A "fortnight" is a term used to describe a period of two weeks, or fourteen days. While the specific term "fortnight" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of a two-week period can be inferred from various passages that reference time and the counting of days. Understanding the measurement of time in biblical contexts is essential for interpreting events and practices described in Scripture.

Biblical Context of Time Measurement

In ancient Israel, time was often measured in days, weeks, months, and years. The Hebrew calendar was primarily lunar, with months beginning with the new moon. Weeks were structured around the Sabbath, with a seven-day cycle culminating in a day of rest and worship. The concept of a fortnight, while not explicitly mentioned, fits within this framework as a natural division of time.

Examples of Time Periods in Scripture

1. Feasts and Festivals: The Bible outlines specific durations for various feasts and festivals, which often involve counting days. For example, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days (Exodus 12:15), and the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated for seven days, with an additional eighth day of assembly (Leviticus 23:34-36). While these are not fortnights, they demonstrate the importance of precise timekeeping in religious observance.

2. Purification and Waiting Periods: Certain purification rituals and waiting periods in the Old Testament involve specific day counts. For instance, a woman who gives birth to a male child is considered ceremonially unclean for seven days, followed by a period of thirty-three days for purification (Leviticus 12:2-4). Although not a fortnight, these periods reflect the structured approach to time.

3. Prophetic Timeframes: Prophetic literature sometimes uses symbolic timeframes, such as "a time, times, and half a time" (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:14), which require careful interpretation. While these are not directly related to a fortnight, they highlight the significance of time in biblical prophecy.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In the ancient Near East, time was often measured in ways that differed from modern Western concepts. The use of lunar months and the importance of agricultural cycles influenced how time was perceived and recorded. The absence of the term "fortnight" in biblical texts may reflect these cultural differences, as well as the specific linguistic and numerical systems of the time.

Application in Biblical Interpretation

Understanding the concept of a fortnight, even if not explicitly mentioned, aids in the interpretation of biblical narratives and laws. Recognizing the structured approach to time in Scripture helps readers appreciate the rhythm of life and worship in ancient Israel. It also underscores the importance of time in God's covenantal relationship with His people, as seen in the observance of Sabbaths, feasts, and other appointed times.

Conclusion

While the term "fortnight" is not found in the Bible, the concept of a two-week period can be understood within the broader context of biblical timekeeping. By examining the ways in which time is measured and described in Scripture, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the order and intentionality inherent in God's design for worship and daily life.(n.) The space of fourteen days; two weeks.

How Brother Juniper once Cooked for the Brethren Enough to Last ...
... PART TWO. HERE BEGINNETH THE LIFE OF BROTHER JUNIPER CHAPTER X HOW BROTHER JUNIPER
ONCE COOKED FOR THE BRETHREN ENOUGH TO LAST FOR A FORTNIGHT. ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter x how brother juniper.htm

Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had Been Nearly a Fortnight in ...
... XXIII. Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had been nearly a fortnight in
Rome? Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had been nearly ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxiii meanwhile the marquis fontenelle.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... We had still nearly a fortnight before us in which to feel sure there was a sun
in heaven; a fortnight more of the 'warm champagne' atmosphere which was giving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

Introduction
... was a long interruption of five months, [1] so that the actual time spent in the
composition of this work was reduced to about four weeks"a fortnight for the ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/introduction.htm

The Power of Prayer
... When our dear mother came home a fortnight later, I was the first to meet her
at the door, and to tell her I had such glad news to give. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter i the power of.htm

The Next Morning Diamond was up Almost as Early as Before. ...
... For a fortnight Diamond went on driving his cab, and keeping his family. ...
After that fortnight, his father was able to go out again. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 26 the next morning.htm

The First Discovery of America
... Let me sketch for you once more"though you have heard it, doubtless, many a
time"the tale of that tremendous fortnight which settled the fate of Britain ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/the first discovery of america.htm

The First Discovery of America.
... Let me sketch for you once more"though you have heard it, doubtless, many a
time"the tale of that tremendous fortnight which settled the fate of Britain ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iii the first discovery.htm

The Master-Christian
... of the large and? XXIII. Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had been nearly
a fortnight in Rome? XXIV. The next morning dawned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/

Supposing Him to be the Gardener
... I WAS sitting about a fortnight ago in a very lovely garden, in the midst of all
kinds of flowers which were blooming in delightful abundance all around. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/supposing him to be the.htm

Fortnight (1 Occurrence)
...Fortnight (1 Occurrence). Galatians 1:18 Then, three years later, I went up to
Jerusalem to inquire for Peter, and I spent a fortnight with him. (WEY). ...
/f/fortnight.htm - 6k

Fortitude (5 Occurrences)

/f/fortitude.htm - 8k

Spent (76 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Galatians 1:18 Then, three years later, I went
up to Jerusalem to inquire for Peter, and I spent a fortnight with him. (WEY). ...
/s/spent.htm - 28k

Inquire (95 Occurrences)
... (ASV WBS). Galatians 1:18 Then, three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to
inquire for Peter, and I spent a fortnight with him. (WEY). ...
/i/inquire.htm - 39k

Later (89 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Galatians 1:18 Then, three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to
inquire for Peter, and I spent a fortnight with him. (WEY NAS). ...
/l/later.htm - 31k

Fortress (75 Occurrences)

/f/fortress.htm - 60k

Greece (15 Occurrences)
... These various elements of worship were combined in varying degree in the great
religious festivals. These lasted from a day to a fortnight. ...
/g/greece.htm - 59k

Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... These various elements of worship were combined in varying degree in the great
religious festivals. These lasted from a day to a fortnight. ...
/a/ancient.htm - 98k

Religion (23 Occurrences)

/r/religion.htm - 101k

Fortnight: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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