Canals
NatureWhat is the meaning of Canals in the Bible?
In the biblical narrative of Exodus, the term translated as 'canals' refers to the artificial waterways, reservoirs, and irrigation channels that distributed Nile water throughout Egypt, distinct from the river itself.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these canals as the engineered distribution network of the Nile clarifies the scope of the plague's devastation, demonstrating that the judgment affected all stored and circulated water sources essential for Egyptian agriculture and daily life, not just the main river channel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Canals were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Canals in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Canals 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
"Canals." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/canals/