Swell
NatureWhat is the meaning of Swell in the Bible?
The term 'swell' describes the physical consequences of the Water of Jealousy ritual, where an unfaithful wife's thigh wastes away and her abdomen swells, as well as the blistering of feet caused by prolonged walking, as noted in Deuteronomy 8:4 and Nehemiah 9:21.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these specific physical manifestations helps readers grasp the tangible severity of divine judgment in the Water of Jealousy ritual and the harsh environmental hardships endured by the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Swell were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Swell in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Swell clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Deuteronomy 8:4Nehemiah 9:21
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
"Swell." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/swell/