Chance
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Chance in the Bible?
Ancient Hebrew theology generally rejected the notion of chance, asserting that divine law governed the universe rather than random events. Biblical references to chance typically denote unexpected occurrences that are ultimately understood within the context of God's sovereign will.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this perspective clarifies how biblical authors interpreted unexpected events not as accidents, but as manifestations of divine purpose, thereby reinforcing the theme of God's omnipresence and control over history.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Chance. 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 Chance in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chance clarify?
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
"Chance." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chance/