Whole; Wholesome
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Whole; Wholesome in the Bible?
The term 'whole' originally denoted health or halesness, evolving to signify completeness or entirety, while 'wholesome' preserved the original sense of health and moral integrity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this etymological distinction allows readers to interpret biblical references to being 'whole' as indicating spiritual or physical wholeness and vitality, rather than simple numerical completeness.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Whole; Wholesome. 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 Whole; Wholesome in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Whole; Wholesome clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Whole; Wholesome." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/whole-wholesome/