What does north mean in the Bible?

Answer 1

Some biblical scripture is complicated and difficult to understand; however this does not mean that every word of The Bible is criptic. Simply stated, "north" refers to the most widely used and easily accessible route in and out of Israel during ancient times. Before there were cars and planes, Israel was primarily accessed on foot. Obviously, there is a great sea (Mediterranean) on the west side of Israel; and there is a vast desert to the east. Therefore, the primary access into (and out of) Israel would have been the passage to the south (from Egypt) and the passage to the north (from Eur-Asia). Thus, biblical references to "north" (when not specifically referencing something that is physically to the north) can be interpreted as meaning "the common access way" or "the most used route".

However, "north" can even mean "from above" in certain situations. So, I would strongly suggest a careful reading of biblical passages when trying to deduce the significance of individual words. Sometimes those words are meant to denote their literal meaning; but sometimes the words are metaphors used by the author to communicate an image that he or she could not describe otherwise (remember, the biblical prophets lived long before there were things like fighter planes, tanks, body armor, machine guns, etc.). It would require powerful metaphors to describe visions of end-time events. Additionally, we might not understand these metaphors today since many of the objects from ancient times have lost their significance in our contemporary lives. In this situation, it is important to read biblical scripture within the context of when it was written - then ask yourself "What significance did this word have at the time it was originally written down?".

Does this mean that the Bible needs to be re-translated? No. because we would never be able to stop revising it. Our languages, today, are constantly changing ("hot" means "cool" and "cool" doesn't refer to temperature, etc.). It's best that we leave the Bible in its original form; then it will remain relevant to all generations as long as we understand the context of each passage and its significance in light of when it was written. History will never change - we can always understand a passage by looking at it in its historical setting. However, if we re-write the Bible in a contemporary language, then it will just need to be re-written again in 5 years when the words have all new meaning!

Another answer:

It simply refers to the "compass direction" used around the world, and which is familiar to most people.

"...thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the WEST, and to the EAST, and to the NORTH, and to the SOUTH: and in thee and in thy Seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen.28:14 KJV)