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The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times
We know that John the Baptist ate locusts, but were they insects or sweet beans?
Why did a fish swallow a coin that Jesus later used to pay the temple tax?
How could walking beside a donkey have made Joseph a laughingstock? Good handling of biblical passages demands a working knowledge of the historical and cultural context in which they were written. This bestselling reference book contains colorful photography, artwork, maps, diagrams, and charts to lend knowledge of context. Additionally, there are Scripture and topical indexes for quick fact-checking. Students and teachers of the Bible will benefit from and be fascinated by the helpful features of The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times .
Why did a fish swallow a coin that Jesus later used to pay the temple tax?
How could walking beside a donkey have made Joseph a laughingstock? Good handling of biblical passages demands a working knowledge of the historical and cultural context in which they were written. This bestselling reference book contains colorful photography, artwork, maps, diagrams, and charts to lend knowledge of context. Additionally, there are Scripture and topical indexes for quick fact-checking. Students and teachers of the Bible will benefit from and be fascinated by the helpful features of The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times .
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 1987
21 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 3, 2020
I’m afraid I cannot recommend this book. I detected enough errors of fact and interpretation to make me uneasy accepting anything without checking it out elsewhere. A couple of examples:
On page 143, we read “The metalsmith has a very old pedigree. Cain was a smith.” This was news to me, since the Bible describes his descendant Tubal-Cain as the first. I wondered how on earth the author came up with this, then I found this quote in Wikipedia: “Cain (qyn) is thought to be cognate to the mid-1st millennium BCE South Arabian word qyn, meaning ‘metalsmith’.” In Genesis 4:1, however, his mother Eve names him from the word QNH, “to acquire”. On the same page, we are told “Cain was the father of the Midianite tribe of Kenites.” The would be difficult, since Cain’s line was destroyed in the flood.
On page 282, the author is describing some of the rules of Greco-Roman wrestling. From this he leaps back a couple of thousand years to make an application: “Jacob wrestled at Peniel, and Genesis 32:24-25 indicates that he was not able to overcome his opponent within the rules.” This kind of categorical statement is typical throughout the book, with a quirky interpretation presented as fact.
On page 316, we are told that “The idea of a Sabbath probably had its origin in Babylon.” The Bible tells us that it is derived from the creation event. There are instances when the author writes as someone who accepts the supernatural aspects of biblical history, but other times, such as this instance, he seems to hold to naturalistic explanations.
I cannot say that I did not learn anything. Now I know that “thumbs down” meant to spare the Roman gladiator, and “thumbs up” meant to finish him off. But I checked that out elsewhere before I believed it, because I felt I could not fully trust this book.
On page 143, we read “The metalsmith has a very old pedigree. Cain was a smith.” This was news to me, since the Bible describes his descendant Tubal-Cain as the first. I wondered how on earth the author came up with this, then I found this quote in Wikipedia: “Cain (qyn) is thought to be cognate to the mid-1st millennium BCE South Arabian word qyn, meaning ‘metalsmith’.” In Genesis 4:1, however, his mother Eve names him from the word QNH, “to acquire”. On the same page, we are told “Cain was the father of the Midianite tribe of Kenites.” The would be difficult, since Cain’s line was destroyed in the flood.
On page 282, the author is describing some of the rules of Greco-Roman wrestling. From this he leaps back a couple of thousand years to make an application: “Jacob wrestled at Peniel, and Genesis 32:24-25 indicates that he was not able to overcome his opponent within the rules.” This kind of categorical statement is typical throughout the book, with a quirky interpretation presented as fact.
On page 316, we are told that “The idea of a Sabbath probably had its origin in Babylon.” The Bible tells us that it is derived from the creation event. There are instances when the author writes as someone who accepts the supernatural aspects of biblical history, but other times, such as this instance, he seems to hold to naturalistic explanations.
I cannot say that I did not learn anything. Now I know that “thumbs down” meant to spare the Roman gladiator, and “thumbs up” meant to finish him off. But I checked that out elsewhere before I believed it, because I felt I could not fully trust this book.
February 10, 2009
Lots of good ammo for sermons. Many illustrations can be gleaned from this book from the everyday events of ancient times. It's also amazing to see how far God has grown humanity over the years with technology, etc.
June 2, 2014
This book does a good job of enlightening the reader about key aspects of life in Bible times. It is written at an early high school level. It would be a great addition to any homeschool curriculum.
October 5, 2015
Good reference book for a good background where people lived in Bible times.
April 15, 2022
Nuevo manual de usos y costumbres de los tiempos biblicos
Ralf Gower
"Sabías porque Cristo eligió a un hombre llevando un cántaro de agua para conducir a los discípulos a dónde debían preparar la última cena ?".
