Ward
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Ward in the Bible?
The term 'ward' denotes a body of men on special duty, a guarded place, or direction, with English Bible versions using 'guard' specifically for a special body of soldiers.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific military or protective context of 'ward' clarifies the nature of the personnel and duties described in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Ward. 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 Ward in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ward 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
"Ward." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ward/