Profane
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Profane in the Bible?
The term 'profane' refers to that which is unholy, polluted, secular, or distinct from the sacred temple sphere, appearing frequently in both the Old and New Testaments.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this distinction clarifies biblical themes regarding holiness, purity, and the boundary between the divine and the common.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Profane. 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 Profane in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Profane 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
"Profane." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/profane/