Enmity
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Enmity in the Bible?
Enmity describes a state of hatred or opposition, derived from Hebrew terms such as 'ebhah' and 'echthra' found in various biblical passages. It characterizes the conflict between God and humanity, as well as the opposition between different social or ethnic groups.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding enmity clarifies the biblical narrative of broken relationships and the subsequent need for reconciliation, providing context for themes of peace and restoration throughout scripture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Enmity. 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 Enmity in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Enmity 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
"Enmity." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/enmity/