Elephant
NatureWhat is the meaning of Elephant in the Bible?
The Hebrew word 'elephant' (pil) appears in 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21, referring to ivory or the animals themselves in the context of Solomon's trade, while Job 40:15 likely describes the hippopotamus (behemoth) due to contextual and linguistic ambiguities in ancient translations.
SIGNIFICANCE
Clarifying the distinction between actual elephants and other large animals like the hippopotamus in biblical texts aids in accurate reconstruction of ancient trade networks and zoological knowledge in the Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Elephant were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Elephant in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elephant clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Kings 10:222 Chronicles 9:21Job 40:15
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
"Elephant." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elephant/