Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "amounting" often relates to the accumulation or gathering of resources, wealth, or spiritual treasures. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where the focus is on the significance of what one accumulates and the heart's attitude towards these possessions.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the accumulation of wealth and resources is frequently mentioned, often as a sign of God's blessing. For instance, Abraham is described as becoming very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2). This wealth is seen as a testament to God's favor and promise to make Abraham a great nation. However, the Old Testament also warns against the dangers of accumulating wealth for its own sake. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of amassing riches, stating, "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The emphasis here is on the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of seeking eternal treasures. New Testament Context The New Testament shifts the focus from material accumulation to spiritual wealth. Jesus teaches about the dangers of storing up earthly treasures, urging His followers to prioritize heavenly treasures instead. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 further illustrates this point. The rich man plans to store his abundant crops in larger barns, only to lose his life that very night. Jesus concludes, "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). The lesson here is clear: spiritual wealth and a relationship with God are of far greater value than material possessions. Spiritual Amounting The Bible encourages believers to focus on spiritual growth and the accumulation of virtues. In 2 Peter 1:5-8, Peter exhorts Christians to "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love" . This passage highlights the importance of spiritual maturity and the development of Christ-like character. The Apostle Paul also speaks of spiritual amounting in terms of the fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, he lists the qualities that should be evident in a believer's life: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . These attributes are the true treasures that Christians are called to cultivate. Conclusion While the Bible acknowledges the reality of material wealth, it consistently emphasizes the greater importance of spiritual riches. Believers are encouraged to focus on accumulating virtues and treasures in heaven, aligning their lives with God's eternal purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Amount.Library The Mutiny of 1857-58. The Hebrew Character of the Book. Preface A Letter from Origen to Africanus. The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. The Church under the Roman Empire Time and Place of Composition. Tendencies Toward a Manifestation of the Unity of the American ... The Pearl. November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ... Thesaurus Amounting (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Amount. Multi-Version Concordance Amounting (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 3:8 He made ... /a/amounting.htm - 6k Amounts (12 Occurrences) Zophar (4 Occurrences) Nettle (2 Occurrences) Graecia Presume (10 Occurrences) Bilhan (3 Occurrences) Corresponding (17 Occurrences) Amounted (3 Occurrences) Aramaic (12 Occurrences) Resources What is progressive creationism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Westcott and Hort, and what did they have to do with the text of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Amounting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Amounting (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 3:8 Subtopics Related Terms |