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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Townspeople</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/townspeople.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/luke/7-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/t/townspeople.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Townspeople</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/townsmen.htm" title="Townsmen">◄</a> Townspeople <a href="/topical/t/town-wall.htm" title="Town-wall">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, townspeople played a significant role in the social, economic, and religious life of ancient Israel and the surrounding regions. The term "townspeople" refers to the inhabitants of a town or city, often involved in various trades, governance, and community activities. The Bible provides numerous references to townspeople, highlighting their interactions, responsibilities, and spiritual lives.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, towns and cities were central to the life of the Israelites. Townspeople were often involved in agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. For example, in the book of Ruth, Boaz, a prominent townsman of Bethlehem, is depicted as a landowner and a man of influence (<a href="/ruth/2.htm">Ruth 2:1</a>). The townspeople of Bethlehem play a role in the narrative, witnessing the redemption of Ruth and Naomi (<a href="/ruth/4-9.htm">Ruth 4:9-11</a>).<br><br>The townspeople also participated in communal and religious activities. In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls involved the collective effort of the townspeople, who worked together to restore their city (Nehemiah 3). This demonstrates the communal spirit and shared responsibility among the inhabitants.<br><br><b>Judicial and Social Roles</b><br><br>Townspeople often gathered at the city gate, which served as a place for legal transactions, judgment, and social interaction. In the book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of Ruth's redemption, where the elders and townspeople serve as witnesses (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a>). This setting underscores the importance of townspeople in maintaining justice and order within the community.<br><br>The townspeople's role in justice is further illustrated in the account of Naboth's vineyard. King Ahab desires Naboth's vineyard, and Jezebel orchestrates a plot involving the elders and nobles of the city to falsely accuse Naboth, leading to his unjust execution (<a href="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8-13</a>). This account highlights the potential for corruption among townspeople when influenced by unrighteous leadership.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, townspeople are often depicted in their interactions with Jesus and the apostles. Jesus frequently visited towns and cities, where He taught, healed, and performed miracles. The response of the townspeople varied; some welcomed Him, while others rejected His message.<br><br>In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, where the townspeople are initially astonished by His wisdom and miracles but ultimately take offense at Him, leading to a lack of faith and few miracles performed there (<a href="/mark/6.htm">Mark 6:1-6</a>). This incident illustrates the familiarity and skepticism that can arise among townspeople when confronted with divine truth.<br><br>The townspeople also play a role in the early church's expansion. In Acts, the apostles often preached in towns and cities, encountering both acceptance and opposition. In <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Acts 17</a>, Paul and Silas visit Thessalonica, where some townspeople believe their message, while others, stirred by jealousy, incite a mob against them (<a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Acts 17:4-5</a>).<br><br><b>Cultural and Religious Influence</b><br><br>Townspeople were integral to the cultural and religious life of their communities. They participated in festivals, observed religious laws, and contributed to the local economy. The townspeople's adherence to religious practices is evident in the observance of the Sabbath and participation in temple worship.<br><br>In the Gospels, the townspeople's adherence to religious customs is seen in their observance of the Passover and other Jewish festivals. Jesus often used these occasions to teach and reveal deeper spiritual truths, challenging the townspeople to look beyond mere ritual to the heart of God's commandments.<br><br>Overall, the biblical portrayal of townspeople reflects their diverse roles and responsibilities within their communities. They were essential to the social fabric, contributing to the economic, judicial, and religious life of their towns and cities. Through their interactions with biblical figures, the townspeople's responses to God's work among them provide valuable insights into the human condition and the call to faithfulness.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/carpenter/the_angel_adjutant_of_twice_born_men/vi_special_efforts.htm"><span class="l">Special Efforts</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then she organized a campaign with features to attract not only the <b>townspeople</b><br> but summer visitors. Night after night the tent was crowded. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm</font><p><a href="/library/winkworth/christian_singers_of_germany/chapter_viii_the_thirty_years.htm"><span class="l">The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The quick-witted <b>townspeople</b> were accustomed greatly to despise their rural neighbours,<br> and no doubt the difference of manners in those days of infrequent <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/chapter viii the thirty years.htm</font><p><a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/chapter_xxiii_when_this_became.htm"><span class="l">When this Became Known to the Kings of the Neighboring Nations...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Gabaoth. The <b>townspeople</b>, therefore, in their distress, send messengers<br> to Joshua, that he would help them in their state of siege. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxiii when this became.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/the_journal_of_john_wesley/wesley_in_aberdeen_again.htm"><span class="l">Wesley in Aberdeen Again</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the three ministers of Old Aberdeen, hitherto seem to have no dislike but rather<br> to wish us "good luck in the name of the Lord." Most of the <b>townspeople</b> as yet <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley in aberdeen again.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gregory/the_epistles_of_saint_gregory_the_great/epistle_xxxii_to_peter_subdeacon.htm"><span class="l">Epistle xxxii. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> admonishing him, that he may act kindly and carefully towards the peasants (rusticos<br> [1425] ); and shew himself towards strangers and <b>townspeople</b> changed and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxii to peter subdeacon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_iv_the_annunciation_of.htm"><span class="l">The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Just outside the town, in the north-west, bubbled the spring or well, the<br> trysting-spot of <b>townspeople</b>, and welcome resting-place of travellers. