The Bible is a great historical book to read and once got me hooked on biblical facts. Being an African American, I have always wondered what parts of Africa are mentioned in the Bible. If you started a Bible study or were looking forward to a trip to Africa, you may find this blog useful in finding those African countries mentioned in the Bible.
Africa is a continent with a rich and complex history—one that has been largely overlooked in the Biblical canon. But Africa is mentioned in the Bible—and not just as the home of Ham’s descendants or as a place where Moses and company had to flee for their lives.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on African Countries Mentioned In The Bible.
African Countries Mentioned in the Bible
The Bible mentions a few African countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya. These references are primarily found in the Old Testament. For example, Egypt is mentioned in the story of the Israelites’ exodus, while Ethiopia is mentioned in relation to the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon.
Which African country is mentioned in the Bible? Egypt and Egyptians as well as Cush and Cushites were always mentioned together in the Old Testament, because they both belong to the African nation. Egypt belonged to the northern part of Africa and to a region of the Ancient Near East. Where did Africa originate from in the Bible? TLDR The Bible associates African peoples with the descendants of Noah’s son Cam, and their lineage is connected to ancient Egyptians and various African nations.
What country is Ethiopia in the Bible? It is widely accepted that the eunuch was from modern-day Sudan, which in the first century was the Nubian kingdom52 known broadly as Ethiopia. Is Canaan located in Africa? There is no consensus among scholars regarding the location of the biblical Land of Canaan. Some believe it refers to the Levant, while others propose locations in Arabia or even Africa.
African Countries Mentioned In The Bible
The presence of Africa and Africans—represented by Egypt and Cush/Ethiopia—in the Bible has been acknowledged for centuries by the Orthodox churches in Egypt and Ethiopia. As far as the biblical references to Egypt are concerned, they have played and continue to play a key role in Coptic Church life and identity.
Egypt
One of the most well-known African countries mentioned in the Bible is Egypt. It is featured prominently in several biblical stories, including the story of Moses and the Israelites. In Exodus 12:33-36, it is mentioned how the Israelites plundered the Egyptians before leaving Egypt. The biblical account also highlights Egypt’s role in providing refuge for Jesus and his family when they fled from King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15).
Ethiopia
Another African country mentioned in the Bible is Ethiopia. In Acts 8:26-39, we read about the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah and was later baptized by Philip. This encounter shows how Christianity began to spread to Africa, reaching individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Libya
Libya is also mentioned in the Bible, particularly in connection with the Roman governor Gaius Cornelius, who hailed from North Africa (Acts 2:10). Additionally, Ezekiel 30:4-5 mentions Libya as one of the nations that will fall under God’s judgment.
Sudan
Although not specifically mentioned by name, Sudan, which was often referred to as Cush in biblical times, plays a significant role in the Bible. In Psalm 68:31, it is mentioned that “Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.” This demonstrates the inclusion of Sudan in God’s divine plan for salvation and redemption.
Moab and Ammon
Moab and Ammon were ancient kingdoms located in present-day Jordan but are considered part of the African region mentioned in the Bible. The Moabites and Ammonites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament for their interactions with the Israelites. In Genesis 19:30-38, we read about the origins of Moab and Ammon from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters. These nations played a significant role in biblical prophecy and history.
List of Bible Verses Mentioning African Countries:
There are several references to African countries in the Bible. These references provide insight into ancient trade routes, political alliances, and cultural exchanges between the African continent and the Middle East. Let’s explore some of the African countries mentioned in the Bible and the verses that mention them.
Egypt:
- Genesis 12:10: Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.
- Exodus 13:14: In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.’
Ethiopia:
- Acts 8:27: So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship.
Libya:
- Jeremiah 46:9: Come, you horses and chariots, let us go into the thick of battle! Who are these people that come from the north, from a distant land?
Cush:
- Nahum 3:9: Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were among her allies.
These references to African countries in the Bible highlight the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the importance of Africa in biblical history. By studying these verses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the ancient world.
List of African Countries Mentioned in the Bible
When examining the Bible, we can find references to several African countries. While the primary focus of the Bible is on events and characters in the Middle East, there are mentions of neighboring lands, including regions in Africa.
Here is a list of African countries mentioned in the Bible:
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Libya
- Cush
How Many African Countries Are Mentioned in the Bible?
There are a total of four African countries mentioned in the Bible – Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and Cush.
Jesus in Africa in the Bible
Although there is no direct mention of Jesus visiting Africa in the Bible, there are references that suggest His connection to the continent. One such instance is when Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt with the infant Jesus to escape King Herod’s wrath. Matthew 2:13-15 states:
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So, he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.'”
While it is not explicitly mentioned, this event implies that Jesus and His family sought refuge in Egypt, ultimately establishing a connection to Africa.
