Maimed
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Maimed in the Bible?
The state of physical impairment or mutilation, often resulting from accident or congenital defect, and its associated social and ritual implications.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the biblical distinction between ritual purity and moral character, demonstrating that physical wholeness was required for temple service while spiritual integrity remained accessible to all individuals regardless of physical condition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Maimed. 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 Maimed in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Maimed 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
"Maimed." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/maimed/