Between The Testaments
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Between The Testaments in the Bible?
The period between the Old and New Testaments, spanning approximately four centuries, during which there was neither prophet nor inspired writer in Israel. This period saw the decline of the Persian Empire, the rise of Greece and Rome, and the eventual annexation of Egypt to the Roman Empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this era clarifies the political and religious landscape of the first century, explaining the development of groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees, the influence of Hellenistic culture, and the specific messianic expectations that shaped the narrative of the New Testament.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.