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Glutton

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Glutton in the Bible?

Gluttony denotes excessive consumption of food and drink, often linked with greed or drunkenness in biblical texts. In Deuteronomy 21:18-21, the term describes a son who is a glutton and a drunkard, serving as evidence of his rebellious and stubborn nature against his parents.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing gluttony as a marker of moral rebellion helps readers understand why the law prescribed such a severe penalty. It reveals that ancient Israelite society viewed uncontrolled appetite not merely as a personal vice, but as a fundamental breakdown of family authority and social order, warranting communal discipline.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Glutton. 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 Glutton in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Glutton clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Deuteronomy 21:18-21

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

"Glutton." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/glutton/
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