Bought (2)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Bought (2) in the Bible?
The term 'bought' denotes the legal and economic act of purchasing or acquiring ownership, frequently employed in biblical literature as a metaphor for divine redemption and the covenantal acquisition of a people.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the economic weight of this term clarifies how ancient audiences perceived the binding nature of divine covenants, revealing that salvation was viewed not merely as a gift but as a transactional acquisition of rights and status.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Bought (2). 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 Bought (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bought (2) 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
"Bought (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bought-2/