Knock
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Knock in the Bible?
In the ancient Near East, residential doors were heavy, often made of wood, and secured with bolts or locks that required entry from the inside; therefore, visitors signaled their presence by knocking or calling out, a social norm that provides the literal background for the metaphorical language found in biblical texts regarding divine invitation and human response.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical reality of locked doors and the necessity of knocking clarifies the agency involved in biblical passages where Jesus speaks of standing at the door and knocking, emphasizing that the occupant must actively choose to open the door for entry.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Knock in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Knock 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.