Forfeit
TextsWhat is the meaning of Forfeit in the Bible?
The term 'forfeit' translates the Hebrew word charam, denoting the irrevocable consecration of persons or objects to God, which renders them subject to destruction and beyond redemption.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this concept illuminates the absolute nature of the ban (herem) in ancient Israelite warfare and religious law, demonstrating how total dedication to divine will served to preserve ritual purity and define communal boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Forfeit 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 Forfeit in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Forfeit 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
"Forfeit." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/forfeit/