Maw
NatureWhat is the meaning of Maw in the Bible?
The term 'maw' denotes the stomach or throat of ruminants, etymologically rooted in the concept of a hollowed-out space, and appears in biblical texts alongside other anatomical references within sacrificial contexts. It also functions metaphorically to describe the state of being consumed or swallowed.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the literal and metaphorical usage of 'maw' aids in interpreting passages concerning animal sacrifice and divine judgment, clarifying how ancient audiences understood physical consumption as a symbol of total destruction or divine power.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Maw in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Maw 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.