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Bubastis

Locations
Modern Location Tell Basta, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
Coordinates 30.8333, 31.6500

Geographical Setting

Bubastis was an ancient Egyptian city located in the Nile Delta, renowned as the cult center for the goddess Bastet.

What is the meaning of Bubastis in the Bible?

Bubastis was an ancient Egyptian city, the capital of the 22nd nome of Lower Egypt. It is now known as Tell Basta.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the geographical and religious prominence of Bubastis provides essential context for biblical passages that reference Egypt's idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of the cat goddess Bastet, which the Hebrew prophets frequently condemned as a symbol of spiritual adultery and reliance on foreign powers rather than Yahweh.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bubastis (located near modern Tell Basta, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Bubastis in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Bubastis clarify?

Related Topics

Iphtah-ElShushanHazarOphniClaudaSeirah

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

"Bubastis." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bubastis/
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