Entertain
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Entertain in the Bible?
In ancient biblical contexts, entertainments refer to communal feasts and celebratory meals. These events were often integrated into public religious festivals and paired with ritual offerings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these as structured social and religious obligations helps clarify the communal nature of ancient Near Eastern worship and hospitality.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Entertain. 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 Entertain in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Entertain clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Entertain." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/entertain/