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Float (flote)

Artifacts

What is the meaning of Float (flote) in the Bible?

The Hebrew term 'floth' (often translated as 'float' or 'raft') denotes a buoyant platform made of reeds or wood, distinct from larger seagoing vessels, and appears in biblical texts describing riverine activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the specific construction and limitations of these reed floats clarifies the logistical realities of ancient river travel and helps readers visualize the practical challenges faced by figures in biblical narratives involving water crossings.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Float (flote) were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Float (flote) in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Float (flote) 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

"Float (flote)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/float-flote/
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