Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of the "circle" appears in various contexts, often symbolizing completeness, eternity, and the divine order. The term is used both literally and metaphorically, reflecting the ancient understanding of the world and God's creation.Creation and Cosmology The most notable reference to a circle in the Bible is found in the context of creation and the description of the earth. In Isaiah 40:22, the prophet writes, "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." Here, the "circle of the earth" suggests a divine perspective on the world, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the vastness of His creation. The imagery of God sitting above the circle conveys His authority and the order He imposes on the universe. Similarly, in Proverbs 8:27, wisdom is personified and speaks of being present at the creation: "When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep." This passage highlights the intentionality and precision of God's creative work, with the circle symbolizing the boundary and structure He established. Symbolism and Interpretation The circle is often interpreted as a symbol of perfection and eternity, reflecting God's nature. Unlike a line, which has a beginning and an end, a circle is continuous and unbroken, representing the eternal nature of God and His unending covenant with His people. This symbolism is consistent with the biblical theme of God's eternal promises and His unchanging nature. In the context of biblical numerology, the circle can also be associated with the number seven, which signifies completeness and divine perfection. The creation week, culminating in the Sabbath, is a cycle that reflects God's perfect order and rest. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the circle was a common symbol in art and architecture, often representing the heavens or the divine realm. This cultural backdrop provides insight into the biblical use of the circle as a metaphor for God's encompassing presence and the harmony of His creation. Theological Implications The use of the circle in Scripture invites reflection on God's omnipresence and omnipotence. It serves as a reminder of His eternal nature and the completeness of His plans. The circle's symbolism encourages believers to trust in God's perfect design and His sovereign control over the universe. In summary, the concept of the circle in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of creation, divine order, and eternal perfection. It serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding God's nature and His relationship with the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A plane figure, bounded by a single curve line called its circumference, every part of which is equally distant from a point within it, called the center.2. (n.) The line that bounds such a figure; a circumference; a ring. 3. (n.) An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle. 4. (n.) A round body; a sphere; an orb. 5. (n.) Compass; circuit; enclosure. 6. (n.) A company assembled, or conceived to assemble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie; a class or division of society; a coterie; a set. 7. (n.) A circular group of persons; a ring. 8. (n.) A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself. 9. (n.) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning. 10. (n.) Indirect form of words; circumlocution. 11. (n.) A territorial division or district. 12. (n.) To move around; to revolve around. 13. (n.) To encompass, as by a circle; to surround; to enclose; to encircle. 14. (v. i.) To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CIRCLEsur'-k'-l: Is used with reference to the vault of the heavens (hugh) in Isaiah 40:22, and in a similar sense in The Wisdom of Solomon 13:2 (Revised Version margin), "circle of stars" (kuklos astron). It is also used in the sense of surrounding territory, as in the expression "circle of Jordan" (Genesis 13:10 the Revised Version, margin). EARTH, CIRCLE OF THE See ASTRONOMY, sec. III, 1, 3. Greek 2945. kuklo -- around ... around. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kuklo Phonetic Spelling: (koo'-klo) Short Definition: a circle Definition: a circle, ring. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2945.htm - 6k 2943. kuklothen -- to encircle 1056. Galilaia -- Galilee, the northern region of Palestine, also ... 4043. peripateo -- to walk 4107. planetes -- a wanderer Strong's Hebrew 2328. chug -- to draw around, make a circle... 2327, 2328. chug. 2329 . to draw around, make a circle. Transliteration: chug Phonetic Spelling: (khoog) Short Definition: circle. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/2328.htm - 6k 1754. dur -- a circle, ball 1537. Gilgal -- "circle (of stones)," the name of several places ... 1524b. gil -- a circle, age 2329. chug -- vault, horizon 2287. chagag -- to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast 5439. sabib -- circuit, round about 1551. galil -- a cylinder, rod, circuit, district, also a district ... 5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround 1752. dur -- to heap up, pile, dwell Library Touching a Limitless Circle. Now all this Circle of Science and Arts, Whether Liberal or ... The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him The Konigsberg Circle And when the Circle of Three Years had Rolled Round... The Parable of the Sower. --Christ's Explanation of the Parable to ... Of the Statement which John Made Concerning the Man who Cast Out ... Relations of John to the People, and to the Narrower Circle of his ... The one Purpose of Prayer. The Doctrine of Mathematicians not Wholly to be Despised, when ... Thesaurus Circle (32 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle. ... 14. (vi) To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate. ... /c/circle.htm - 17k Tent-circle (45 Occurrences) Round (664 Occurrences) Ciccar Compass (51 Occurrences) Ring (33 Occurrences) Compasses (1 Occurrence) Cities (427 Occurrences) Meridian (1 Occurrence) Pole (21 Occurrences) Resources What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgIs the idea of a Kairos Moment / Kairos Circle biblical? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose Peter, James, and John to be His inner circle? | GotQuestions.org Circle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Circle (32 Occurrences)Mark 3:34 Mark 6:6 Romans 15:19 Hebrews 13:11 Hebrews 13:13 Revelation 7:11 Revelation 20:9 Exodus 29:14 Leviticus 4:12 Deuteronomy 34:3 Joshua 6:3 1 Samuel 17:20 1 Samuel 23:26 1 Samuel 26:5 1 Samuel 26:7 2 Samuel 5:23 2 Kings 11:8 1 Chronicles 14:14 2 Chronicles 23:7 Job 19:19 Job 22:14 Job 26:10 Psalms 17:11 Psalms 19:6 Psalms 88:17 Proverbs 8:27 Song of Songs 1:12 Isaiah 5:5 Isaiah 40:22 Jeremiah 15:17 Daniel 1:10 Joel 3:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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