Obelisk
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Obelisk in the Bible?
A sacred stone or matstsebhah, used to refer to a pillar in various biblical texts. The Revised Version uses 'pillar' in the text and 'obelisk' in the margin.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical form of obelisks clarifies the architectural context of ancient Near Eastern worship sites mentioned in scripture, distinguishing monumental stone markers from other types of cultic structures.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Obelisk were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Obelisk in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Obelisk 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
"Obelisk." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/obelisk/