Topical Encyclopedia
Antiquity, in the context of the Bible, refers to the ancient times and civilizations that form the backdrop of the biblical narrative. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is set against the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Canaanites, and others. Understanding antiquity is crucial for comprehending the historical and cultural context of the biblical text.
Biblical References to AntiquityThe Bible often references ancient times to establish the historical context of its narratives. For instance,
Genesis 1:1 begins with the creation of the world, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This sets the stage for the unfolding of human history and God's interaction with His creation.
The genealogies in Genesis, such as those in
Genesis 5 and 10, trace the lineage of humanity from Adam through Noah and his descendants, providing a framework for understanding the early history of mankind. These genealogies connect the biblical narrative to the broader history of the ancient world.
Ancient Civilizations in the Bible1.
Mesopotamia: Often considered the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia is the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is the setting for many early biblical events, including the Garden of Eden (
Genesis 2:10-14) and the Tower of Babel (
Genesis 11:1-9). The patriarch Abraham originated from Ur of the Chaldeans, a city in Mesopotamia (
Genesis 11:31).
2.
Egypt: Egypt plays a significant role in the Bible, particularly in the account of the Exodus. The Israelites' enslavement and subsequent liberation from Egypt are central themes in the Old Testament. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41) and Moses' leadership in the Exodus (Exodus 12) highlight Egypt's influence on Israel's history.
3.
Canaan: The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants (
Genesis 12:7), is the primary setting for much of the Old Testament. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 1-12) and the establishment of Israelite tribes in the land are pivotal events in biblical history.
4.
Assyria and Babylon: These empires were significant players in the biblical narrative, particularly during the period of the divided kingdom. The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17) and the Babylonian exile of Judah (2 Kings 25) were critical events that shaped the history and theology of Israel.
Cultural and Religious PracticesThe Bible provides insights into the cultural and religious practices of ancient peoples. For example, the worship of multiple deities was common among Israel's neighbors, as seen in the frequent biblical condemnations of idolatry (
Exodus 20:3-5). The Israelites were called to be distinct, worshiping Yahweh alone and adhering to His commandments.
The legal codes, such as the Mosaic Law given at Sinai (Exodus 20-23), reflect the societal norms and religious obligations of the time. These laws governed various aspects of life, including worship, justice, and community relations, setting Israel apart from surrounding nations.
Archaeological CorroborationArchaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the antiquity of the biblical world. Excavations in the ancient Near East have uncovered artifacts, inscriptions, and structures that corroborate biblical accounts. For instance, the discovery of the Ebla tablets and the Dead Sea Scrolls has enriched our understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Bible.
ConclusionAntiquity, as depicted in the Bible, is a period rich with historical events, cultural practices, and divine interactions. Understanding this ancient context is essential for interpreting the biblical narrative and appreciating the enduring significance of God's revelation to humanity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The quality of being ancient; ancientness; great age; as, a statue of remarkable antiquity; a family of great antiquity.
2. (n.) Old age.
3. (n.) Ancient times; former ages; times long since past; as, Cicero was an eloquent orator of antiquity.
4. (n.) The ancients; the people of ancient times.
5. (n.) An old gentleman.
6. (n.) A relic or monument of ancient times; as, a coin, a statue, etc.; an ancient institution. [In this sense, usually in the plural.]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ANTIQUITYan-tik'-wi-ti (qadhmah, from qadham, to precede in time, to be old):
In Ezekiel 16:55; 36:11, rendered former; in Psalms 129:6, before. Translated antiquity only in Isaiah 23:7 to indicate the primeval age of Tyre, which Strabo terms, after Sidon, the oldest Phoenician city. Delitzsch renders it whose origin is from the days of the olden time.
Greek
1860. epaggelia -- a summons, a promise ... 1860/ ("an appropriate ") is nearly always used of in the NT -- and hence (). [In
the NT (and throughout
antiquity), 1860 () is a that refers to an promise.
... 4972. sphragizo -- to seal
... what was sealed. [Sealing was sometimes done in antiquity by the use of
religious tattoos -- again signifying "."]. Word Origin from ...
498. antitasso -- to range in battle against, to set oneself ...
... Accordingly, 498 () is used in antiquity of resistance, like an army assuming a
specific battle-array position to resist in "full alignment"; to disagree ...
3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress
... [3794 () is also used for a in antiquity (). "The word is not common in
Classical Greek, but occurs frequently in the Apocrypha. ...
2124. eulabeia -- caution
... devout" (respectful) fashion! [2124 is actually used of someone doing
this in antiquity. See Aristophanes (, 377). In classical ...
2225. zoogoneo -- to preserve alive
... bring to birth), save. 2225 -- properly, preserve alive (used in antiquity
to "bring forth alive," J. Thayer). Word Origin from ...
4297. prokope -- progress
... obstacles . [This root () is also used in antiquity of and -- clearing away
(chopping down) forests in order to reach their destination.]. ...
1189. deomai -- to want, entreat
... LS and Thayer find expresses distinct meanings in antiquity, perhaps indicating
a distinction in accent (like with the English terms, pro'duce and prod ce).]. ...
