Tillage
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Tillage in the Bible?
Tillage encompasses the mechanical preparation of soil for planting crops, a fundamental component of ancient agrarian economies. In the context of the ancient Near East, including Israelite society, tillage practices were central to subsistence farming and economic stability.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the labor-intensive nature of tillage clarifies the socioeconomic realities depicted in biblical narratives, such as the parable of the sower or the curses and blessings associated with agricultural yield in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Tillage. 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 Tillage in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tillage 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
"Tillage." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tillage/