Customs and Culture of the Bible
The Bible was written in cultures very different from our own. Explore customs, institutions, daily practices and figures of speech that help explain what biblical writers and their first readers would have understood.
188 customs found
Sandals and Shaking Dust from the Feet
Feet and sandals appear in biblical gestures involving holiness, property transfer, hospitality, travel, and symbolic rejection.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 10:14
Sea Travel and Ancient Sailing
Ancient Mediterranean and inland-water travel depended on sailing vessels, coastal routes, seasonal winds, harbors, and crews experienced in navigation and cargo handling.
Primary Scripture: Acts 27:9-20
Sending Travelers with Provisions
Hospitality could extend beyond receiving a guest to helping the traveler continue the journey with food, supplies, companions, money, or other practical assistance.
Primary Scripture: Titus 3:13
Sheep Shearing
Sheep shearing was a seasonal pastoral task that could become an occasion for feasting, hospitality, and economic exchange.
Primary Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:2-8
Shepherds, Sheepfolds and the Shepherd's Voice
Shepherding required leading, guarding, watering, gathering, and protecting sheep. Flocks could be kept in enclosures, and sheep learned to respond to the familiar calls of their shepherd.
Primary Scripture: John 10:1-18
Siege Warfare
Ancient cities were commonly attacked by surrounding them, cutting communications and supplies, and using ramps, engines, mining, or assault against their walls and gates.
Primary Scripture: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37
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