Epicureans
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Epicureans were a school of philosophy founded by Epicurus, who taught that the aim of life was to attain happiness through the suppression of unnecessary desires and the pursuit of pleasure as the absence of pain.
What is the meaning of Epicureans in the Bible?
The Epicureans were a school of philosophy founded by Epicurus, who taught that the aim of life was to attain happiness through the suppression of unnecessary desires and the pursuit of pleasure as the absence of pain.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Epicureanism clarifies the cultural and intellectual environment of the New Testament, particularly in passages where Paul engages with Greek philosophical concepts in Athens, helping readers distinguish biblical teachings on joy and contentment from secular hedonism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Epicureans in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Epicureans clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.