denotes a structural mast or a dedicated signaling post.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the dual potential of toren to signify both a mast and a signal-staff illuminates the prophetic imagery in Isaiah 30:17, allowing readers to grasp how ancient military retreats were vividly portrayed through familiar nautical and signaling metaphors.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Beacon were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Beacon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beacon clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 30:17
Related Topics
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
"Beacon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/beacon/