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/greene/the_development_of_religious_liberty_in_connecticut/chapter_viii_the_first_victory.htm"><span class="l">The First victory for Dissent</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Talcott quotes the colony law for the support of the ministry in every town, and<br> adds that, upon the death of an incumbent, the <b>townspeople</b> "are quickly <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm</font><p><a href="/library/headley/half_hours_in_bible_lands_volume_2/palestine_under_pagan_kings.htm"><span class="l">Palestine under Pagan Kings.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The king, Alexander, attended by armed men, having ordered the crowd of the <b>townspeople</b><br> to proceed in the rear of his infantry, entered the city in a chariot <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/vi_the_exilecontinued.htm"><span class="l">The Exile --Continued.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But the cowardly <b>townspeople</b> of Keilah had less gratitude than fear; and the king's<br> banished son-in-law was too dangerous a guest, even though he was of their <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leupold/exposition_of_genesis_volume_1/chapter_xxiii.htm"><span class="l">Chapter xxiii</span></a> <br><b>...</b> that Ephron dwelt in this region (AV), but since yashabh primarily means "to sit,"<br> that he was at that very moment sitting with the <b>townspeople</b> there assembled <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/t/townspeople.htm"><span class="l"><b>Townspeople</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Townspeople</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Judges 5:23 A curse, a curse<br> on Meroz! said the angel of the Lord. A bitter curse on her <b>townspeople</b>! <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/townspeople.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/townsmen.htm"><span class="l">Townsmen (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/townsmen.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/town-wall.htm"><span class="l">Town-wall (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Town-wall. <b>Townspeople</b>, Town-wall. Trace . Multi-Version Concordance Town-wall<br> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b> (WBS). <b>Townspeople</b>, Town-wall. Trace . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/town-wall.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/reached.htm"><span class="l">Reached (152 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only<br> son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <b>townspeople</b> were with her. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/reached.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mother's.htm"><span class="l">Mother's (102 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only<br> son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <b>townspeople</b> were with her. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mother's.htm - 39k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bringing.htm"><span class="l">Bringing (288 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only<br> son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <b>townspeople</b> were with her. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bringing.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/virtue.htm"><span class="l">Virtue (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEY). Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, have no fear; I will do for you whatever<br> you say: for it is clear to all my <b>townspeople</b> that you are a woman of virtue. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/virtue.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/buying.htm"><span class="l">Buying (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sale. On such days peasants and <b>townspeople</b> come together in much larger<br> numbers than is ordinary, and mingle freely together. The <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/buying.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/town.htm"><span class="l">Town (861 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only<br> son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <b>townspeople</b> were with her. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/town.htm - 39k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/burial.htm"><span class="l">Burial (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only<br> son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <b>townspeople</b> were with her. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/burial.htm - 42k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/watchmen-in-the-Bible.html">What are watchmen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Greek-gods-in-the-Bible.html">What Greek gods are mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-rioting.html">What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/townspeople.htm">Townspeople: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Townspeople (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/7-12.htm">Luke 7:12</a></span><br />And just as He reached the gate of the town, they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the <span class="boldtext">townspeople</span> were with her.<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/24-13.htm">Genesis 24:13</a></span><br />See, I am waiting here by the water-spring; and the daughters of the town are coming out to get water:<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23</a></span><br />A curse, a curse on Meroz! said the angel of the Lord. A bitter curse on her <span class="boldtext">townspeople</span>! Because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord among the strong ones.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11</a></span><br />And now, my daughter, have no fear; I will do for you whatever you say: for it is clear to all my <span class="boldtext">townspeople</span> that you are a woman of virtue.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/t/townspeople.htm">Townspeople</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trace.htm">Trace (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/window.htm">Window (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/town.htm">Town (861 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/townspeople.htm">Townspeople (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rahab.htm">Rahab (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesse.htm">Jesse (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dwelt.htm">Dwelt (307 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/townsmen.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Townsmen"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Townsmen" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/town-wall.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Town-wall"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Town-wall" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>