Back to Search

Spouse

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Spouse in the Bible?

A spouse is a husband or wife, with biblical translations occasionally rendering the concept as 'bride' or 'daughter-in-law' to reflect specific relational contexts.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the precise definition of 'spouse' and its contextual variations aids in accurately interpreting the social dynamics and legal obligations described in scriptural narratives.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Spouse. 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 Spouse in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Spouse 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

"Spouse." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/spouse/
Report Error