In biblical times, the term "chapmen" refers to itinerant merchants or traders who traveled from place to place selling goods. The role of chapmen was significant in the ancient economy, as they facilitated the exchange of goods and services across different regions. The term is derived from the Old English "céapmann," which means a dealer or merchant.

Biblical References:

The concept of chapmen is alluded to in several passages of the Bible, though the specific term "chapmen" is not directly used in most modern translations. The activities of these traders are often implied in the context of commerce and trade in ancient Israel and surrounding nations.

1. 1 Kings 10:15 : "besides what came from the merchants, the traders’ profits, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land." This verse highlights the wealth that came to King Solomon from various sources, including merchants and traders, indicating the presence and importance of chapmen in the economic landscape of the time.

2. Ezekiel 27:12-25 : This passage describes the extensive trade network of Tyre, listing various nations and the goods they traded. The description of Tyre's commerce underscores the role of chapmen in facilitating international trade, as they would have been the ones transporting and exchanging these goods.

3. Proverbs 31:24 : "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants." This verse from the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs suggests that she engages in trade, selling her goods to merchants, who would then distribute them further, possibly through chapmen.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, chapmen were essential for the distribution of goods such as spices, textiles, metals, and other commodities. They often traveled in caravans for safety and efficiency, moving along established trade routes that connected various cities and regions. These traders played a crucial role in the cultural and economic exchanges between different peoples and civilizations.

Cultural and Economic Impact:

Chapmen contributed to the spread of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices as they moved between different regions. Their interactions with diverse cultures facilitated the exchange of not only goods but also knowledge and customs. Economically, they helped stabilize markets by providing access to goods that were not locally available, thus enhancing the prosperity of the regions they served.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The Bible often addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of trade and commerce. Honest dealings and fair trade are emphasized, as seen in passages like Proverbs 11:1 : "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." Chapmen, like all merchants, were expected to conduct their business with integrity and fairness, reflecting the biblical principles of justice and righteousness.

In summary, chapmen were vital figures in the ancient world, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Their presence in biblical narratives underscores the interconnectedness of ancient societies and the importance of commerce in the biblical worldview.(n.) Plural of Chapman.

Of Flattery.
... to those who have the perspicuity to see through them: so that these Merchants are
under a necessity of dealing with the more ignorant Chapmen, and with them ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

The Song of the Little Baltung. AD 395
... 'Oh oft have I heard of the Micklegard, What I held for chapmen's lies; But now
do I know of the Micklegard, By the sight of mine own eyes. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the song of the little.htm

John Chapter ii. 21-Dec
... Therefore, my brethren, just as you see them that sell, common chapmen, each
cries up what he sells: how many stalls they have set up! ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate x john chapter ii.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... These are indeed wholesale chapmen to Satan, that do not truck and barter one crime
for another, but take the whole herd: and though by reason of their ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

Justification by Grace
... Old Rowland Hill once went preaching at a fair; he noticed the chapmen selling their
wares by auction; so Rowland said, "I am going to hold an auction too, to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/justification by grace.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Some come into the worship of God to sleep there; some come thither to meet with
their chapmen, and to get into the wicked fellowship of their vain companions. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... God doth in this, as your great traders do with the goods that their chapmen have
either bought or spoke for; to wit, he sets their name or mark upon them, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Chapmen (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Plural of Chapman. Multi-Version Concordance Chapmen (1 Occurrence). 2
Chronicles 9:14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. ...
/c/chapmen.htm - 6k

Trade (33 Occurrences)
... tarim, from tur, "seek out," in combination with 'aneshe, "men," in 1 Kings 10:15,
is translated "merchant men" by the King James Version, "chapmen" by the ...
/t/trade.htm - 40k

Chapt (1 Occurrence)

/c/chapt.htm - 7k

Chapman

/c/chapman.htm - 7k

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