Philistines
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Philistines were a non-Semitic people inhabiting the coastal plain between Gezer and Gaza in southwestern Canaan, mentioned 286 times in the Old Testament, with their territory referenced 8 times.
What is the meaning of Philistines in the Bible?
The Philistines were a non-Semitic people inhabiting the coastal plain between Gezer and Gaza in southwestern Canaan, mentioned 286 times in the Old Testament, with their territory referenced 8 times.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Philistines as a distinct ethnic group with Aegean roots clarifies the historical context of the biblical narratives, highlighting the political and military tensions between the Israelites and their powerful neighbors during the formation of the Israelite monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Philistines in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Philistines 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.