Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Archives

Study Bibles

Shrouded in Controversy

After the crucifixion of Jesus, the Gospels tell us Joseph of Arimathea buried him. Mark says, “Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock” (Mk. 15:46). While we direct most of our attention to…

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Study Bibles

The Nazirite Vow

The Bible describes many ancient religious practices largely foreign to our own cultural practices. Notions of consecration, dedication, vows, holiness, and ritual cleanness are somewhat common in contemporary Christianity. But how well do we know the origin of this terminology and these practices? Take, for instance, the Nazirite vow. The…

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New Testament

A Well-Ordered Household

Would you consider yourself naturally drawn to structure and order in your personal life, career, family, or church? Or would you think of yourself as more attracted to a life that doesn’t seem so formalized and rigid? I think we all have preferences one way or the other. These depend…

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Old Testament

The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:4 and the story of the Tower of Babel come to life as we take time to understand the deeper cultural contexts. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves;…

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Bible Study Tips

7 Reasons to Study Bible Culture

We say it all the time. It’s important to understand the background of the Bible! But like many things in life, we won’t put it into practice until we understand why it’s important. So, here are seven really great reasons to study the cultural backgrounds of the Bible. 1. Understand…

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Bible Study Tips

11 Principles for Studying Biblical Culture

Studying the culture of the Bible can lead you down many, many rabbit trails. But the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible likes to make everything concise. Here are their eleven principles for studying biblical culture. The Importance of Understanding Biblical Culture: Proverbs 2:1-2, 5-6 “My son, if you receive my words,And…

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Look Inside

Look Inside: Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

You’ve heard many Bible stories hundreds of times, but how many behind-the-scenes details are you missing? Sometimes a little context is all you need to discover the rich meaning behind the stories of Scripture. That’s what the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible provides. Every page is full of expert insight into…

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