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Millstone

Artifacts

What is the meaning of Millstone in the Bible?

The millstone is a circular stone used in ancient times to grind grain into flour. It was often paired with another stone, known as the quern, to facilitate grinding.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the mechanics and labor involved in using millstones provides context for biblical passages describing daily sustenance, the value of food, and metaphors related to judgment or provision.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Millstone were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Millstone in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Millstone 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

"Millstone." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/millstone/
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