Topical Encyclopedia
Geographical Context:Libya, in biblical times, refers to a region in North Africa, west of Egypt. It is often associated with the ancient territory known as Put or Phut, which is mentioned in the Bible as one of the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah (
Genesis 10:6). The area corresponds to parts of modern-day Libya and possibly extends into regions of Tunisia and Algeria.
Biblical References:Libya is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often in the context of prophecy and historical accounts. In
Ezekiel 30:5, Libya is listed among the nations that will fall by the sword alongside Egypt: "Cush and Put, Lud and all the mixed peoples, and Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt." This passage highlights Libya's historical connections and alliances with Egypt and other neighboring nations.
In the New Testament, Libya is mentioned in the account of the Day of Pentecost in
Acts 2:10. Here, Jews from Libya are noted as being present in Jerusalem: "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome." This indicates the presence of a Jewish diaspora in Libya and their participation in significant religious events in Jerusalem.
Historical and Cultural Context:Libya, known for its vast deserts and coastal regions, was home to various tribes and peoples throughout biblical history. The region was influenced by Egyptian, Greek, and later Roman cultures. Cyrene, a prominent city in ancient Libya, is mentioned in the New Testament. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus (
Mark 15:21), and Cyrenian Jews were among the first to spread the Gospel to non-Jews (
Acts 11:20).
Prophetic Significance:Libya is often included in biblical prophecies concerning the nations. In
Ezekiel 38:5, Libya is mentioned as part of the coalition led by Gog in the prophecy against Gog and Magog: "Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets." This suggests Libya's involvement in end-times scenarios, as interpreted by some biblical scholars.
Theological Implications:The references to Libya in the Bible underscore the interconnectedness of nations and peoples in God's redemptive plan. Libya's inclusion in prophetic texts serves as a reminder of the broader scope of biblical prophecy, which encompasses not only Israel but also the surrounding nations. The presence of Libyan Jews in Jerusalem during Pentecost signifies the reach of God's covenant people and the spread of the Gospel beyond the borders of Israel.
Conclusion:While Libya is not a central focus in the biblical narrative, its mention in various contexts highlights its historical and prophetic significance. The biblical references to Libya provide insight into the ancient world's geopolitical landscape and the unfolding of God's purposes across nations.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Libyathe heart of the sea; fat
Smith's Bible Dictionary
LibyaThis name occurs only in (Acts 2:10) It is applied by the Greek and Roman writers to the African continent, generally, however, excluding Egypt.
ATS Bible Dictionary
LibyaA country in the north of Africa, stretching along on the Mediterranean between Egypt and Carthage, and running back somewhat into the interior. The part adjoining Egypt was sometimes called Libya Marmarica; and that around Cyrene, Cyrenaica, from its chief city; or Pentapolitana, from its chief city; or Pentapolitana, from its five cities, Cyrene, Apollonia, Berenice, Arsinoe, and Ptolemais. In these cities great numbers of Jews dwelt in the time of Christ; and they, with their Libyan proselytes, resorted to Jerusalem to worship,Acts 2:10. Libya received its name from the Lehabim of Lubim,Genesis 10:13; a warlike people, who assisted Shishak king of Egypt, and Zerah the Ethiopian, in their wars against Judea,2 Chronicles 12:3 14:9 16:8Daniel 11:43. They were also allies of ancient Thebes,Nahum 3:9. CompareJeremiah 46:9Ezekiel 30:5. Libya fell at length under the power of Carthage; and subsequently, of the Greeks, Romans, Saracens, and Turks.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The country of the Ludim (
Genesis 10:13), Northern Africa, a large tract lying along the Mediterranean, to the west of Egypt (
Acts 2:10). Cyrene was one of its five cities.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LIBYA; LIBYANSlib'-i-a, lib'-i-anz: In the Old Testament the word occurs in the King James Version in2 Chronicles 12:3;2 Chronicles 16:8Nahum 3:9 for "Lubim" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)). the Revised Version (British and American), however, retains "Libyans" inDaniel 11:43. InJeremiah 46:9Ezekiel 30:5;Ezekiel 38:5, the words are replaced in the Revised Version (British and American) by PUT (which see). In the New Testament the word "Libya" (Libue) occurs, in close connection with CYRENE (which see) (Acts 2:10). Greek and Roman writers apply the term to the African continent, generally excluding Egypt.
