Tables
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
In first-century Judea, tables were low, portable surfaces or benches used for dining, distinct from the reclining couches (klinai) adopted from Hellenistic culture during the post-exilic period.
What is the meaning of Tables in the Bible?
In first-century Judea, tables were low, portable surfaces or benches used for dining, distinct from the reclining couches (klinai) adopted from Hellenistic culture during the post-exilic period.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical nature of these dining surfaces clarifies the social dynamics and ritual purity concerns depicted in biblical narratives regarding communal meals.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tables in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tables 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.