Chisleu
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Chisleu in the Bible?
Chisleu is the archaic English spelling of Kislev, the ninth month of the religious calendar. It was adopted by the Jewish people from Babylonian influence following the exile.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this month is essential for dating events in the books of Nehemiah and Zechariah. It marks the transition to the winter season in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Chisleu. 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 Chisleu in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chisleu 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
"Chisleu." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chisleu/