Cellar
LocationsGeographical Setting
An underground or partially underground room used for storage, cooling, or security within ancient Near Eastern dwellings.
What is the meaning of Cellar in the Bible?
A cellar is an underground storage room or vault, etymologically linked to the Greek word krypte, referring to covered or hidden spaces such as crypts and subterranean chambers found in ancient Palestinian structures.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the function of cellars aids in interpreting biblical passages concerning the secure storage of wine and oil, the concealment of valuables, and the use of underground spaces for refuge or burial, thereby clarifying the material culture and security practices of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.