Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, a certificate served as a formal document or written testimony to authenticate or validate a particular matter. The concept of certificates is seen in various contexts within the Scriptures, often related to legal, religious, or social matters.Certificate of Divorce One of the most notable mentions of a certificate in the Bible is the "certificate of divorce." In the Mosaic Law, a certificate of divorce was a legal document that a husband could give to his wife to formally dissolve their marriage. This practice is outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where it states: "If a man marries a woman but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house" (Deuteronomy 24:1). This certificate served as a legal acknowledgment of the dissolution of the marriage, allowing the woman to remarry. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and the certificate associated with it. In Matthew 19:7-8, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce, citing Moses' command to give a certificate of divorce. Jesus responds by highlighting the hardness of human hearts as the reason Moses permitted divorce, but He emphasizes the sanctity and original intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant. Legal and Religious Contexts Certificates in the biblical context also extend to other legal and religious matters. For instance, in the post-exilic period, the Jewish community was concerned with maintaining the purity of their lineage and religious practices. In Ezra 10:16-19, the Israelites who had married foreign women were required to provide a certificate of separation to rectify their disobedience to God's commands regarding intermarriage. Additionally, certificates could serve as proof of authenticity or authority. In the New Testament, letters of commendation or certificates were sometimes used to validate the ministry and authority of apostles and church leaders. The Apostle Paul, for example, refers to such letters in 2 Corinthians 3:1, where he questions the need for letters of recommendation, asserting that the believers themselves are his "letter of recommendation." Symbolic and Spiritual Implications Beyond their legal and social functions, certificates in the Bible can also carry symbolic and spiritual implications. The concept of a written record or certificate can be seen as a metaphor for God's covenant with His people. In Colossians 2:14, Paul speaks of the "certificate of debt" that stood against us, which Christ has canceled by nailing it to the cross. This imagery underscores the redemptive work of Christ, who has nullified the legal demands of sin against humanity. In summary, certificates in the biblical narrative serve as important legal and symbolic instruments, reflecting the cultural, religious, and spiritual dimensions of the ancient world. They illustrate the importance of formal documentation in matters of law, covenant, and personal relationships, while also pointing to deeper theological truths about God's covenantal relationship with His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as, certificate of good behavior.2. (n.) A written declaration legally authenticated. 3. (v. t.) To verify or vouch for by certificate. 4. (v. t.) To furnish with a certificate; as, to certificate the captain of a vessel; a certificated teacher. Greek 647. apostasion -- a forsaking, spec. (bill of) divorce ... Word Origin from aphistemi Definition a forsaking, spec. (bill of) divorce NASB Word Usage certificate of divorce (1), divorce (2). certificate of divorce. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/647.htm - 6k 975. biblion -- a paper, book 5498. cheirographon -- a (handwritten) document, legal note, bond Strong's Hebrew 5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book... Word Origin probably of foreign origin Definition a missive, document, writing, book NASB Word Usage Book (47), book (79), books (2), certificate (3), deed (6 ... /hebrew/5612.htm - 6k Library Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA The Organized Sunday School Bible Class His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land His Journey to South Russia. "Simply Murdered" Epistle xiii. To the Clergy, Concerning those who are in Haste to ... Epistle xxvi. Cyprian to the Lapsed. Epistle x. To the Martyrs and Confessors who Sought that Peace ... The Great Schism Thesaurus Certificate (8 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as, certificate of good behavior. ... 3. (vt) To verify or vouch for by certificate. ... /c/certificate.htm - 9k Return (499 Occurrences) Scrip (7 Occurrences) Money (284 Occurrences) Certainty (23 Occurrences) Divorce (18 Occurrences) Written (323 Occurrences) Register (14 Occurrences) Check (9 Occurrences) Certified (3 Occurrences) Resources What does Deuteronomy 24 teach about divorce? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I show appreciation to my pastor? | GotQuestions.org Did God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.org Certificate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Certificate (8 Occurrences)Matthew 5:31 Matthew 19:7 Mark 10:4 Colossians 2:14 Deuteronomy 24:1 Deuteronomy 24:3 Isaiah 50:1 Jeremiah 3:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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