What is the meaning of Bear, The (arcturus) in the Bible?
A constellation mentioned in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman astronomical texts, often associated with the Great Bear (Ursa Major), though Arcturus is specifically the brightest star in the neighboring constellation Boötes.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Arcturus as a distinct celestial marker aids in understanding the ancient Hebrew observation of the night sky, which served as a basis for agricultural cycles and seasonal festivals described in the Bible.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Bear, The (arcturus) were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bear, The (arcturus) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bear, The (arcturus) 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
"Bear, The (arcturus)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bear-the-arcturus/