Notable
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Notable in the Bible?
Notables were prominent individuals, such as local leaders, elders, or wealthy landowners, who held social influence and political authority within ancient communities.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying these figures clarifies the power structures and social hierarchies present in biblical narratives, revealing how decisions were made and how religious or political authority was exercised in the ancient world.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Notable. 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 Notable in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Notable 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
"Notable." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/notable/