Cush (1)
LocationsGeographical Setting
Cush denotes both a patriarchal ancestor in Genesis and the ancient kingdom located south of Egypt along the Nile.
What is the meaning of Cush (1) in the Bible?
Cush identifies a region in the ancient Near East, specifically the Nile Valley south of Egypt, and serves as the eponymous ancestor of the Cushite people in biblical genealogies.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Cush clarifies the biblical worldview of the known world's boundaries and explains the historical interactions between Israel and the powerful Nubian kingdoms.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Cush (1) (located near modern Nile Valley south of Egypt, corresponding to modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cush (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cush (1) 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
"Cush (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cush-1/