Deluge
TextsWhat is the meaning of Deluge in the Bible?
The Deluge narrative describes a catastrophic worldwide flood sent by the divine to cleanse the earth, with survival ensured for Noah, his family, and representatives of animal species aboard an ark. This account is primarily recorded in the seventh and eighth chapters of the Book of Genesis, drawing upon earlier Mesopotamian traditions such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis epic.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Deluge narrative within its ancient Near Eastern context clarifies the theological distinctiveness of the Genesis account, particularly its emphasis on monotheistic sovereignty and moral judgment, thereby enriching the reader's comprehension of the biblical text's literary and historical foundations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Deluge in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Deluge clarify?
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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.