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Kislev

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Kislev in the Bible?

Kislev is the third month of the civil year and the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling within the Gregorian months of November and December. This month is explicitly referenced in biblical texts, including Nehemiah 1:1 and Zechariah 7:1, marking specific periods of historical and prophetic activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing Kislev allows readers to accurately date events in the biblical narrative, particularly the dedication of the Second Temple and the subsequent establishment of Hanukkah. This chronological clarity enhances the understanding of the historical context surrounding the post-exilic restoration of Jewish worship and identity.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Kislev. 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 Kislev in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Kislev clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Nehemiah 1:1Zechariah 7:1

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

"Kislev." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kislev/
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