Quick Summary
The Great Pyramids of Giza are some of the most iconic structures in the world. They were built around 2500 BC as tombs for the Egyptian pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The pyramids are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, there are some indirect biblical references that may relate to the pyramids. Most scholars believe the pyramids were built long before the time period depicted in the Bible. The Bible focuses on the history of the Israelites, which takes place later than the construction of the pyramids. While the pyramids themselves are never named, some passages reference Egypt’s architectural feats and reliance on forced labor. Overall, the Great Pyramids are such immense and lasting monuments that a few subtle biblical allusions can arguably be linked to these ancient wonders even though they are not explicitly stated.
When Were the Great Pyramids Built?
The Great Pyramids of Giza are estimated to have been built around 2550-2580 BC during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. The pyramids were tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Khufu’s pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid, is the oldest and largest of the three main pyramids.
| Pharaoh | Pyramid | Estimated Construction Date |
|---|---|---|
| Khufu | Great Pyramid | c. 2560 BC |
| Khafre | Second Pyramid | c. 2532 BC |
| Menkaure | Third Pyramid | c. 2510 BC |
The pyramids were built over multiple decades and required tens of thousands of laborers to quarry, transport, and position the stones. They demonstrate the immense power and resources commanded by Egypt’s ancient pharaohs.
When Does the Bible Take Place?
In contrast to the pyramids’ estimated construction around 2500 BC, the Bible narrates the history of the Israelites beginning with the Book of Genesis around 2000 BC during the Middle Bronze Age.
The Torah and Old Testament detail the lives of important figures like Abraham, Joseph, and Moses between 1900-1200 BC. Later Old Testament books recount the reigns of kings like David and Solomon around 1000-700 BC. Overall, the events in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament take place around 2000-400 BC, predominantly focusing on the history of the Israelites after the era when the pyramids were built.
The New Testament opens hundreds of years after the Old Testament ends, around 5 BC-100 AD. It conveys the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD under Roman rule.
Therefore, based on biblical chronology, the pyramid construction preceded the time periods described in the Bible by hundreds of years. The pyramids were built by the ancient Egyptians long before the rise of the Israelites as depicted in the Bible.
Indirect Biblical References
Although the Bible does not specifically mention the pyramids, some scholars have argued that a few vague passages may implicitly refer to them. These include:
Isaiah 19:19
Isaiah 19:19 states: “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border.”
Some have interpreted the “monument” in this verse as the Great Pyramids. However, the Hebrew word translated as “monument” more likely refers to a sacred pillar or altar. Most scholars agree Isaiah 19:19 does not explicitly mention the pyramids.
Exodus 1:11
Exodus 1:11 says the Israelites built the store cities of Pithom and Rameses for the Pharaoh. The Hebrews were forced into labor around the 13th-14th century BC, long after the pyramids were constructed. However, this shows the later pharaohs also exploited laborers for massive building projects similar to the pyramids.
Genesis 11 – Tower of Babel
The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11 bears some thematic similarities to the pyramids as immense, symbolic structures built to make a name and reach the heavens. However, there is no direct textual link between the Tower of Babel and the pyramids.
Genesis 3:24 – Guarding the Garden of Eden
Cherubim guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24. Some propose the Great Sphinx was meant to guard the pyramids, so this verse relates to the Sphinx’s role. But the Sphinx was likely built 1000 years after the pyramids, weakening the connection.
Historical Context of Egypt and the Bible
While the Bible does not specifically mention the pyramids, Egypt plays an important role in biblical history. Abram/Abraham lived in Egypt for a time as described in Genesis 12. Joseph rose to power in Egypt as detailed in Genesis 39-50. The Book of Exodus describes the Israelites’ escape from slavery under the pharaohs.
The pyramids would still have been impressive monuments during the time periods described in Genesis and Exodus. Although not mentioned explicitly, the Bible was composed in a historical context where the extraordinary nature of Egypt’s architecture and power would be well-known. The pyramids show the centralized power of Egypt’s god-kings which continued through the pharaonic rule described in the Bible.
Absence of Pyramids in the Bible
Despite these potential indirect references, most biblical scholars stress that the Great Pyramids themselves are never explicitly mentioned in the text. When describing the Israelites’ bondage in Egypt, the Bible focuses on the harsh labor of brickmaking rather than pyramid building projects that occurred centuries earlier.
The pyramids remained in use and were impressive landmarks in ancient Israelite times. But the Bible concentrates on the Hebrews’ social and spiritual history. In this narrative, Egypt represents bondage and idolatry that the fledgling nation of Israel must escape. The pyramids’ absence underscores how the Bible is shaped by religious themes, not just chronicling ancient monuments for their own sake.
Conclusion
In summary, the Great Pyramids of Giza are never directly mentioned in the Bible. They were constructed around 2500 BC, well before the accounts in the Bible take place. While several passages may vaguely allude to the pyramids, most scholars stress the Bible does not contain explicit references to these ancient structures. The focus of the Bible is conveying the history of the Israelites and their faith, not architecture. The impressive nature of Egypt’s monuments forms part of the historical context, but the pyramids themselves play no direct role in biblical texts and narratives. Despite their lasting fame and awe, the Great Pyramids are essentially lost in silence within the pages of the Bible.