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Vale, Valley

Nature

What is the meaning of Vale, Valley in the Bible?

A valley is a low area of land situated between hills or mountains, functioning as both a geographical descriptor and a frequent element in place-names. Hebrew texts employ distinct vocabulary for these features, including gay', emeq, biq`ah, nachal, shephelah, and aulon, with each term reflecting specific topographical or hydrological characteristics.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the specific Hebrew terms for valleys allows readers to distinguish between deep ravines, broad plains, and seasonal wadis. This linguistic precision clarifies the geographical settings of biblical narratives, aiding in the visualization of terrain and the movement of characters within the text.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

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

"Vale, Valley." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/vale-valley/
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