Lantern
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Lantern in the Bible?
Lanterns were carried by the mob which arrested Jesus in Gethsemane, and the word 'lantern' had a wider significance in ancient times. The Romans used lanterns made of translucent skins, bladders, or thin plates of horn.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the construction and use of lanterns clarifies the historical setting of the arrest of Jesus, illustrating the practical lighting technologies available in the first century and the specific conditions under which the event occurred.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Lantern were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lantern in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lantern 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
"Lantern." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lantern/