Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "consuming" can be understood in both literal and metaphorical terms. It often refers to the act of eating or drinking, but it also carries deeper spiritual and moral implications throughout Scripture.Literal Consumption The Bible frequently addresses the act of consuming food and drink, providing guidelines and laws for the Israelites. In Leviticus 11, God outlines dietary laws, specifying which animals are clean and unclean for consumption. This reflects a concern for holiness and obedience to God's commands: "You are to distinguish between the clean and the unclean, and between animals that may be eaten and those that may not" (Leviticus 11:47). In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of consumption in a broader sense. In Matthew 15:11, He states, "A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it." This teaching shifts the focus from external observance to the condition of the heart, emphasizing that spiritual purity is not merely about dietary laws but about one's words and actions. Metaphorical Consumption The Bible also uses the concept of consuming metaphorically to describe spiritual realities. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God is described as "a consuming fire, a jealous God." This imagery conveys God's holiness and His zealous nature in maintaining a covenant relationship with His people. The consuming fire represents both judgment against sin and the purifying presence of God. In the New Testament, the metaphor of consuming is evident in the Lord's Supper. Jesus instructs His disciples to consume bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood, establishing a new covenant through His sacrifice: "Take and eat; this is My body... Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:26-28). This act of consumption signifies participation in the life and death of Christ, fostering unity and remembrance among believers. Warnings Against Excessive Consumption Scripture also warns against excessive consumption, particularly in the form of gluttony and drunkenness. Proverbs 23:20-21 cautions, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty." Such behavior is seen as a lack of self-control and a deviation from a life of discipline and moderation. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 5:18, advising believers, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, the contrast is drawn between physical indulgence and spiritual fulfillment, urging Christians to seek the latter. Spiritual Consumption The theme of consuming is also present in the spiritual nourishment provided by God's Word. In Jeremiah 15:16, the prophet declares, "Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight." This metaphorical consumption of God's Word signifies internalizing divine truth, leading to spiritual growth and joy. Similarly, Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:35, inviting believers to partake in Him for eternal sustenance: "Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This highlights the essential nature of a relationship with Christ for spiritual fulfillment and eternal life. In summary, the concept of consuming in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting God's concern for holiness, obedience, and the well-being of His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of moderation, the pursuit of spiritual nourishment, and the transformative power of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Consume.Greek 1160. dapane -- expense, cost ... cost. From dapto (to devour); expense (as consuming) -- cost. (dapanen) -- 1 Occurrence. 1159, 1160. dapane. 1160a . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1160.htm - 5k 2654. katanalisko -- to use up Strong's Hebrew 5556. solam -- a locust... Word Origin probably from the same as sela Definition a locust NASB Word Usage devastating locust (1). Consuming locust. Apparently ... /hebrew/5556.htm - 6k 398. akal -- to eat 2152. zalaphah -- raging heat Library The Consuming Fire. On God. But as it is in Mockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming ... Prayer and Desire How to Dwell in the Fire of God Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Argument. --Moreover, that when God is Called a Spirit, Brightness ... Exodus iii. 6 The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant. Him Cyrus, his Grandson by his Daughter, Expelled from the Kingdom ... Thesaurus Consuming (26 Occurrences)... n.) of Consume. Multi-Version Concordance Consuming (26 Occurrences). Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /c/consuming.htm - 14k Burning (415 Occurrences) Openeth (48 Occurrences) Consumeth (37 Occurrences) Logos Locust (25 Occurrences) Glowing (14 Occurrences) Wastes (33 Occurrences) Wrath (503 Occurrences) Inundation (6 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhy can't Catholics eat meat on Fridays during Lent? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org Consuming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Consuming (26 Occurrences)Hebrews 12:29 Exodus 24:17 Numbers 26:10 Deuteronomy 4:24 Deuteronomy 9:3 Deuteronomy 28:32 Deuteronomy 32:24 Judges 6:21 2 Samuel 22:9 2 Kings 13:17 2 Kings 13:19 Job 9:22 Psalms 14:4 Psalms 18:8 Isaiah 1:7 Isaiah 29:6 Isaiah 30:27 Isaiah 30:30 Isaiah 33:14 Isaiah 49:19 Jeremiah 2:3 Jeremiah 12:12 Jeremiah 14:12 Jeremiah 30:16 Lamentations 2:3 Joel 2:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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