Tables
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Tables in the Bible?
In first-century Judea, tables were low, portable surfaces or benches used for dining, distinct from the reclining couches (klinai) adopted from Hellenistic culture during the post-exilic period.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical nature of these dining surfaces clarifies the social dynamics and ritual purity concerns depicted in biblical narratives regarding communal meals.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Tables were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tables in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tables 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
"Tables." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tables/