God
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of God in the Bible?
The concept of God encompasses the theological understanding of a supreme being, tracing its evolution through Old Testament narratives, prophetic literature, post-exilic Judaism, and New Testament writings, including various manifestations, names, and attributes.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the historical and cultural development of the concept of God clarifies the theological arguments, covenantal relationships, and divine attributes presented throughout the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to God. 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 God in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does God 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
"God." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/god/