SeeLUBIM.
Greek
3033. Libue -- "the west bank of the Nile,"Libya, a region in N....... 3032, 3033. Libue. 3034 . "the west bank of the Nile,"
Libya, a region in N.
Africa. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Libue Phonetic Spelling
...Strong's Hebrew
3864. Lubim -- inhab. of N. Africa... Lubim. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition inhab. of N. Africa
NASB Word Usage
Libya (1), Libyans (1), Lubim (3). A dry
...Library
Of the Same to the Bishops ofLibya and Pentapolis.
... Of the Same to the Bishops ofLibya and Pentapolis. There is another Epistle of
the same father, complaining to the bishops ofLibya and Pentapolis....
Let the Ancient Customs in Egypt,Libya and Pentapolis Prevail...
... Canon VI. Let the ancient customs in Egypt,Libya and Pentapolis prevail?... The Bishop
of Alexandria shall have jurisdiction over Egypt,Libya, and Pentapolis....
Moreover this Also Has Come to Our Knowledge, that in Africa and...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon XII. Moreover this also has come to
our knowledge, that in Africa andLibya and in? Moreover...
Appendix.
... up. These provinces (Ammian. Marc. XXII. xvi.) were originally three in
number: Egypt proper,Libya, and the Thebais. During our...
He Defends his Flight.
... 1376] . Some of them were sent off fromLibya to the great Oasis; others
from the Thebais to Ammoniaca inLibya [1377] . Neither...
Letter Lxi. To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. I have read the letter of your holiness, in
which you have expressed your distress at the unhappy governor ofLibya....
The Arian Controversy Before Nic??a, 319-325.
... Dionysius some half-century before had been involved in controversy with members
of his Church both in Alexandria and in the suffragan dioceses ofLibya (infr....
Concerning the Waters.
... Again, from the beginning of Europe andLibya it is the Iberian Sea, which extends
from the pillars of Hercules to the Pyrenees mountain....
part viii.
... For behold, he has now again thrown into disorder all the Churches of Alexandria
[1749] and of Egypt andLibya, and has publicly given orders, that the Bishops...
The Dispute of Arius with Alexander, his Bishop.
... Some say that he was a native and resident ofLibya, others that he was an ecclesiastic
appointed to some position there; nor is it known whether theLibya...
Thesaurus
Libya (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
LIBYA; LIBYANS.
... In the New Testament the word
"
Libya" (Libue) occurs, in close connection with CYRENE (which see) (Acts 2:10).
...Libyans (6 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaLIBYA; LIBYANS.... In the New Testament the word "Libya"
(Libue) occurs, in close connection with CYRENE (which see) (Acts 2:10)....
Cyrene (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A city (now Tripoli) in UpperLibya, North Africa,
founded by a colony of Greeks (BC 630). It contained...
Put (13688 Occurrences)
... 27:10; 30:5 (AV, "Libya;" RV, "Put"); 38:5; Nahum 3:9. Noah Webster's Dictionary.
1. (n.) A pit. 2. (3d pers. sing. pres.) of Put, contracted from putteth....
Cub (4 Occurrences)
... King James Version Chub): The word occurs only in Ezekiel 30:5. There it is almost
certainly a corruption, and we should read, as in Septuagint, "Lub," ieLibya...
Africa (1 Occurrence)
... as a continent, does not occur in the Bible, and it was only in later days known
as one of the quarters of the world, under the name ofLibya-that portion...
Lubim (4 Occurrences)
... The people so named had their seat in North Africa, West of Egypt (compare
Acts 2:10, "the parts ofLibya about Cyrene"). SeeLIBYA....
Library
Visitors (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts ofLibya around Cyrene, visitors
from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)....
Kub (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 30:5 Cush, andLibya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Kub, and
the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword....
Resources
Who was Simon of Cyrene? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians be concerned about the idea of Sharia Law? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
