Infirmity
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Infirmity in the Bible?
Infirmity denotes physical weakness, disease, or bodily impairment, and in biblical contexts often extends to moral or spiritual deficiency, reflecting a holistic view of human condition where physical and ethical states are intertwined.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the dual meaning of infirmity in Scripture helps readers grasp how ancient Israelite thought connected physical health with spiritual integrity, illuminating passages where healing serves as both a physical restoration and a sign of divine favor or moral cleansing.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Infirmity. 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 Infirmity in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Infirmity clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Infirmity." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/infirmity/