Thousand
TextsWhat is the meaning of Thousand in the Bible?
The Hebrew noun 'eleph functions as a numeral for one thousand and a collective noun for a clan or military unit, appearing frequently in ancient Near Eastern texts to quantify populations and resources.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the dual usage of 'eleph as both a number and a social unit clarifies discrepancies in biblical population counts and reveals the organizational structure of ancient Israelite society.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Thousand functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Thousand in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Thousand 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
"Thousand." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/thousand/