Watch
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Watch in the Bible?
A division of the night, originally into three watches and later into four, with 'watch' also referring to a guard or act of watching.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these timekeeping divisions clarifies the chronological structure of biblical narratives, particularly regarding military patrols, the timing of Jesus' arrest, and the parable of the ten virgins.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Watch. 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 Watch in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Watch 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
"Watch." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/watch/