Picture
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Picture in the Bible?
In ancient Israelite religion, the term 'picture' referred to carved images or symbols associated with Canaanite worship that were strictly prohibited and ordered for destruction. In the book of Proverbs, the word also denotes carvings crafted from silver.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this distinction helps readers understand the biblical boundaries between acceptable artistic expressions and idolatrous objects, clarifying the theological stance on material representations in ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Picture were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Picture in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Picture 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
"Picture." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/picture/