Para mí leer la biblia fue una gran batalla conmigo misma , pues había muchas cosas que no entendía , pero siempre he sido muy empecinada y así busque y estudie sobre los principios de este pueblo y sus costumbres, encontrando este libro de Ralf Gower, dónde halle muchas respuestas a mis vacíos sobre el.
Y pude leerla y escudriñarla, me demore casi dos años , pero quedé satisfecha con el resultado que arrojo en mi.
Es un libro con ilustraciones maravillosas, aprendí sobre sus casas , sobre lo que se refería a un pesebre, ví como se construyó el templo de Salomón , con imágenes muy cercanas a lo descrito en la biblia .
Hay mapas de la época que nos muestran dónde realmente se encontraron cada ciudad , cada camino, cada pozo de agua.
También descripciones impresionantes de muchas situaciones que hay en la biblia y al leerla uno no comprende o se asusta de ellas.
Pero en este libro se explica porque estos judíos actuaban así. Pues sus costumbre eran muy del principio de la humanidad y poco cambiaban hasta que alguna nación más fuerte los invadía y tomaba por esclavos , entonces adquirían nuevas como herencia de el.
Yo conseguí una edición de 1986 en una venta de libros de segunda , pero se que hay nuevas ediciones.
Ralf Gower es un estudioso de estos temas , escribió este libro basado en uno que tiempo atrás Fred Wight escribio y abrió esa puerta en la mente de muchos cristianos y de estudiosos del tema y el apetito por saber más.
No es un libro religioso , no es un libro filosófico , es un libro real sobre un pueblo que en su momento brillo porque allí nacieron tantas religiones que hoy día conocemos , además que nos dejó este gran libro que es la biblia un tratado humano dónde siempre se nos recuerda que hay un ser superior , que fuimos creados y que lo necesitamos siempre.
Porque no somos creadores de la vida , solo estamos en este mundo tratando de ser mejores y de vivir en paz.
Ralf Gower
"Sabías porque Cristo eligió a un hombre llevando un cántaro de agua para conducir a los discípulos a dónde debían preparar la última cena ?".
Para mí leer la biblia fue una gran batalla conmigo misma , pues había muchas cosas que no entendía , pero siempre he sido muy empecinada y así busque y estudie sobre los principios de este pueblo y sus costumbres, encontrando este libro de Ralf Gower, dónde halle muchas respuestas a mis vacíos sobre el.
Y pude leerla y escudriñarla, me demore casi dos años , pero quedé satisfecha con el resultado que arrojo en mi.
Es un libro con ilustraciones maravillosas, aprendí sobre sus casas , sobre lo que se refería a un pesebre, ví como se construyó el templo de Salomón , con imágenes muy cercanas a lo descrito en la biblia .
Hay mapas de la época que nos muestran dónde realmente se encontraron cada ciudad , cada camino, cada pozo de agua.
También descripciones impresionantes de muchas situaciones que hay en la biblia y al leerla uno no comprende o se asusta de ellas.
Pero en este libro se explica porque estos judíos actuaban así. Pues sus costumbre eran muy del principio de la humanidad y poco cambiaban hasta que alguna nación más fuerte los invadía y tomaba por esclavos , entonces adquirían nuevas como herencia de el.
Yo conseguí una edición de 1986 en una venta de libros de segunda , pero se que hay nuevas ediciones.
Ralf Gower es un estudioso de estos temas , escribió este libro basado en uno que tiempo atrás Fred Wight escribio y abrió esa puerta en la mente de muchos cristianos y de estudiosos del tema y el apetito por saber más.
No es un libro religioso , no es un libro filosófico , es un libro real sobre un pueblo que en su momento brillo porque allí nacieron tantas religiones que hoy día conocemos , además que nos dejó este gran libro que es la biblia un tratado humano dónde siempre se nos recuerda que hay un ser superior , que fuimos creados y que lo necesitamos siempre.
Porque no somos creadores de la vida , solo estamos en este mundo tratando de ser mejores y de vivir en paz.
January 10, 2026
The author of this book is writing to update a similar work that was published in 1953. This book, published in 1987, accounts for the word "new" in its title. However, do not let that put you off.
This book is the result of archaeological research to discover how people lived during the times of the Bible.
The book is clearly written with numerous pictures. It is a pleasure to read.
The two main sections of the book the "The Individual in Family Life" and "National Institutions and Customs". The first section on the individual in family life includes: Clothing, Dwellings, Domestic Activities, Food and Meals, The Family, Education, Earning a Living: Agriculture, Collecting Food, Shepherding, Craftsmen and Traders, and Workers with Money and Goods.
The second section of the book on National Institutions and Customs includes Towns and Villages, Let's Look at Jerusalem, Journeys and Travel, Hospitality, Social and Political Groupings, Government and Society, Warfare, Leisure, Leisure for Tourists to Israel Today and Religion.
