The name "Chapman" does not appear directly in the Bible; however, it is a surname of English origin, historically referring to a merchant or trader. The term "chapman" itself is derived from the Old English "céapmann," meaning "merchant" or "trader." While the Bible does not mention this specific term, the concept of trade and commerce is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the economic activities of ancient societies.

Biblical Context of Trade and Commerce

Trade and commerce were integral to the economic life of ancient Israel and the surrounding nations. The Bible provides numerous references to merchants and traders, highlighting their roles in society and the moral implications of their activities.

1. Old Testament References:
· In the Old Testament, trade is often associated with the exchange of goods and services. For example, the book of Genesis describes the caravan of Ishmaelites who were traders traveling from Gilead to Egypt, carrying spices, balm, and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). This passage illustrates the long-distance trade routes that connected different regions.
· The book of Proverbs offers wisdom concerning honest trade, emphasizing integrity and fairness. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the importance of honesty in commercial dealings.

2. New Testament References:
· In the New Testament, Jesus' parables often include references to commerce and trade, using them as metaphors for spiritual truths. For instance, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) involves servants entrusted with their master's wealth, expected to trade and increase it. This parable underscores the value of diligence and stewardship.
· The cleansing of the temple, where Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants (Matthew 21:12-13), reflects His concern for the purity of worship and the dangers of commercialism corrupting spiritual practices.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible consistently emphasizes ethical conduct in trade and commerce. The prophets frequently condemned dishonest practices and exploitation. Amos 8:5-6 criticizes those who "trample the needy" and "do away with the poor of the land," highlighting the social injustices linked to unethical trade practices.

The biblical perspective on commerce is not inherently negative; rather, it calls for righteousness and justice in all economic activities. The Bible encourages fair treatment, honesty, and concern for the well-being of others, aligning with the broader biblical principles of love and justice.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In biblical times, merchants played a crucial role in the economy, facilitating the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, metals, and agricultural products. Cities like Tyre and Sidon were renowned for their trade networks, as described in Ezekiel 27, which portrays Tyre as a bustling hub of commerce.

The cultural context of trade in the Bible reflects a world where economic activities were deeply intertwined with social and religious life. Markets were not only centers of commerce but also places of social interaction and cultural exchange.

Conclusion

While the specific name "Chapman" does not appear in the Bible, the themes of trade and commerce are woven throughout the biblical narrative. The Scriptures provide guidance on ethical conduct in business, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and justice. Through its teachings, the Bible offers timeless principles applicable to all who engage in commerce, encouraging a life that honors God in every transaction.Chapman

(i.e. cheap man), merchant.

1. (n.) One who buys and sells; a merchant; a buyer or a seller.

2. (n.) A peddler; a hawker.

CHAPMAN

chap'-man (plural 'anshe ha-tarim): Word used only once in the King James Version (2 Chronicles 9:14, the American Standard Revised Version "the traders"; compare also 1 Kings 10:15 the Revised Version (British and American), where the Hebrew uses the same expression). The English word means "merchant"; compare the verb "to chaffer," and the German Kaufmann. The Hebrew means "those who go about" as merchants.

8447. tor -- a plait, turn
... 2), standard (1), turn (2). chapman, sent to descry, be excellent, merchantman,
search out, seek, espy out. Or tor {tore}; from tuwr ...
/hebrew/8447.htm - 6k

And Judas Iscariot
... AND JUDAS ISCARIOT. TOGETHER WITH OTHER EVANGELISTIC ADDRESSES. BY. J. WILBUR CHAPMAN.
HODDER & STOUGHTON. NEW YORK. GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY. Copyright. 1906. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/title page.htm

Introduction
... Therefore it is a privilege and pleasure to put into book form some of the sermons
which Dr. Chapman has preached in his evangelistic work and also as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/introduction.htm

And Judas Iscariot
And Judas Iscariot. <. And Judas Iscariot J. Wilbur Chapman. Produced by Al
Haines Table of Contents. Title Page. INTRODUCTION. AND JUDAS ISCARIOT. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/

And Judas Iscariot
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm

An Old-Fashioned Home
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/an old-fashioned home.htm

The Swelling of Jordan
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the swelling of jordan.htm

A Call to Judgment
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a call to judgment.htm

A Changed Life
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a changed life.htm

The Lost Opportunity
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the lost opportunity.htm

A Great victory
And Judas Iscariot. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a great victory.htm

Chapman
... 1. (n.) One who buys and sells; a merchant; a buyer or a seller. 2. (n.) A
peddler; a hawker. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHAPMAN. ...
/c/chapman.htm - 7k

Trade (33 Occurrences)
... 7; "Canaan," margin "merchant people," Isaiah 23:11; Zechariah 1:11, and compare
"land of traffic," margin "land of Canaan," Ezekiel 17:4. See CHAPMAN; OCCUPY. ...
/t/trade.htm - 40k

Pelican (5 Occurrences)
... (See Fictitious Creatures in Art, 182-86, London, Chapman and Hall, 1906.) Palestine
knew a white and a brownish-gray bird, both close to 6 ft. ...
/p/pelican.htm - 11k

Chaplet (2 Occurrences)

/c/chaplet.htm - 7k

Chapmen (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Chapman. Multi-Version Concordance
Chapmen (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 9:14 Beside that ...
/c/chapmen.htm - 6k

Habit (9 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To inhabit. 6. (n.) To dress; to clothe; to array. 7. (n.) To accustom;
to habituate. [Obs.] Chapman. Multi-Version Concordance Habit (9 Occurrences). ...
/h/habit.htm - 10k

John (154 Occurrences)
... Zahn and Dom J. Chapman (John the Presbyter and the Fourth Gospel, 1911) think also
that there was only one John at Ephesus, but he was the son of Zebedee. ...
/j/john.htm - 101k

Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... For the proof of this, impossible within our limits, we refer to the learned argument
of John Chapman, in his work John the Presbyter and the Fourth Gospel ...
/a/apostle.htm - 87k

Gospel (108 Occurrences)
... Zahn and Dom J. Chapman (John the Presbyter and the Fourth Gospel, 1911) think also
that there was only one John at Ephesus, but he was the son of Zebedee. ...
/g/gospel.htm - 101k

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