Topical Bible: Measures of Length: Furlong

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "furlong" is a measure of length that appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is an ancient unit of measurement that has its roots in agricultural practices, specifically related to the length of a furrow in a plowed field. The word "furlong" is derived from the Old English "furh" (furrow) and "lang" (long), indicating the distance a team of oxen could plow without resting.

In biblical times, the furlong was commonly used in the Greco-Roman world and is equivalent to the Greek "stadion." A furlong measures approximately 600 feet or 1/8 of a Roman mile, which is about 185 meters. This measurement was practical for land division and agricultural purposes, as well as for describing distances in travel and geography.

Biblical References:

The furlong is mentioned in the context of distances in the New Testament. One notable reference is found in the Gospel of John, where the disciples are described as being a certain distance from the shore while fishing:

· John 6:19 : "When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified."

In this passage, the original Greek text uses the term "stadion," which is often translated as "furlong" in older English versions. The Berean Standard Bible translates this distance as "miles," reflecting a more contemporary understanding for modern readers.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The use of the furlong in the Bible reflects the influence of Hellenistic culture on the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. As the Greek and Roman empires expanded, their systems of measurement became widespread, including in the regions of Judea and Galilee. This cultural exchange is evident in the New Testament, where Greek terms and measurements are often employed.

The furlong, as a unit of measure, would have been familiar to the original audience of the New Testament writings. It provided a practical way to convey distances in a manner that was easily understood by those living under Roman rule. The use of such measurements underscores the historical and geographical realities of the biblical narrative, grounding the events in a tangible and relatable context.

Theological Implications:

While the specific measurement of a furlong may seem minor, its inclusion in the biblical text serves to enhance the historical authenticity and precision of the Scriptures. By providing exact distances, the biblical authors offer a vivid and accurate portrayal of events, reinforcing the reliability of the narrative. This attention to detail reflects the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, as God communicates His truth through the human authors in a way that is both accurate and accessible to their original audience.

In summary, the furlong is a testament to the historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world, illustrating the intersection of divine revelation and human experience. Through such details, the Bible continues to speak with authority and relevance across the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 24:13
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:13
However, Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4712. stadion -- a stadium (a Gr. measure of length), by impl. a ...
... the of a race-course; a ("furlong"), the measure ... of an ancient ; a (""); figuratively)
the total length (distance) God ... That is, doing all He measures out to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4712.htm - 7k

Library

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... and Darius the son of Hystaspes, who determined the measures for its ... four furlongs,
[the distance of] each angle containing in length a furlong: but within ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... set on a circular slab, marked with measures for time ... The nose was of good length,
aquiline, the nostril thin ... one another as if each were a furlong away from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... Charles Elliott, Thornton Fleming, Henry Furlong, William Lambdin ... as it involved
principles and measures which must, had ... At length, however, those who were most ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Wherefore at length he brake his mind to his wife and children; and thus he began ...
far, be entered into a very narrow passage, which was about a furlong off of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm