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Exile

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What is the meaning of Exile in the Bible?

In the King James Version, the word 'exile' appears only twice, with other instances of forced displacement rendered as 'captivity' or similar terms. The Revised Version expands this usage, employing 'exile' to translate Hebrew verbs meaning 'to remove' or 'to be bowed down,' as well as nouns denoting 'captivity.'

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing these translation nuances reveals the specific nature of ancient displacement, distinguishing between general captivity and the distinct experience of exile. This clarity aids in interpreting how forced migration shaped the theological themes and communal identity found within the biblical texts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Exile 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 Exile in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Exile 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

"Exile." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/exile/
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