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Vial

Artifacts

What is the meaning of Vial in the Bible?

A vial is a small flask or container used in biblical contexts to hold liquids such as oil, wine, or medicinal substances, translating Hebrew terms like pakh and phiale.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the physical nature of these small containers clarifies the practical context of rituals and daily life described in biblical narratives, aiding in the accurate interpretation of passages involving oil, wine, or healing.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

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

"Vial." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/vial/
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