Spectacle
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Greek word theatron denotes a theater or place of public spectacle, and figuratively describes a public display of suffering or shame. It occurs twice in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 4:9 and Hebrews 10:33.
What is the meaning of Spectacle in the Bible?
The Greek word theatron denotes a theater or place of public spectacle, and figuratively describes a public display of suffering or shame. It occurs twice in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 4:9 and Hebrews 10:33.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the concept of theatron clarifies the intensity of the apostolic experience described in the New Testament, where believers are portrayed as being publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution, akin to gladiators in an arena, thereby emphasizing the social cost of early Christian faith.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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- What cultural or historical assumption does Spectacle 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.