The Origin of Africa According to the Bible!
The Bible does not offer a specific account of Africa’s origin. However, it does play a significant role in providing insight into the ancient civilizations and trade routes that connected Africa to the Middle East during biblical times. The biblical narrative portrays Africa as a land of prosperous kingdoms, offering glimpses into its rich cultural heritage and the interactions between African communities and biblical figures.
What Books of the Bible Were Written in Africa?
One of the most prominent books of the Bible believed to be written in Africa is the Book of Genesis, which describes the accounts of creation and early human history. Genesis is attributed to Moses, who spent a considerable part of his life in Egypt, making it likely that he authored this foundational book while residing in Africa. Additionally, the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, collectively known as the Torah or Pentateuch, also have connections to Africa through Moses.
Ancient Africa in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, numerous references depict ancient Africa and its place in biblical narratives. Egypt, in particular, is mentioned extensively in both the Old and New Testaments. Egypt is depicted as both a place of refuge, as seen in the story of Joseph, and also as a powerful kingdom that interacted with Israel throughout its history. Other African lands, such as Ethiopia (also known as Cush) and Libya, are mentioned in relation to their relationship with neighboring nations and empires.
Is the Word “Africa” in the Bible?
While the specific word “Africa” is not mentioned in the Bible, the ancient African countries and regions are referenced. The absence of the term “Africa” in the Bible does not negate the presence and importance of Africa in various biblical stories and historical accounts. The narratives provide us with valuable insights into the connections between Africa and the people and events that shaped biblical history.
African Countries Mentioned In The Bible
There are several African countries mentioned in the Bible, and they have played a key role in shaping the story of Christianity. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Ethiopia was one of the first countries to convert to Christianity, back when it was still called Abyssinia. It was also one of the few countries outside of Israel where Christians were allowed to practise openly, until 1977, when their emperor converted from Christianity to Islam. Ethiopia is also known for being home to one of the earliest Black Christian communities—a community whose members are still persecuted today by their government due to its loyalty to its Christian roots.
Africa is a continent that has been mentioned in the Bible. It is the second largest continent in the world, and it is home to many countries.
Is The Word Africa In The Bible
The Bible mentions some African countries, like Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.
Ethiopia was mentioned in the book of Acts 11:26 as one of the first places where Christianity spread out from Jerusalem after Jesus’ death on the cross (Matthew 28:19). The country of Ethiopia is located in northeast Africa, just south of Egypt. Its capital city is Addis Ababa, which means “new flower” in Amharic (the Ethiopian language). Ethiopia is also known as Abyssinia or Habeshat.
Egypt was mentioned in Matthew 2:13–15 as one of the countries where Jesus grew up during his childhood years before he began his ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23). The country of Egypt is located in North Africa along with Libya and Sudan (Sudan is also mentioned in this blog post).
Churchgists will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for on what was Africa called in the bible, list of countries mentioned in the bible, European countries mentioned in the Bible, and so much more.
What Was Africa Called In The Bible
Let’s start with the most famous name, Cush. Cush was the name given to the African continent in the Old Testament. Genesis 10:6 names Cush as the son of Ham and the ancestor of the African people. Because of this, some people have often equated the land of Cush with the land of Egypt, understanding Cush as establishing the African Egyptian lineage.
In the Bible, the continent of Africa is not specifically named as such. However, there are references to various regions and nations within Africa that provide insight into how the continent was perceived in biblical times.
### Africa in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the region of Africa is often referred to as “the land of Cush.” Cush was a kingdom located in what is now Sudan and Ethiopia. The people of Cush were known for their wealth and power, and are mentioned in several biblical passages. For example, in the book of Genesis, Cush is mentioned as the son of Ham, one of Noah’s sons.
#### Key Points:
– Africa was referred to as the land of Cush in the Old Testament.
– The people of Cush were known for their wealth and power.
### Africa in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the region of Africa is mentioned in relation to Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and is often associated with oppression and slavery. Ethiopia, known as “the land of Cush” in the Old Testament, is mentioned in the book of Acts in relation to the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch by Philip the Evangelist.
#### Key Points:
– Africa is mentioned in relation to Egypt and Ethiopia in the New Testament.
– Ethiopia is mentioned in the book of Acts in connection with the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch.
### Conclusion
While the continent of Africa is not specifically named in the Bible, references to regions within Africa such as Cush, Egypt, and Ethiopia provide insight into how the continent was viewed in biblical times. These references highlight the diversity and significance of Africa in the biblical narrative.
Summary of Key Points:
1. Africa was referred to as the land of Cush in the Old Testament.
2. The people of Cush were known for their wealth and power.
3. Africa is mentioned in relation to Egypt and Ethiopia in the New Testament.
4. Ethiopia is mentioned in the book of Acts in connection with the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch.
