Tell
LocationsGeographical Setting
A tell is an artificial mound formed by the accumulated debris of successive settlements built on the same site over centuries or millennia.
What is the meaning of Tell in the Bible?
A tell is an archaeological mound formed by the accumulated debris of successive human settlements, a feature prevalent throughout the ancient Near East.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing tells as stratified mounds of ancient habitation clarifies the physical setting of biblical cities, illustrating the deep historical layers of settlement and conflict that underpin the narrative landscape of Scripture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Tell held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tell in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tell 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
"Tell." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tell/