Bible Dictionary
Medicine
Medicine in biblical times included practical remedies, surgery, cleansing, poultices, oils, wine, and other treatments. Scripture acknowledges physicians and remedies while presenting healing ultimately under God’s providence; the term may also be used figuratively for spiritual healing.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses medicine literally for remedies and figuratively for healing. A cheerful heart is compared with medicine, while the leaves of the tree of life are associated with healing. The Bible also mentions physicians, balm, oil and wine, and Hezekiah’s fig poultice.
Scripture References
Exodus 1:1
Sir 38:1
Sir 38:3
Sir 38:12
Genesis 29:17
2 Kings 6:18
Leviticus 13:23
Leviticus 21:20
Leviticus 22:22
Leviticus 28:27
2Macc 9:5-10
2 Kings 4:19
Numbers 21:6
Exodus 4:25
Joshua 5:2
Exodus 21:6
Ezekiel 30:21
Job 2:8
Exodus 30:23-25
Exodus 32:20
Proverbs 25:20
Jeremiah 2:22
Exodus 30:35
Ecclesiastes 10:1
Matthew 15:2
Mark 7:5
Luke 11:38
Leviticus 15:13
2 Samuel 11:2
2 Kings 5:10