Night-Watch
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Night-Watch in the Bible?
A period of time during the night, typically one of three or four watches, used for timekeeping and security purposes in ancient Near Eastern societies.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the night-watch system clarifies the specific timing of events in biblical narratives, such as the timing of Jesus' arrest or the Roman soldier's actions, providing historical context for the sequence of events.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Night-Watch. 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 Night-Watch in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Night-Watch 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
"Night-Watch." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nightwatch/