Bible Dictionary
ADVERTISE
In older English, to advertise meant to advise or inform. Balaam used the word when telling Balak what would happen, and Boaz used it when informing Ruth’s nearer kinsman.
Definition
In older English, advertise meant to advise, inform, or reveal something to another person. It did not carry the modern sense of promoting goods or services.
Biblical Usage
Balaam used the word when advising Balak concerning Israel’s future and its influence on his kingdom. Boaz used it when informing Ruth’s nearer kinsman about the matter of redemption.
Historical Background
The underlying expressions mean “to advise” and “to uncover the ear,” or reveal.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ad'-ver-tiz: This word is found twice in the Old Testament: In Nu 24:14 (from Hebrew, ya`ats, "to advise") Balsam advises Balak of the future of Israel and its influence upon his kingdom ("I will advertise thee"). In the King James Version Ru 4:4 (from galah 'ozen, "to uncover the ear," "to reveal") Boaz in speaking to the nearer kinsman of Ruth: "I thought to advertise thee" (the Revised Version, margin "uncover thine ear").</p>