The Bible mentions a number of African countries, including Ethiopia and Egypt.
In the Old Testament, the Book of Genesis describes how Abraham left his home in Babylonia to move to Egypt with his wife Sarah and their son Isaac. There, God told Abraham that he would become the father of many nations and that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years before being freed by Moses.
The Book of Exodus describes how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after they had been enslaved there for 400 years. They journeyed through the wilderness for 40 years before arriving at Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Ten Commandments. Moses then led them into battle against an army from Amalekite territory, which was located on Africa’s northern coast at the time.
The Amalekites were defeated in this battle but later returned to Egypt and fought against Israel again at Rephidim (near Mount Sinai). This second conflict ended with David killing Goliath—an Amalekite warrior who had been harassing him while he tended sheep in the valley below Mount Sinai (1 Samuel 17:4-54).
While the Bible is not a book of geology and geography, biblical writers sometimes mention African countries as part of their historical accounts.
Egypt
Egypt is mentioned by name in the Bible. Moses was born in Egypt and lived there for 40 years, until God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, until Moses freed them through a series of 10 plagues inflicted upon Pharaoh.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is mentioned in the Bible many times, beginning with Genesis 2:13 (the story of how Adam and Eve left paradise) and ending with Revelation 7:9-10 (a vision of heaven). Ethiopia is mentioned frequently throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. The country is also singled out by God in Psalms 68:31, which says “Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God.”
In addition to being mentioned in biblical text, Ethiopia played an important role in Christianity’s early history. Several Christian saints are said to have visited or lived there during their lives; Saint Matthew was one such saint who traveled from Jerusalem through Egypt into northern Africa where he preached Christianity until his death near modern day Eritrea.
Eritrea
Eritrea is a country on the Horn of Africa, named after the ancient city of Eritea. While it has been called Kush in the Bible, Eritrea was known as Ethiopia in ancient times. There are many biblical references to Eritrea.
The first mention of Eritrea or Eritea is found in Genesis 2:13 when God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden.
The next mention is found when Jacob left Beersheba with his family and livestock to go to Haran where he would live with his uncle Laban (Genesis 31). They stopped for one night at an unnamed place along their journey that may have been near present day Asmara.
A third reference occurs when Moses sent spies into Canaan prior to taking Israel into Palestine (Numbers 13:17-33). The spies saw what looked like good pastureland for their flocks but also observed giants living there who could kill them easily if they tried anything funny! When Joshua later led Israel into Palestine he began by attacking one city located just north of Asmara called Hebron which means “trouble” or “warrior”—this name certainly fits since it has had trouble throughout its history!
Sudan
Sudan, also known as the Republic of the Sudan, is located in East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north and Eritrea to the east. Sudan is also bounded by Libya to the west, Chad and Central African Republic (CAR) on its southern border, Ethiopia and Djibouti on its western border and Uganda to its north-west corner. In Genesis 10:6-7, Noah’s son Ham was described as having fathered Cush who then fathered Nimrod. Nimrod founded Babylon which became famous for many things including being one of the most beautiful cities on earth at that time before God destroyed it because of their wickedness after they refused to repent when Jonah preached repentance there – see 2 Kings 17:5-6 & 18:11-12
In Genesis 25:3-4, Abraham sent his servant Eliezer with ten camels loaded with gold jewelry including 400 shekels worth of myrrh incense perfume which he gave Laban while Sarah was still alive so that they could become his bride price if he chose her over Rebekah from whom he took both wives – see Genesis 24:1-8.
List Of Countries Mentioned In The Bible
Modern day Africa, in particular North Africa, is mentioned by name in the Bible.
As you might imagine, the Bible was written by people who lived in the Mediterranean region. It was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. These languages were spoken at the time of Christ and used as common languages throughout the Mediterranean region. The authors of these texts were also writing about events that took place in their own day, so it’s not surprising that they would mention Africa by name frequently!
Here are a few examples: Genesis 10:6 mentions Phut (Egypt), Mizraim (Egypt) and Cush (Ethiopia). Psalms 68:31 mentions “Ethiopia” twice; Isaiah 18:1-7 describes how God will punish Egypt because they have forgotten to obey him; Ezekiel 29 speaks against Tyre which is located on the coast of Lebanon; Amos 9:7 describes King David conquering Edomites who lived south of Judah near modern day Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful in your understanding of the geography of African countries mentioned in the Bible.
It’s important to remember that these are just a few countries, and that there are many more—some that we don’t even know about today.
While these countries may be relatively unknown, they were once well-known to those who lived there. They had rich cultures and history, which is still being remembered today.
God bless you all.
