Vagabond
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Vagabond in the Bible?
A vagabond is defined as an individual who wanders without a fixed residence or trade. In biblical literature, the term appears in Genesis 4:12 and 14 to describe Cain as a fugitive and wanderer, and in Acts 19:13 to refer to itinerant Jewish exorcists seeking livelihoods. The designation also encompasses strolling Jews, a group characterized by their mobility and lack of permanent professional affiliation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the status of vagabonds illuminates the ancient world's emphasis on social stability and land ownership, highlighting the economic anxieties of the period. This context deepens the understanding of biblical narratives by contrasting the security of settled life with the marginalization and divine judgment often associated with rootlessness.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Vagabond in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Vagabond 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.