Epicureans
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Epicureans in the Bible?
The Epicureans were a school of philosophy founded by Epicurus, who taught that the aim of life was to attain happiness through the suppression of unnecessary desires and the pursuit of pleasure as the absence of pain.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Epicureanism clarifies the cultural and intellectual environment of the New Testament, particularly in passages where Paul engages with Greek philosophical concepts in Athens, helping readers distinguish biblical teachings on joy and contentment from secular hedonism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Epicureans. 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 Epicureans in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Epicureans 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
"Epicureans." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/epicureans/