Topical Encyclopedia Dining in biblical times was a significant social and religious activity, often reflecting one's status, hospitality, and community relationships. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings related to dining, illustrating its importance in both daily life and spiritual practice.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, dining was often a communal event, with meals shared among family members, guests, and even strangers. Hospitality was a highly valued virtue, as seen in the account of Abraham, who entertained three visitors by preparing a lavish meal for them (Genesis 18:1-8). This act of hospitality was not only a social duty but also a spiritual one, as it was later revealed that the visitors were messengers from God. The Israelites' dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, also played a crucial role in dining practices. These laws dictated which foods were considered clean or unclean, shaping the dietary habits of the Jewish people and setting them apart from surrounding nations. The Passover meal, described in Exodus 12, is another significant example, where the Israelites were instructed to eat unleavened bread and lamb as a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt. New Testament Context In the New Testament, dining continues to hold social and spiritual significance. Jesus frequently used meals as opportunities for teaching and fellowship. One of the most notable instances is the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the practice of Communion (Luke 22:14-20). This meal symbolized the new covenant in His blood and became a central rite in Christian worship. Jesus also used dining as a means to reach out to sinners and outcasts, as seen in His interactions with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-13). His willingness to dine with those considered socially undesirable demonstrated His message of grace and redemption. The early Christian community continued this tradition of communal dining, as described in Acts 2:46: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." This practice of breaking bread together was both a reflection of their unity and a means of sustaining their spiritual and physical well-being. Symbolism and Teachings Dining in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings. The act of sharing a meal can represent fellowship, covenant, and divine provision. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus uses the imagery of dining to illustrate His desire for a personal relationship with believers: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." The Bible also warns against excess and gluttony, emphasizing moderation and self-control. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." Cultural Practices Cultural practices surrounding dining in biblical times included reclining at the table, a custom particularly noted in the New Testament. This practice is evident in the account of the Last Supper, where Jesus and His disciples reclined at the table (John 13:23). Meals were typically eaten with the hands, and bread was a staple food, often used to scoop other foods. In summary, dining in the Bible is a multifaceted concept encompassing hospitality, community, spiritual symbolism, and cultural practices. It serves as a backdrop for significant biblical events and teachings, reflecting the values and beliefs of the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dine.Greek 5132. trapeza -- a table, dining table ... a table, dining table. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: trapeza Phonetic Spelling: (trap'-ed-zah) Short Definition: a table for food or business ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5132.htm - 7k 2828. klisia -- a place for reclining 2621. katakeimai -- to lie down, recline 755. architriklinos -- the superintendent of a banquet 4873. sunanakeimai -- to recline with (at table) Library Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons ... Honorable Submission The Four-Fold Gospel Social Recreation. Answers to Prayer After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress... After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ... Preface of Father Louis Gonzalez, SJ , to the "Acts of St. ... The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living Thesaurus Dining (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dine. 2. (n. & a.) from Dine, a. Multi-Version Concordance Dining (3 Occurrences). ... /d/dining.htm - 7k Ordinary (17 Occurrences) Triclinium Parlor (5 Occurrences) Dinites (1 Occurrence) Din'habah (2 Occurrences) Alcove (2 Occurrences) Assyria (124 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian read fortune cookies? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners? | GotQuestions.org Dining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dining (3 Occurrences)Matthew 9:10 Mark 2:15 1 Corinthians 8:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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