Topical Bible: Measures of Length: Mile

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The term "mile" as a measure of length does not appear directly in the biblical texts, as the concept of a mile as we understand it today was developed later in history. However, understanding ancient measures of length provides context for biblical passages that describe distances and travel.

In the ancient world, including the regions described in the Bible, various units of measurement were used. The Roman mile, known as "mille passus" (meaning "a thousand paces"), was approximately 1,480 meters or about 4,854 feet. This Roman mile became a standard measure during the Roman Empire, which had significant influence over the regions of Judea and surrounding areas during the New Testament period.

The Bible often uses terms like "stadia" and "cubits" to describe distances. For example, in the New Testament, the Gospel of John mentions the distance the disciples rowed on the Sea of Galilee: "When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened" (John 6:19). The term "miles" here is translated from the Greek "stadia," with one stadion being roughly 600 feet. Thus, three or four miles would be approximately 18,000 to 24,000 feet, or about 3 to 4.5 Roman miles.

In the Old Testament, measurements such as the "cubit" were more common. A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches or 45 centimeters. While the Bible does not directly equate cubits to miles, understanding these measurements helps in visualizing the distances described in biblical narratives.

The concept of a mile as a unit of measurement is more relevant to the interpretation and translation of biblical texts in later periods, especially as the Roman influence spread and standardized measurements became more common. The Roman mile's influence is seen in the infrastructure of the time, such as roads and mile markers, which facilitated travel and communication across the empire, including the regions where early Christianity spread.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention the mile, understanding the historical and cultural context of ancient measurements like the Roman mile, stadia, and cubits enriches our comprehension of biblical distances and the daily life of biblical times.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:41
And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4712. stadion -- a stadium (a Gr. measure of length), by impl. a ...
... a stadium, one eighth of a Roman mile, (b) a ... an ancient ; a (""); figuratively) the
total length (distance) God ... That is, doing all He measures out to receive ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4712.htm - 7k

Library

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... pleasant sheet of water, of nearly five miles in length, and half a mile average
width ... ware, such as tubs, pails, half-bushel and other measures, boxes, &c ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
... journey contained eight furlongs, or a whole mile. ... every month, forty seahs" (certain
measures) "of pigeons ... valley of Hinnom, which, at length, bowed towards ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 40 mount olivet the.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce.
... a fire of brimstone, even tho' it were half a mile in length." After he ... in Scotland,
and because Mr. Bruce would not comply with his measures, and refused ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 3.htm

Epistle Liii. To John, Bishop.
... Mile in Isauria), had been accused of heresy at ... Gregory, doubtfully hoping so, threatens
strong measures if it ... Gregory sets forth at some length the doctrinal ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle liii to john bishop.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... These measures were abolished shortly after by Nerva, who sanctioned ... deep, 22,500,000
square feet,"more than a square mile. (C) Aggregate length of galleries ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ...
... And he laid himself down at full length on old ... and keeps you to the bare sixpence
a mile, when every one ... But the boys proceeded to rougher measures, and one of ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 17 diamond became a.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... Eligius was born at Chatel?�t, a mile from Limoges, AD ... The king at length ceased to
press him, and took ... he was constrained to use vigorous measures against the ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

The Life of James Stuart, Earl of Moray.
... nobility appeared very much united in their measures for promoting ... at about the distance
of a mile from the ... the hope of delivering her at length, gave strength ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of james stuart.htm

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
... Yielding at length they let him go, but not without ... leave nothing imperfect he began
to take measures by which ... children, was born at Fontaines, a mile or two ...
/.../chapter v the roman pilgrimage .htm

A Discourse
... I have but a mile to go in this dirty way ... is evident by the difference of their measures
and dimensions. The length of the temple was threescore cubits; but the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm