In the context of biblical study, "defining" refers to the process of clarifying and understanding the meanings of words, concepts, and doctrines as they appear in the Scriptures. This involves examining the original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—as well as considering the historical and cultural contexts in which the texts were written. Defining is crucial for accurate interpretation and application of biblical teachings.

Biblical Language and Meaning

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Each language has its own nuances and idiomatic expressions that can affect the meaning of words and phrases. For example, the Hebrew word "chesed" is often translated as "lovingkindness" or "mercy," but it encompasses a broader sense of covenant loyalty and steadfast love. Similarly, the Greek word "agape" is translated as "love" in English, but it specifically refers to a selfless, sacrificial love that is central to Christian ethics.

Scriptural Examples

1. Faith (πίστις, pistis): In the New Testament, "faith" is a key concept that is defined as trust or belief in God and His promises. Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This definition emphasizes faith as both assurance and conviction, highlighting its foundational role in the believer's life.

2. Grace (χάρις, charis): Grace is a central theme in the New Testament, often defined as unmerited favor from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores grace as a divine gift, essential for salvation and independent of human effort.

3. Repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia): Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." This definition highlights repentance as an active, transformative process that leads to forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

Theological Concepts

Defining theological concepts is essential for understanding Christian doctrine. For instance, the Trinity is a complex doctrine that describes God as three persons in one essence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the term "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible, the concept is derived from passages such as Matthew 28:19 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts is vital for accurate definition. For example, the concept of "kingdom" in the Bible often refers to God's sovereign rule rather than a physical territory. Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:15 , "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" reflects a spiritual reign that challenges earthly powers and calls for a response of faith and repentance.

Conclusion

Defining biblical terms and concepts requires careful study of language, context, and theology. This process helps believers to accurately interpret Scripture and apply its teachings to their lives, ensuring that their understanding aligns with the intended message of the biblical authors.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Define.5419. phrazo -- to show forth, tell
... expound. Probably akin to phrasso through the idea of defining; to indicate (by
word or act), ie (specially), to expound -- declare. see GREEK phrasso. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5419.htm - 6k

5039. tekmerion -- a sure sign
... Neuter of a presumed derivative of tekmar (a goal or fixed limit); a token (as
defining a fact), ie Criterion of certainty -- infallible proof. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5039.htm - 6k

Elucidations.
... These give us a new revelation, prefacing the Gospels (1) by defining the immaculate
conception of Mary in the womb of her mother; and (2) adding a new chapter ...
/.../tertullian/the prescription against heretics/elucidations.htm

Whether Matrimony is Fittingly Defined in the Text?
... is the marital union of man and woman involving living together in undivided
partnership."] For it is necessary to mention matrimony in defining a husband ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is fittingly defined.htm

Whether God Has a Speculative Knowledge of Things?
... Secondly, as regards the manner of knowing"-as, for instance, if a builder consider
a house by defining and dividing, and considering what belongs to it in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god has a speculative.htm

Whether a Habit Can Diminish?
... which relation begins in the accident and terminates in the subject: for "whiteness
is that whereby a thing is white." Accordingly in defining an accident in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a habit can diminish.htm

The Objects of Merit
... After defining the existence of merit the Tridentine Council enumerates its objects
as follows: "If anyone saith that the justified, by the good works which he ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the objects of.htm

The Definition of Faith.
... Following the five holy Ecumenical Councils and the holy and approved Fathers, with
one voice defining that our Lord Jesus Christ must be confessed to be very ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the definition of faith.htm

He Then Exposes the Ignorance of Eunomius
... For by the use of these distinctive terms does the Apostle make the difference between
the several subjects clear and unmistakable, defining the subordinate ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 he then exposes.htm

Survival of the Fittest
... one of standpoint. But the particular point of the objection is worth defining,
and for a remarkable reason. What science really ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/survival of the fittest.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... and their attacks on the moon-god; Gibil, the fire-god, overcomes them and their
snares"The Sumerian gods; Ningirsu: the difficulty of defining them and of ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Its Meaning
... We therefore deem it requisite to devote a whole chapter unto a careful defining
and explaining this word "justification," endeavouring to show both what it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

Defining (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Define. Multi-Version Concordance
Defining (1 Occurrence). Galatians 3:19 Why then was the Law given? ...
/d/defining.htm - 6k

Adummim (2 Occurrences)
... ADUMMIM. a-dum'-im ('adhummim, perhaps "red spots"): "The ascent of Adummim" is
one of the numerous landmarks mentioned in defining the northern border of Judah ...
/a/adummim.htm - 8k

Definite (6 Occurrences)

/d/definite.htm - 8k

Kindness (295 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American), "love of the brethren" in all places, and
so in the King James Version of 1 Peter 1:22, thus defining the disposition ...
/k/kindness.htm - 45k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American), "love of the brethren" in all places, and
so in the King James Version of 1 Peter 1:22, thus defining the disposition ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

Law (670 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An organic rule, as a constitution or charter, establishing and defining
the conditions of the existence of a state or other organized community. ...
/l/law.htm - 101k

Infallible (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (a.) Incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals. See
Infallibility. Multi-Version Concordance Infallible (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/infallible.htm - 7k

Imposed (16 Occurrences)
... It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come
to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator ...
/i/imposed.htm - 11k

Ituraea (1 Occurrence)
... lying between Trachonitis and Galilee, and including Paneas and Ulatha, Augustus
bestowed on Herod, 20 BC (Ant., XV, x, 3). In defining the tetrarchy of Philip ...
/i/ituraea.htm - 10k

Define (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain
or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument. ...
/d/define.htm - 7k

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