Oracle
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Oracle in the Bible?
An oracle is a divine utterance delivered to humanity, typically in response to a request for guidance, serving as a mechanism for conveying divine will within biblical narratives.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of oracles allows readers to distinguish between legitimate prophetic revelation and prohibited divination practices, thereby clarifying the theological boundaries and historical context of ancient Israelite religious life.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Oracle. 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 Oracle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Oracle 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
"Oracle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/oracle/