2428. hiketeria -- supplication
... reconciliation), used only in Heb 5:7. [This is also the regular meaning
of this term in secular antiquity, .]. Heb 5:7: "In the days ...
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... The Lord continuously in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers,
ie the (1 Jn 5:4). [4102 () in secular antiquity referred to a (warranty). ...
Strong's Hebrew
6927. qadmah -- antiquity, former state... qadmah. 6928 .
antiquity, former state. Transliteration: qadmah Phonetic Spelling:
(kad-maw') Short Definition: state.
... afore,
antiquity, former old estate.
... 5957. alam -- perpetuity, antiquity
... 5956, 5957. alam. 5958 . perpetuity, antiquity. Transliteration: alam
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-lam') Short Definition: forever. Word ...
5769. olam -- long duration, antiquity, futurity
... 5768, 5769. olam or olam. 5770 . long duration, antiquity, futurity.
Transliteration: olam or olam Phonetic Spelling: (o-lawm') Short Definition: forever. ...
6924. qedem -- front, east, formerly
... Or qedmah {kayd'-maw}; from qadam; the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part,
relatively the East) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before ...
Library
The Antiquity of the Doctrine
... 5. THE ANTIQUITY OF THE DOCTRINE. Let the antiquity, the propagation, the
preservation, and the truly admirable defense of this doctrine ...
Antiquity of Christianity.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book III. Chapter XXIX."Antiquity of Christianity. ... Footnotes:
[690] Another reading gives, "both of the antiquity of our religion.". ...
Appendix (F). On the Relative Antiquity of the Codex Vaticanus (B) ...
... APPENDIX (F). On the Relative antiquity of the CODEX VATICANUS (B), and the CODEX
SINAITICUS ({HEBREW LETTER ALEF}). (Referred to at p.70.) ...
To the Testimony of Antiquity is Added that of Later Games ...
... Chapter VI. To the testimony of antiquity is added that of later games
instituted in their turn? To the testimony of antiquity ...
Antiquity of Moses.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book III. Chapter XX."Antiquity of Moses. And
Moses, becoming the leader of the Jews, as we have already ...
Antiquity of the Temple.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book III. Chapter XXII."Antiquity of the Temple.
Then concerning the building of the temple in Jud??a ...
By the Rule of Antiquity, the Catholic Gospels are Found to be ...
... Jesus is the Christ of the Creator. Chapter V."By the Rule of Antiquity, the Catholic
Gospels are Found to Be True, Including the Real St. Luke's. ...
The Antiquity of Moses Proved by Greek Writers.
... Chapter IX."The antiquity of Moses proved by Greek writers. I will begin,
then, with our first prophet and lawgiver, Moses; first ...
Antiquity of Moses Proved.
... Chapter XII."Antiquity of Moses proved. And ... short. For thus you will
be able easily to recognise also the antiquity of Moses. ...
Antiquity, Inspiration, and Harmony of Christian Teachers.
... Chapter VIII."Antiquity, inspiration, and harmony of Christian teachers.
Since therefore it is impossible to learn anything true ...
Thesaurus
Antiquity (8 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The quality of being ancient; ancientness; great age; as, a statue of
remarkable
antiquity; a family of great
antiquity. 2. (n.) Old age.
...ANTIQUITY.
...Beeshterah (1 Occurrence)
... Letters. Its claim to antiquity is therefore well established. ... Chauran. At Tell
`Ashtara there are remains pointing to a high antiquity. ...
Ashterothkarnaim
... Letters. Its claim to antiquity is therefore well established. ... Chauran. At Tell
`Ashtara there are remains pointing to a high antiquity. ...
Ashteroth-karnaim (1 Occurrence)
... Letters. Its claim to antiquity is therefore well established. ... Chauran. At Tell
`Ashtara there are remains pointing to a high antiquity. ...
Ashtaroth (13 Occurrences)
... Letters. Its claim to antiquity is therefore well established. ... Chauran. At Tell
`Ashtara there are remains pointing to a high antiquity. ...
Seal (47 Occurrences)
... authenticity. 1. Prevalence in Antiquity: The use of seals goes back to a very
remote antiquity, especially in Egypt, Babylonia and Assyria. ...
Heavens (548 Occurrences)
... " 1. Eschatological Idea 2. Earliest Conceptions: Cosmic verses National Type 3.
Different from Mythological Theory 4. Antiquity of Cosmical Conception 5. The ...
Graecia
... Whether the present rainfall differs much in amount from that of antiquity is a
matter in dispute, although it seems reasonable to assume that the progressive ...
Earth (10501 Occurrences)
... " 1. Eschatological Idea 2. Earliest Conceptions: Cosmic verses National Type 3.
Different from Mythological Theory 4. Antiquity of Cosmical Conception 5. The ...
Nazirite (10 Occurrences)
... nadhar, "to vow"; nazeir, nazeiraios, as also various words indicating "holiness"
or "devotion"; the King James Version, Nazarite): 1. Antiquity and Origin 2 ...
Resources
I am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Buddhist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions? | GotQuestions.orgAntiquity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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