Red Sea
LocationsGeographical Setting
A narrow, elongated inlet of the Indian Ocean situated between the northeastern coast of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
What is the meaning of Red Sea in the Bible?
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia, with a length of approximately 2,250 kilometers and a maximum width of 355 kilometers. It is characterized by high salinity and evaporation rates, with no major rivers discharging into it. The ancient Hebrew term Yam Suph, often translated as Red Sea, likely refers to this body of water or its northern extensions, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of the Red Sea clarifies the route of the Exodus narrative, providing context for the Israelites' crossing and the subsequent military pursuit by the Egyptian army.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.