Topical Encyclopedia
The term "environs" refers to the surrounding areas or districts around a particular location, often a city or significant site. In biblical contexts, the environs of a city or region can hold historical, theological, and symbolic significance. The Bible frequently mentions the environs of key locations, providing insights into the geographical and cultural settings of biblical events.
Jerusalem and Its EnvironsJerusalem, the central city in biblical history, is often described in relation to its environs. The surrounding areas of Jerusalem played crucial roles in various biblical narratives. For instance, the Mount of Olives, located to the east of Jerusalem, is a significant site in both the Old and New Testaments. It is the place where Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) and where He ascended into heaven (
Acts 1:9-12).
The environs of Jerusalem also include the Valley of Hinnom, to the south and west, which is associated with the concept of Gehenna, a term used in the New Testament to describe hell (
Mark 9:43). This valley was historically a site of idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, during the reigns of certain kings of Judah (
2 Kings 23:10;
Jeremiah 7:31-32).
The Environs of Other Biblical CitiesOther cities mentioned in the Bible also have notable environs. For example, the city of Jericho, located near the Jordan River, is surrounded by fertile plains. The fall of Jericho, as described in
Joshua 6, marks a significant event in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The environs of Jericho were also the setting for the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus describes a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho (
Luke 10:30).
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is another city with significant environs. Located in the hill country of Judea, its surrounding fields are where shepherds received the angelic announcement of Christ's birth (
Luke 2:8-14).
Symbolic and Theological ImplicationsThe environs of biblical locations often carry symbolic meanings. For instance, the wilderness surrounding many cities, such as the Judean Desert near Jerusalem, is frequently depicted as a place of testing and spiritual preparation. Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, facing temptation before beginning His public ministry (
Matthew 4:1-11).
Moreover, the concept of "environs" can extend to the idea of spiritual boundaries and protection. In
Psalm 125:2, the psalmist writes, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore" . This imagery emphasizes God's protective presence around His people, akin to the physical protection offered by the natural environs of a city.
ConclusionIn summary, the environs of biblical locations provide a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and theological insights. They serve as the backdrop for significant events and teachings, offering a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and its enduring spiritual lessons.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n. pl.) The parts or places which surround another place, or lie in its neighborhood; suburbs; as, the environs of a city or town.
Strong's Hebrew
5439. sabib -- circuit, round about... around about (1), around* (1), circular courses (1), circumference* (2), completely
(1), confines (1), encompassing (1), entirely (1),
environs (5), every
... Library
To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... I passed the day succeeding my arrival principally in examining the town and its
environs, and as I strolled about I entered into conversation with various ...
Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... "Calcutta is three miles long and one broad, very populous; the environs are crowded
with people settled in large villages, resembling (for population, not ...
Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... agreeable. The environs, moreover, are charming; and no place in the world
was so well adapted for dreams of perfect happiness. ...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4
... Babylon, its ruins and its environs -- It extends its rule over Mesopotamia; its
earliest dynasty and its struggle with Central Chaldaea-Elam, its geographical ...
Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... Thus the environs of Ascalon, the wall of Caesarea, and that of Acco, were reckoned
within the boundaries of Palestine, though the cities themselves were not. ...
And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ...
... Bethlehem and Ephratah are to be distinguished, so that the former designates the
town alone, and the latter at the same time its whole environs,"so that ...
Under Ban of the Ritual
... Not idly was she called Menefer, the Good Place. Not anywhere in Egypt were the
winds more gentle, the heavens more benign, the environs more august. ...
The Burial
... The fact that he owned a garden and burying-place in the environs of Jerusalem does
not necessarily indicate that he was a resident there; for pious Jews had ...
Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
... She took the veil of a Religious in the Nunnery of Tart, in the environs of Dijon,
as is clear from the autograph Letters of her son, Duke Matthew, who calls ...
To the Rev. J. Jowett
... Liverpool. Another city adjoins it called Altona, the park of which and the
environs are the favourite Sunday lounge of the Hamburgers. ...
Thesaurus
Environs (7 Occurrences)... (n. pl.) The parts or places which surround another place, or lie in its neighborhood;
suburbs; as, the
environs of a city or town.
...Environs (7 Occurrences).
...Innocents (2 Occurrences)
... The conventional, ecclesiastical name given to the slaughter by HEROD, I (which
see) of children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs at the ...
Envisioned (1 Occurrence)
Eshcol (6 Occurrences)
... It was a valley near Hebron rich in vineyards. Fruitful vineyards are still the
most characteristic feature of the environs of Hebron, especially on the North. ...
Environ (1 Occurrence)
Massacre (1 Occurrence)
... The conventional, ecclesiastical name given to the slaughter by HEROD, I (which
see) of children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs at the ...
Counteth (7 Occurrences)
... In the cities of the hill-country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities
of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the environs of Jerusalem ...
Constellations (4 Occurrences)
... abolished the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense
on the high places in the cities of Judah, and the environs of Jerusalem ...
Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)
... 1. Geology: The geology of the site and environs of Jerusalem is comparatively simple,
when studied in connection with that of the land of Palestine as a whole ...
Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)
... the West. He ravaged the environs of Tyre, but made no attempt to take
the city, as he was without a naval force. After Elulaeus ...
Resources
Who was the prophet Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgEnvirons: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
