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Fancy

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What is the meaning of Fancy in the Bible?

In Ecclesiasticus 34:5, the term 'fancy' denotes the imaginative faculty of the heart, a metaphorically intense state compared to the agony of childbirth. This conceptualization of the heart's imaginative power appears in parallel contexts within The Wisdom of Solomon 6:16 and Hebrews 12:21.

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing 'fancy' as a reference to the heart's imaginative intensity helps readers grasp the biblical view of human emotion as a powerful, sometimes overwhelming force. This insight clarifies the psychological depth found in wisdom and prophetic texts, where the inner life of the believer is depicted with visceral imagery.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Fancy 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 Fancy in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Fancy clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Hebrews 12:21

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

"Fancy." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/fancy/
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