Scales
NatureWhat is the meaning of Scales in the Bible?
Scales are imbricated plates covering fish and horny scutes on reptiles such as crocodiles, a term also applied figuratively in ancient texts to describe coats of mail. In the New Testament, the phrase 'scales fell from his eyes' refers to the physical sensation accompanying the restoration of sight.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the physical nature of scales clarifies the vivid imagery in biblical narratives, helping readers grasp the tangible reality of miraculous healing and the sudden transition from blindness to vision.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Scales were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Scales in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Scales 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
"Scales." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/scales/