Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "dainty" often refers to delicacies or luxurious foods that are associated with indulgence and sometimes moral caution. The concept of dainties is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often highlighting themes of temptation, self-control, and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.Old Testament References The Hebrew word often translated as "dainties" is "מַטְעַמִּים" (mat'amim), which can mean delicacies or savory foods. In the Old Testament, dainties are frequently associated with the opulence of royal courts or the enticements of the wicked. One notable reference is found in the book of Proverbs, which warns against the seductive nature of such indulgences. Proverbs 23:1-3 advises, "When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you, and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." This passage underscores the idea that dainties, while appealing, can lead to moral compromise or entrapment. Similarly, in Daniel 1:8 , Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king's food and wine, which likely included dainties. His decision reflects a commitment to spiritual purity over physical indulgence, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and faithfulness to God's commandments. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "dainty," the concept is present in discussions about wealth, luxury, and the dangers of excess. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 illustrates the transient nature of earthly pleasures. The rich man, who "feasted sumptuously every day," ultimately finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who suffered in life, is comforted in Abraham's bosom. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of prioritizing material wealth and indulgence over spiritual well-being. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, dainties symbolize the broader theme of temptation and the human tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term spiritual goals. The Bible consistently encourages believers to exercise self-control and to be wary of the seductive allure of worldly pleasures. In 1 John 2:15-17 , the apostle John warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." Practical Application In practical terms, the biblical treatment of dainties encourages believers to cultivate a lifestyle of moderation and to focus on spiritual nourishment rather than physical indulgence. The pursuit of dainties, while not inherently sinful, can become a distraction from one's relationship with God if it leads to excess or moral compromise. Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual growth and obedience to God above the temporary pleasures of this world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in anything.2. (n.) That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy. 3. (n.) A term of fondness. 4. (superl.) Rare; valuable; costly. 5. (superl.) Delicious to the palate; toothsome. 6. (superl.) Nice; delicate; elegant, in form, manner, or breeding; well-formed; neat; tender. 7. (superl.) Requiring dainties. Hence: Overnice; hard to please; fastidious; squeamish; scrupulous; ceremonious. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DAINTIES; DAINTY (MEATS)dan'-tis (maT`ammoth, "things full of taste," man`ammim, ma`adhan; liparos, "fat," "shining"): Jacob is represented as predicting of Asher, "He shall yield royal dainties" (Genesis 49:20; compare parallel clause, "His bread shall be fat," and Deuteronomy 33:24, "Let him dip his foot in oil"). David, praying to be delivered from the ways of "men that work inquiry," cries, "Let me not eat of their dainties" (Psalm 141:4). The man who sitteth "to eat with a ruler" (Proverbs 23:1-3) is counseled, "If thou be a man given to appetite, be not desirous of his dainties; seeing they are deceitful food" (compare John's words in the woes upon Babylon (Revelation 18:14), "All things that were dainties and sumptuous are perished from thee," and Homer's Iliad (Pope). xviii.456). "Dainties," then, are luxuries, costly, delicate and rare. This idea is common to all the words thus rendered; naturally associated with kings' tables, and with the lives of those who are lovers of pleasure and luxury. By their associations and their softening effects they are to be abstained from or indulged in moderately as "deceitful food" by those who would live the simple and righteous life which wisdom sanctions. They are also "offered not from genuine hospitality, but with some by-ends." He should also shun the dainties of the miser (Proverbs 23:6), who counts the cost (Proverbs 23:7 the Revised Version, margin) of every morsel that his guest eats. Greek 5171. truphao -- to live luxuriously ... See 5172 (). 5171 ("indulging in dainty living") is only used in Js 5:5. ["Dainty living" in NT times included going to the public ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5171.htm - 7k 5172. truphe -- softness, daintiness, luxuriousness 3045. liparos -- oily, fatty, fig. rich 3953. paropsis -- a side dish of delicacies Strong's Hebrew 3955. lashad -- juice, juicy or dainty bit, a dainty... 3954, 3955. lashad. 3956 . juice, juicy or dainty bit, a dainty. Transliteration: lashad Phonetic Spelling: (lesh-ad') Short Definition: baked. ... /hebrew/3955.htm - 6k 4574. maadan -- a dainty (food), delight 6026. anog -- to be soft, delicate, dainty 6028. anog -- dainty 5730a. eden -- a luxury, dainty, delight 5730. eden -- a luxury, dainty, delight 4303. matam -- tasty or savory food, dainties 4516. manammim -- delicacies, dainties 8378. taavah -- a desire 3859. laham -- to swallow greedily Library Acts ii. 37 Tryphena and Tryphosa Letter cxvii. To a Mother and Daughter Living in Gaul. Acts x. 44, 46 Antipathies Toleration On Eating. In one of the Few Remaining Streets of Rome which the Vandal Hand ... On Clothes. A Moment's Flashing Glance of Half-Amused Dismay at Angela... Thesaurus Dainty (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DAINTIES; DAINTY (MEATS). ... See DELICATE; FOOD, etc. George B. Eager. Multi-Version Concordance Dainty (7 Occurrences). ... /d/dainty.htm - 10k Goodly (46 Occurrences) Whisperer (4 Occurrences) Innermost (22 Occurrences) Daintily (2 Occurrences) Delicate (32 Occurrences) Meats (9 Occurrences) Morsels (5 Occurrences) Dais (3 Occurrences) Dainties (14 Occurrences) Resources Dainty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dainty (7 Occurrences)Revelation 18:14 Job 33:20 Proverbs 18:8 Proverbs 23:6 Proverbs 26:22 Jeremiah 6:2 Habakkuk 1:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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