Box
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Box in the Bible?
A box is a small container, often made of alabaster, used to hold precious ointments and referenced in biblical narratives. The term also refers to the boxwood tree in Isaiah 41:19 and 60:13.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the material and function of these vessels clarifies the cultural value of perfumed oils in ancient Near Eastern societies and illuminates the symbolic weight of acts involving their use in biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Box were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Box in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Box clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 41:19
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
"Box." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/box/