Time
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Time in the Bible?
Hebrew temporal measurement relied primarily on the solar day and lunar month, with the division of the day into hours developing later, likely post-exilic.
SIGNIFICANCE
This knowledge clarifies the chronological structure of biblical narratives and helps readers accurately interpret the timing of events, festivals, and legal instructions within their historical context.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Time. 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 Time in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Time 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
"Time." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/time/