Mingled People; (mixed Multitude)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Mingled People; (mixed Multitude) in the Bible?
The phrase 'mingled people' or 'mixed multitude' denotes the diverse group of non-Israelites who accompanied the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt, a demographic that contributed to internal social tensions and religious syncretism within the emerging Israelite nation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this group clarifies the historical context of Israelite identity formation, explaining the biblical narrative's emphasis on separating from foreign influences to maintain distinct religious and cultural boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Mingled People; (mixed Multitude). 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 Mingled People; (mixed Multitude) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Mingled People; (mixed Multitude) 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
"Mingled People; (mixed Multitude)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/mingled-people-mixed-multitude/