Byword
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Byword in the Bible?
A byword is a person, thing, or phrase that serves as a widely recognized symbol or example of a particular quality, trait, or condition, often carrying a negative connotation such as infamy or disgrace.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing biblical figures or nations as bywords allows readers to grasp the moral and theological lessons embedded in the text, where these examples illustrate the consequences of sin, the nature of divine judgment, and the standards of righteousness expected by God.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Byword. 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 Byword in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Byword clarify?
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
"Byword." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/byword/