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Twilight

Nature

What is the meaning of Twilight in the Bible?

Twilight represents the transitional phase between day and night, characterized by scattered sunlight in the upper atmosphere. In the ancient Near East, particularly in regions like Palestine, the duration of twilight varies significantly with latitude and season, influencing daily timekeeping and agricultural activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the physical characteristics of twilight clarifies chronological references in biblical texts, such as the timing of the Exodus or the duration of specific prophetic visions, by grounding them in observable natural phenomena rather than abstract theological concepts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Twilight were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Twilight in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Twilight 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

"Twilight." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/twilight/
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