Engines
TextsWhat is the meaning of Engines in the Bible?
The Hebrew word hishalon, found in Ecclesiastes 10:20, denotes a curse or a spoken utterance, reflecting the ancient belief in the potent power of words rather than referring to any mechanical device.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this term as a curse rather than an engine clarifies the text's moral warning about the dangers of careless speech and the unpredictability of fate, allowing readers to fully grasp the wisdom literature's emphasis on the consequences of one's words.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Engines functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Engines in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Engines clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ecclesiastes 10:20
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
"Engines." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/engines/