Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the word "parcel" often refers to a piece or portion of land. This concept is significant in the context of the ancient Near Eastern culture, where land ownership and inheritance were crucial aspects of life and society. The term is used in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in both historical and theological contexts.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the notable mentions of a "parcel of land" is found in the book of Genesis. In
Genesis 33:19 , it is recorded that Jacob purchased a parcel of land from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of silver. This transaction is significant as it marks a moment of settlement and ownership for Jacob in the Promised Land, reflecting God's covenantal promises to the patriarchs.
Another important reference is in
Joshua 24:32 , where it is mentioned that the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the parcel of land that Jacob had bought. This act of burial in the purchased land underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the continuity of God's covenant with Israel.
Theological SignificanceThe concept of a parcel of land in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the themes of promise, inheritance, and divine provision. Land was not merely a physical possession but a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and blessing. The acquisition and inheritance of land were often seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to His people, as seen in the narratives of the patriarchs and the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.
In the broader biblical narrative, the land serves as a symbol of God's kingdom and the place where His people are to live in obedience and worship. The division and allocation of land among the tribes of Israel, as detailed in the book of Joshua, further emphasize the importance of land as a divine gift and a responsibility for the Israelites to steward according to God's laws.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, land transactions were formalized through covenants and agreements, often involving witnesses and the exchange of goods or currency. The purchase of a parcel of land, as seen in the biblical accounts, reflects these cultural practices and highlights the legal and social dimensions of land ownership.
The significance of land in the biblical context also extends to the prophetic literature, where the loss or restoration of land is often used as a metaphor for Israel's relationship with God. The exile and return of the Israelites are depicted in terms of losing and regaining the land, symbolizing judgment and redemption.
ConclusionThe concept of a parcel of land in the Bible is rich with historical, cultural, and theological meaning. It serves as a testament to God's promises and faithfulness, a symbol of inheritance and blessing, and a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A portion of anything taken separately; a fragment of a whole; a part.
2. (n.) A part; a portion; a piece; as, a certain piece of land is part and parcel of another piece.
3. (n.) An indiscriminate or indefinite number, measure, or quantity; a collection; a group.
4. (n.) A number or quantity of things put up together; a bundle; a package; a packet.
5. (v. t.) To divide and distribute by parts or portions; -- often with out or into.
6. (v. t.) To add a parcel or item to; to itemize.
7. (v. t.) To make up into a parcel; as, to parcel a customer's purchases; the machine parcels yarn, wool, etc.
8. (a. & adv.) Part or half; in part; partially. Shak. [Sometimes hyphened with the word following.]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PARCELpar'-sel: Properly "a little part," in Elizabethan English being used in almost any sense. In the King James Version ofGenesis 33:19Joshua 24:32Ruth 4:31 Chronicles 11:13, 14 it is the translation of chelqah;John 4:5 of chorion-both the Greek and Hebrew words meaning a "piece of land." the Revised Version (British and American) writes "plot" in1 Chronicles 11:13, 14, but if the change was needed at all, it should have been made throughout.
Greek
5564. chorion -- a place, property... of chora Definition a place, property NASB Word Usage field (3), land (3), lands
(1),
parcel of ground (1), place (2). field, land,
parcel of ground.
...3551. nomos -- that which is assigned, hence usage, law
... Word Origin from nemo (toparcel out) Definition that which is assigned, hence usage,
law NASB Word Usage Law (193), laws (2), principle (1). law....
1268. dianemo -- to distribute, to disseminate
... about. Word Origin from dia and nemo (toparcel out) Definition to distribute,
to disseminate NASB Word Usage spread (1). spread....
Strong's Hebrew
6872a. tseror -- a bundle,parcel, pouch, bag... 6872, 6872a. tseror. 6872b . a bundle,
parcel, pouch, bag. Transliteration:
tseror Short Definition: bag. Word Origin from tsarar
...6872. tsrowr -- a bundle,parcel, pouch, bag
... 6871, 6872. tsrowr. 6872a . a bundle,parcel, pouch, bag. Transliteration:
tsrowr Phonetic Spelling: (tser-ore') Short Definition: bag....
2513. chelqah -- a portion (of ground)
... Short Definition: field. field, ground,parcel, part, piece of land ground,
plat, portion, Feminine of cheleq; properly, smoothness...
2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share
... assigned (1), disperse (1), distribute (1), distributed (2), divide (12), divided
(18), divides (1), dividing (2), given her a share (1),parcel (1), parceled...
Library
Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to theparcel of ground
that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.6 and Jacob's well was there....
Jesus at the Well.
... Near to theparcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. In this
parcel Joseph was buried when Israel came up out of Egypt...
Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... Here, in theparcel of ground' afterwards given to Joseph, [1957] which Jacob had
brought from the people of the land, the patriarch had, at great labour and...
"And the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son Cleanseth us from all Sin....
... Now, my beloved, for you who look upon the gospel by aparcel,(243) and such aparcel
as enjoins much upon you, I would earnestly beseech you to open and...
Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection
... There being no such great difference between oneparcel of dust and another; neither
in respect of the power of God, which can easily command thisparcel of...
The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... A few days later a friend telephoned me that her mother had recently returned from
a visit to Chicago, and wished me to come over to see aparcel she had...
Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... said, she was sorry he was going, but if he would call at her house on Tuesday morning
and ring the front door bell, there would be a littleparcel waiting for...
A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... May I sink beneath the billows, which is my foretold fate, ere I become again a
parcel of Spain"accursed land, I hate thee, and so long as I can uphold my...
Introduction
... conception of the world; a theoretical basis for antinomianism was afforded by those
who sought to explain the origin of evil as part andparcel of the...
On the Road to Jerusalem
... Keturah, Laodice's handmaiden, had fainted with terror and was carriedparcel-wise
over the great arm of Momus, the mute, out into the street and deposited...
Thesaurus
Parcel (10 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A part; a portion; a piece; as, a certain piece of land is part and
parcel of another piece.
... 6. (vt) To add a
parcel or item to; to itemize.
...Sychar (1 Occurrence)
... Jacob's Well (John 4:5). He was passing through Samaria on His way to Galilee,
"so he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to theparcel of ground...
Jacob's (34 Occurrences)
... dispute. It was dug by Jacob, and hence its name, in the "parcel of ground"
which he purchased from the sons of Hamor (Genesis 33:19)....
Plot (53 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). John 4:5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the
parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. (See NIV)....
Buying (12 Occurrences)
... Other examples of primitive buying are found in Joshua 24:32 ("theparcel of ground
which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred...
Hamor (13 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:19 He bought theparcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the
hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of...
Shechem (61 Occurrences)
... pitched his tent and built his first altar in the Promised Land, and received the
first divine promise (Genesis 12:6, 7). Here also Jacob "bought aparcel of a...
Piece (93 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:19 He bought theparcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the
hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of...
Parbar (1 Occurrence)
Bought (66 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:19 He bought theparcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the
hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of...
Resources
What was the Enlightenment, and what impact did it have on Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ananias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.orgParcel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
