Week
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Week in the Bible?
A seven-day cycle of time originating in ancient Mesopotamia and adopted by the Hebrews, frequently utilized in biblical apocalyptic literature, such as the Book of Daniel, to symbolize extended or prophetic periods.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the seven-day week clarifies how biblical authors employed familiar temporal structures to convey complex theological timelines and divine order.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Week. 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 Week in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Week 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
"Week." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/week/