Reading the Bible is a cross-cultural experience because it involves engaging with ancient Jewish literature. Although modern translations aim to bridge the gap between ancient languages and contemporary readers, cultural assumptions still permeate the text. Recognizing the cultural lens of biblical authors can enhance our understanding. Ancient ideas, such as a view of spiritual reality as foundational to the material world, a collectivist paradigm emphasizing interconnectedness, an honor-shame culture influencing social hierarchies, and a nuanced understanding of ritual purity, shaped the biblical authors’ perspectives.