The index is thorough and makes it easy to look up specifics that you may be interested in.
I got this book from my wife's grandfather's library. I remember him and his wife talking enthusiastically about the trip(s) to Egypt to see the pyramids and the Middle East. He was an avid reader and traveler and I am sure he read this book thoroughly to help them enjoy their tour.
You may not be planning a trip to the Middle East, but you will enjoy the research the author has done, the many pictures, and diagrams to help one understand the life of those who lived in Bible times. The amount of detail is wonderful, such as the numerous photographs of archaeological finds.
If you are interested in this book - it is worth having in your library. I hope you can find a copy (I am keeping mine).
This book is the result of archaeological research to discover how people lived during the times of the Bible.
The book is clearly written with numerous pictures. It is a pleasure to read.
The two main sections of the book the "The Individual in Family Life" and "National Institutions and Customs". The first section on the individual in family life includes: Clothing, Dwellings, Domestic Activities, Food and Meals, The Family, Education, Earning a Living: Agriculture, Collecting Food, Shepherding, Craftsmen and Traders, and Workers with Money and Goods.
The second section of the book on National Institutions and Customs includes Towns and Villages, Let's Look at Jerusalem, Journeys and Travel, Hospitality, Social and Political Groupings, Government and Society, Warfare, Leisure, Leisure for Tourists to Israel Today and Religion.
The index is thorough and makes it easy to look up specifics that you may be interested in.
I got this book from my wife's grandfather's library. I remember him and his wife talking enthusiastically about the trip(s) to Egypt to see the pyramids and the Middle East. He was an avid reader and traveler and I am sure he read this book thoroughly to help them enjoy their tour.
You may not be planning a trip to the Middle East, but you will enjoy the research the author has done, the many pictures, and diagrams to help one understand the life of those who lived in Bible times. The amount of detail is wonderful, such as the numerous photographs of archaeological finds.
If you are interested in this book - it is worth having in your library. I hope you can find a copy (I am keeping mine).
May 12, 2018
This book was part of the required reading for the course, "Bibliology and How To Study the Bible," as part of the Contenders Discipleship Initiative with Village Missions. I really enjoyed the book and its numerous illustrations. It helped me understand better what life was like during the Old and New Testament times by transporting me back into the Bible era's homes, countrysides and marketplaces. I found myself highlighting key passages and terms that I was somewhat familiar with, but with this text helped me fully understand certain customs or words or phrases.
The chapters most helpful to me in Part One were Dwellings, Agriculture and Craftsmen and Traders, which in Part Two it was Hospitality, Government and Society, Warfare, and Religion. There is quite a bit of background and information in the text, so it is best to read slowly and methodically. It was suggested by the pastor/teacher of the class that the reader look up every scripture reference given, which I did, which led to a deeper reading of this text and given verse(s) in the Bible and fuller appreciation of the material presented.
There is a small list of typos which I found (2 misspellings), and also a couple scripture passages were incorrectly referenced (7 total). These errors will hopefully be corrected in later printings of "Manners & Customs," for future students of the Bible.
Overall, this is a great book to have on hand, to read through at least one and keep handy for Bible study; especially for the illustrations and explanations of concepts foreign to us today.
The chapters most helpful to me in Part One were Dwellings, Agriculture and Craftsmen and Traders, which in Part Two it was Hospitality, Government and Society, Warfare, and Religion. There is quite a bit of background and information in the text, so it is best to read slowly and methodically. It was suggested by the pastor/teacher of the class that the reader look up every scripture reference given, which I did, which led to a deeper reading of this text and given verse(s) in the Bible and fuller appreciation of the material presented.
There is a small list of typos which I found (2 misspellings), and also a couple scripture passages were incorrectly referenced (7 total). These errors will hopefully be corrected in later printings of "Manners & Customs," for future students of the Bible.
Overall, this is a great book to have on hand, to read through at least one and keep handy for Bible study; especially for the illustrations and explanations of concepts foreign to us today.
August 14, 2024
Ralph Gower’s The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times offers a fascinating and detailed exploration of biblical times' cultural and social contexts. This hardcover book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Bible, as it provides essential background information on the daily lives, traditions, and practices of people in ancient times.
Suitable for Studying:
This book is particularly well-suited for theology, history, and biblical study students. Gower meticulously covers various topics, from clothing and food to religious practices and social structures. The clear and accessible writing style and numerous illustrations and photographs make complex historical details easy to grasp. This comprehensive guide helps readers place biblical events and teachings within their cultural context, enhancing their understanding of the scriptures.
