Back to Search

Plague

Nature

What is the meaning of Plague in the Bible?

Plague denotes sudden, severe disease outbreaks frequently characterized in biblical texts as divine visitations, with over 120 occurrences across the scriptures. The term encompasses a range of afflictions, including leprosy and bubonic plague, reflecting ancient understandings of epidemic illness.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing plague as a recurring biblical motif clarifies the theological framework where disease is often interpreted as an expression of divine judgment or wrath, thereby deepening the reader's comprehension of the moral and spiritual dimensions within biblical narratives.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Plague were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Plague in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Plague 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

"Plague." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/plague/
Report Error