Self-Will
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Self-Will in the Bible?
Self-will describes a disposition of obstinacy and excessive pride in one's own judgment, frequently manifesting as resistance to wisdom, social propriety, or the directives of others, a concept prevalent in both Old and New Testament literature.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing self-will allows readers to identify the biblical contrast between human autonomy and the virtue of humility, clarifying the theological emphasis on submission to divine will and harmonious interpersonal relationships.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Self-Will. 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 Self-Will in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Self-Will 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
"Self-Will." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/selfwill/