Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Homer is not a direct figure or subject within the biblical texts; however, his works and the cultural milieu they represent can be considered when examining the broader historical and literary context of the Bible. Homer is traditionally attributed as the author of the ancient Greek epic poems, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," which are foundational works of Western literature. These epics, believed to have been composed in the 8th century BC, provide insight into the Greek world, which later interacted with the biblical world, particularly during the Hellenistic period.Cultural and Historical Context The world of Homer is one of polytheism, heroism, and a pantheon of gods that interact with humans in a manner that is markedly different from the monotheistic worldview of the Bible. The Greek gods, as depicted in Homeric epics, are capricious and often morally ambiguous, contrasting sharply with the biblical portrayal of Yahweh as a just and righteous God. This difference highlights the distinctiveness of the biblical narrative and its theological assertions. Hellenistic Influence The influence of Greek culture, including Homeric literature, became more pronounced during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. This era saw the spread of Greek language and culture throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, including regions that are significant in biblical history, such as Judea. The New Testament, written in Greek, reflects this cultural milieu. The Apostle Paul, for instance, was well-versed in Greek culture and literature, as evidenced by his ability to engage with Greek philosophers and poets (Acts 17:28). Biblical Parallels and Contrasts While the Bible does not directly reference Homer, the contrast between the biblical worldview and the Homeric epics can be instructive. The Bible presents a linear view of history with a clear beginning and end, centered on God's redemptive plan for humanity. In contrast, the Homeric epics often depict a cyclical view of life, focused on the exploits and fates of individual heroes. The moral and ethical teachings of the Bible also stand in contrast to the values depicted in Homeric literature. The Bible emphasizes themes such as love, justice, and mercy, as seen in passages like Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . These themes are often at odds with the honor and vengeance-driven ethos of the Homeric heroes. Educational and Literary Value Despite these differences, the study of Homer can provide valuable educational insights into the ancient world and its literature. Understanding Homeric epics can enhance one's appreciation of the cultural and historical backdrop against which the biblical narrative unfolds. Additionally, the literary techniques found in Homer, such as the use of epic similes and detailed characterizations, can be appreciated for their artistic merit and influence on subsequent Western literature. In summary, while Homer is not a biblical figure, his works offer a window into the ancient Greek world, which interacted with the biblical world in significant ways. The study of Homer alongside the Bible can enrich one's understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. Smith's Bible Dictionary Homer[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES] Easton's Bible Dictionary Heap, the largest of dry measures, containing about 8 bushels or 1 quarter English = 10 ephahs (Leviticus 27:16; Numbers 11:32) = a COR. (see OMER.)"Half a homer," a grain measure mentioned only in Hosea 3:2. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A carrier pigeon remarkable for its ability to return home from a distance.2. (n.) See Hoemother. 3. (n.) A Hebrew measure containing, as a liquid measure, ten baths, equivalent to fifty-five gallons, two quarts, one pint; and, as a dry measure, ten ephahs, equivalent to six bushels, two pecks, four quarts. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOMERho'-mer (chomer): A dry measure containing about 11 bushels. It was equal to 10 ephas. Greek 2919. krino -- to judge, decide ... J. Thayer comments that "the proper meaning of 2919 () is (choose) " (as also used in Homer, Herodotus, Aeschyl., Xenophon, Plato). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2919.htm - 11k 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle 5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror 1793. entugchano -- to chance upon, by impl. confer with, by ext. ... 3661. homothumadon -- with one mind 4241. prepo -- to be fitting, proper, suitable 2937. ktisis -- creation (the act or the product) 5177. tugchano -- to hit, hit upon, meet, happen 622. apollumi -- to destroy, destroy utterly 427. aneu -- without (preposition) Strong's Hebrew 2563c. chomer -- homer (a dry measure)... 2563b, 2563c. chomer. 2564 . homer (a dry measure). Transliteration: chomer Short Definition: homer. Word Origin from the same as ... /hebrew/2563c.htm - 5k 3963. lethek -- a dry measure 2563. chomer -- cement, mortar, clay Library Testimony of Homer. Agreement of Plato and Homer. Homer's Obligations to the Sacred Writers. Opinions of Homer and Hesiod Concerning the Gods. Homer's Knowledge of Man's Origin. Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to ... Why Then did I Hate the Greek Classics, which have the Like Tales? ... The Gods of the Mythic Class the Poets a Very Poor Authority in ... The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of ... Opinions of Plato and Aristotle. Thesaurus Homer (6 Occurrences)... (see OMER.). "Half a homer," a grain measure mentioned only in Hosea 3:2. ...HOMER. ho'-mer (chomer): A dry measure containing about 11 bushels. ... /h/homer.htm - 9k Cor (1 Occurrence) Bath (13 Occurrences) Half-homer (1 Occurrence) Unit (7 Occurrences) Measurement (14 Occurrences) Containing (12 Occurrences) Ephah (55 Occurrences) Contain (19 Occurrences) Quantity (18 Occurrences) Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is bibliomancy? | GotQuestions.org Is the Bible reliable? | GotQuestions.org Homer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Homer (6 Occurrences)Leviticus 27:16 Isaiah 5:10 Ezekiel 45:11 Ezekiel 45:13 Ezekiel 45:14 Hosea 3:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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