Topical Encyclopedia A "day's journey" is a term used in the Bible to describe the distance that could typically be traveled by an individual or a group in a single day. This measure of distance is not precisely defined in terms of modern units, but it generally reflects the limitations of travel in ancient times, considering the terrain, mode of travel, and the endurance of travelers.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 30:36 · In the context of Jacob and Laban, the term is used to describe the separation between Jacob's flocks and Laban's: "Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks." This indicates a significant distance to ensure clear separation and prevent mingling of the flocks. 2. Exodus 3:18 · When God instructs Moses to approach Pharaoh, He commands, "The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’" Here, the "three-day journey" signifies a substantial distance into the wilderness, emphasizing the need for separation from Egypt for worship. 3. 1 Kings 19:4 · The prophet Elijah, fleeing from Jezebel, travels into the wilderness: "while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'" This passage highlights the exhaustion and desperation of Elijah after a day's travel, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of such a journey. 4. Jonah 3:3-4 · Jonah's mission to Nineveh involves a day's journey: "So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in breadth. Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s journey, proclaiming, 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!'" The reference to a "three-day journey" in breadth suggests the vastness of Nineveh, while Jonah's progress on the first day indicates the urgency and scope of his prophetic mission. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, a day's journey was influenced by several factors, including the mode of travel (on foot, by donkey, or by camel), the condition of roads or paths, and the physical condition of the travelers. Typically, a day's journey might range from 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) for a healthy individual or group traveling on foot. However, this could vary significantly based on the aforementioned factors. The concept of a day's journey also reflects the rhythm of life in biblical times, where travel was often dictated by the rising and setting of the sun, and the need for rest and sustenance. It underscores the challenges faced by biblical figures as they undertook journeys for various purposes, whether in obedience to divine commands, in flight from danger, or in pursuit of a mission. Theological Implications: The use of "day's journey" in Scripture often carries deeper theological meanings. It can symbolize a period of testing, transition, or divine intervention. For instance, Elijah's journey into the wilderness represents a time of personal crisis and divine encounter, while Jonah's journey through Nineveh signifies the urgency of repentance and the breadth of God's mercy. In summary, the term "day's journey" serves as a practical measure of distance in the biblical narrative, while also offering insights into the spiritual and historical context of the events described. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Day's JourneyDAY'S JOURNEY jur'-ni (derekh yom, Genesis 30:36 Numbers 10:33; Numbers 11:31; hemeras hodos, Luke 2:44): The common way of estimating distances in the East is by hours and days. This is natural in a country where roads are mere bridle paths or non-existent, as in the desert. The distance traveled must of course differ largely according to the difficulties of the way, and it is more important to know where night will overtake the traveler than the actual distance accomplished. A day's journey is now commonly reckoned at about 3 miles per hour, the distance usually covered by a loaded mule, the number of hours being about 8. Hence, a day's journey is about 24 miles, and this may be taken as a fair estimate for Bible times. Greek 3069. Ludda -- Lydda, a city in Palestine ... dah) Short Definition: Lydda, Diospolis, Lod Definition: Lydda, Diospolis, Lod (modern Ludd), a city on the way to Joppa within a day's journey of Jerusalem. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3069.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4550. massa -- a pulling up, breaking (camp), setting out, a ...... a departure (from striking the tents), ie March (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure) -- journey(-ing). ... /hebrew/4550.htm - 6k Library For Divine Protection on a Day's Journey. Threefold Repentance Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30 Lydda Acts i. 12 Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ... Bethphage Back to Memphis The Third Continental Journey. 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