Dinner-time in biblical contexts often refers to the main meal of the day, which was typically consumed in the evening. The customs and practices surrounding dinner-time in biblical times provide insight into the daily life, social structures, and religious observances of the people in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, meals were significant social and religious events. The Hebrew word for meal, "seʿudah," often implies a festive or communal gathering. Dinner-time was a moment for family and community to come together, and it was common for meals to be shared with guests, reflecting the cultural emphasis on hospitality. For example, in Genesis 18:1-8, Abraham prepares a meal for the three visitors, demonstrating the importance of hospitality and fellowship during meal times.

The Passover meal, as described in Exodus 12, is a notable example of a significant dinner-time event. This meal was not only a time for physical nourishment but also a deeply spiritual occasion, commemorating God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. The Passover meal was to be eaten in the evening, marking the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, dinner-time continues to hold social and spiritual significance. Jesus often used meal settings to teach and fellowship with His disciples and others. The Last Supper, described in the Synoptic Gospels and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, is perhaps the most significant dinner-time event in the New Testament. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, a sacrament that continues to be observed by Christians as a remembrance of His sacrifice.

The Gospels frequently depict Jesus dining with various individuals, including tax collectors and sinners, which was a point of contention with the Pharisees (Matthew 9:10-11, Luke 5:29-30). These meals were opportunities for Jesus to extend grace and teach about the Kingdom of God.

In Acts 2:46, the early Christians are described as breaking bread together with glad and sincere hearts, indicating that communal meals were an integral part of the early church's life and fellowship.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Dinner-time in biblical times was more than just a moment to eat; it was a time for community, teaching, and worship. Meals often began with a blessing or prayer, acknowledging God's provision. The act of sharing a meal was a sign of peace and friendship, and it was customary to invite strangers and travelers to dine, reflecting the biblical mandate for hospitality.

The structure of meals varied, but they typically included bread, wine, and other staples such as olives, figs, and fish. The setting for dinner-time was often a reclining position around a low table, especially during formal or festive occasions.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Dinner-time in the Bible carries rich symbolic meaning. It represents God's provision and abundance, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) and the promise of the Messianic banquet in Isaiah 25:6-9. Meals are also a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, as depicted in Revelation 19:9, where the marriage supper of the Lamb is celebrated.

In summary, dinner-time in the biblical narrative is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical nourishment, social interaction, and spiritual significance. It serves as a reminder of God's provision, the importance of community, and the invitation to fellowship with Him.

"We Found Another Equally Remarkable Man Living in a Small Hut...
... returned under night. [102] In the meanwhile, the beast made its appearance
at the usual dinner time. Having entered the vacant ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiv we found another.htm

God's Cup of Myrrh
... On the way to the town a shower came on, and they both became very wet. When they
reached the town it was still early, just before dinner time. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter liii gods cup of.htm

Just Going to do It.
... away. When Paul went home at dinner-time, he said to his wife, "I am sure
you couldn't guess who I had for a visitor this morning.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/just going to do it.htm

The Boy Hugh
... not exactly "touch guitars," at least songsters tackled verse-making and helped
to refine the table manners of barons and retainers by singing at dinner time. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter i the boy hugh.htm

The Kingdom of God
... At dinner-time he sent out his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come,
for everything is now ready.' But all of them began to make excuses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the kingdom of god.htm

In the Sod Cellar
... When dinner time came, however, he did not care to eat; but he kept repeating to
himself, "It won't be this way long, and I can afford to suffer if it will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byrum/how john became a man/chapter ii in the sod.htm

Cleansing.
... alas for her intentions! At dinner-time she comes home with her pinafore
about as dirty as she can make it. Now, the mother can ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xi cleansing.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... They used to say: "Come down to the factory at dinner-time and we will give you
a chance to speak.". I would ask them, "Why won't you come to the church?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.htm

Letter Li. Addressed to the Emperor Theodosius after the Massacre ...
... 9. And, we are told, when death came upon the people, on the very first day at dinner
time, when David saw the angel smiting the people, he said: "I have sinned ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter li addressed to the.htm

A Corps Commander
... I'm going upstairs, and I don't want to see anyone or be disturbed for anything.'
Dinner time came, and I wondered what to do, and thought I had better take ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

Dinner-time (1 Occurrence)
Dinner-time. Dinner, Dinner-time. Dionysia . Multi-Version Concordance
Dinner-time (1 Occurrence). Luke 14:17 At dinner...
/d/dinner-time.htm - 6k

Dinner (23 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Luke 14:17 At dinner-time he sent his servant to announce to those who
had been invited, "'Come, for things are now ready.' (WEY NAS). ...
/d/dinner.htm - 15k

Dionysia

/d/dionysia.htm - 10k

Announce (56 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:17 At dinner-time he sent his servant to announce to those who had
been invited, "'Come, for things are now ready.' (WEY). ...
/a/announce.htm - 22k

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