Inspiration for Writing a Fantasy Novel:
For fantasy writers, The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times can be an excellent source of inspiration. The rich details about ancient customs, rituals, and societal norms can be adapted to create authentic and immersive worlds in fantasy fiction. The book’s exploration of how people lived, worshipped, and interacted with their environment provides fertile ground for developing realistic and engaging fantasy settings.
Suitable for Studying:
This book is particularly well-suited for theology, history, and biblical study students. Gower meticulously covers various topics, from clothing and food to religious practices and social structures. The clear and accessible writing style and numerous illustrations and photographs make complex historical details easy to grasp. This comprehensive guide helps readers place biblical events and teachings within their cultural context, enhancing their understanding of the scriptures.
Inspiration for Writing a Fantasy Novel:
For fantasy writers, The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times can be an excellent source of inspiration. The rich details about ancient customs, rituals, and societal norms can be adapted to create authentic and immersive worlds in fantasy fiction. The book’s exploration of how people lived, worshipped, and interacted with their environment provides fertile ground for developing realistic and engaging fantasy settings.
May 18, 2025
This book has many unfounded conjectures and un-Biblical assumptions. Many statements are made with no references to back them up, and Bible references are twisted to say what they do not say. One glaring example is found on page 75, where it states that "Amnon wanted to marry his half-sister Tamar in 2 Samuel 13". There is no indication in this chapter that Amnon had any intention of marrying Tamar. Indeed, Tamar requests that Amnon ask their father David for her, but instead he r*pes her, and then throws her out.
Page 75 is where I finally gave up on this book as I've read enough to know that it is not an accurate reference book and it will be heading for the garbage bin.
Page 75 is where I finally gave up on this book as I've read enough to know that it is not an accurate reference book and it will be heading for the garbage bin.
June 5, 2021
Extremamente útil para todos aqueles que desejam ir fundo às nuances e peculiaridades contextuais que permeiam o texto Bíblico. Super recomendo para todos que já tem algum interesse desse gênero.
Grande abraço e God bless.
Grande abraço e God bless.
June 12, 2019
Great and thorough resource. Though his writing is not great and his theology less than stellar.
February 21, 2023
Great book. Might be a little dated by now, but it was super helpful in my Bible study.
April 8, 2018
This is a great resource. I question some of the interpretations and application as it relates to Bible culture, but still a great read and very informal nevertheless.
November 3, 2011
Great information and fantastic illustrations and pictures make this a very helpful resource. The author sometimes slides into using historical info to quickly answer interpretative questions with a "this is why..." formula that should be taken with salt. Maybe Jesus was really concerned about lost time in lengthy highway greeting rituals, or maybe he had another reason for his words in Luke 10:4. A little less dogmatism would serve the book well. The sections describing the physical geography and sights of Jerusalem could be a promotional brochure, with frequent direct advice given to the tourist. Odd. The book has no footnotes, and the 25 item select bibliography has no index, so anyone seeking to verify Gowers' claims will have a lot of work ahead. But keeping forest and trees in perspective, this is a great intro to the manners and customs of the Bible.
June 30, 2016
Gower's "Manners & Customs of Bible Times" is the sort of reference book that should sit on a nearby shelf and be consulted often. Very helpful in getting the "dust" of ancient Israel into your eyes. It reads much like an illustrated encyclopedia of sorts, with short descriptions on a range of life and culture from the whole of Israel's history.
Wonderfully illustrated with great picture, drawings, charts, etc. Will be the sort of thing I'll go to for reference on a fairly regular basis.
Also, plenty of worthwhile lessons to be learned from more fully understanding what cultural forces were behind many of parts of the biblical text. Also, a very easy read, and highly recommended for Bible students of all stripes.
http://www.benzornes.com/book-review-...
Wonderfully illustrated with great picture, drawings, charts, etc. Will be the sort of thing I'll go to for reference on a fairly regular basis.
Also, plenty of worthwhile lessons to be learned from more fully understanding what cultural forces were behind many of parts of the biblical text. Also, a very easy read, and highly recommended for Bible students of all stripes.
http://www.benzornes.com/book-review-...
November 29, 2012
Great book for information on the manners and customs of Bible times. It deserves a high rating for the material in the book. However, this book as more of an encyclopedia. This is why I only gave it two stars.
November 19, 2015
This was quite eye-opening and makes many aspects and parts of the Bible and how they lived back then come to life and helps reshape for the better how to look at the Bible times and the accounts in the Bible itself!
August 27, 2008
It's kinda helpful...I had to read it in college. Not bad.
November 11, 2010
Meh. A mediocre book, though well-illustrated. It really doesn't do the subject justice in terms of depth and documentation.
March 3, 2016
Excellent book, a must read for Christians. Excellent study tool :)
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March 25, 2016$10. Indiscernible wear on covers and spine. Unmarked except for author's name
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