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
The Household as a Social Unit
The ancient household could include not only a nuclear family but relatives, dependents, servants, slaves, clients, and others under the authority or protection of the household head.
Primary Scripture: Acts 16:31-34
The Poor, Widow, Orphan and Resident Alien
Biblical law repeatedly identifies widows, orphans, the poor, and resident aliens as people especially vulnerable to economic and legal exploitation.
Primary Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:17-22
The Sling as a Weapon
A sling was a serious ancient projectile weapon made from a pouch and cords and used to hurl stones or specially prepared missiles at dangerous speed.
Primary Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:40-50
The Temple Tax
Jewish males contributed a regular half-shekel payment associated with support of Temple worship. The practice forms the background of Jesus' discussion with Peter in Matthew 17.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 17:24-27
Threshing and Winnowing
After grain was harvested, threshing separated kernels from stalks and husks, while winnowing used moving air to separate heavier grain from lighter chaff.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 3:11-12
Tithes and Agricultural Offerings
Tithes and agricultural offerings supported worship, Levites, festival celebration, and care for vulnerable members of the community.
Primary Scripture: Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Tombs, Ossuaries and Secondary Burial
In Second Temple Judea, some families buried their dead in rock-cut tombs, and during part of the period bones could later be gathered into stone ossuaries.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 23:27
Travel by Caravan
Long-distance travelers often moved in groups for security, trade, shared animals, and logistical support.
Primary Scripture: Genesis 37:25
Traveling on Foot
Walking was the ordinary means of travel for many people in the biblical world, even on journeys that modern readers would normally make by vehicle.
Primary Scripture: Luke 24:13-15
Treaties, Tribute and Vassal Kings
Powerful empires often allowed local kings to remain on their thrones if they swore loyalty and paid regular tribute, while rebellion could bring invasion, deposition, or deportation.
Primary Scripture: 2 Kings 18:13-16
Urim and Thummim and Priestly Decisions
The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects associated with the high priest and used in seeking decisions from God, although Scripture never clearly explains their physical form.
Primary Scripture: Exodus 28:30
Vineyards and Grape Harvest
Vineyards required planting, pruning, protection, harvesting, and pressing, making viticulture a familiar source of biblical economic and spiritual imagery.
Primary Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7
Vows and Dedicated Gifts
A vow was a voluntary promise made to God that became binding once made. People might dedicate property, offerings, periods of special devotion, or other commitments.
Primary Scripture: Numbers 30:1-2
War Chariots and Cavalry
Chariots were prestigious and powerful military vehicles, especially effective on suitable terrain, while mounted cavalry became increasingly important in later ancient Near Eastern warfare.
Primary Scripture: Exodus 14:6-9
Washing Hands as a Declaration of Innocence
Washing the hands could serve symbolically as a declaration that a person denied responsibility for bloodshed or wrongdoing.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 27:24
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