Delineation
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Definition and Context
Delineation refers to the act of describing or outlining with precision and detail. In a biblical context, delineation often involves the clear and detailed description of God's laws, commandments, and the roles and responsibilities of His people. It is the process by which God communicates His will and purposes to humanity, often through His prophets, scriptures, and the life of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Examples

1. The Law Given to Moses
One of the most significant examples of delineation in the Bible is the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. God provided Moses with detailed instructions and commandments that were to govern the lives of the Israelites. This included the Ten Commandments, which serve as a moral foundation. The Bible states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction'" (Exodus 24:12). This delineation was crucial for establishing a covenant relationship between God and His people.

2. The Tabernacle and Temple Instructions
Another example is the detailed instructions given for the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. God provided specific measurements, materials, and designs to ensure that these places of worship were built according to His divine plan. In Exodus 25:9, God instructs, "You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you" . This precise delineation underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

3. Prophetic Messages
The prophets of the Old Testament often received and conveyed messages from God with great specificity. These messages included warnings, promises, and future events. For instance, the prophet Isaiah received a vision concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 53 provides a detailed prophecy about the suffering servant, which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This chapter delineates the nature and purpose of the Messiah's suffering and sacrifice.

4. The Teachings of Jesus
Jesus Christ's teachings in the New Testament are marked by clear delineation of moral and spiritual truths. Through parables, sermons, and direct instruction, Jesus outlined the principles of the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides a detailed exposition of righteous living, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). His teachings delineate the attitudes and behaviors expected of His followers.

5. The Apostolic Letters
The epistles in the New Testament, written by apostles such as Paul, Peter, and John, offer detailed guidance on Christian doctrine and conduct. These letters address specific issues within early Christian communities and provide instructions for living a life pleasing to God. For example, in Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul writes, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This delineation helps believers understand their identity and responsibilities in Christ.

Theological Significance

Delineation in the Bible serves to reveal God's character, will, and purposes. It emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision in understanding divine truths. Through delineation, God communicates His expectations and provides a framework for living a life that honors Him. The detailed nature of biblical delineation underscores the seriousness with which God approaches His relationship with humanity and the order He desires in creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) The act of representing, portraying, or describing, as by lines, diagrams, sketches, etc.; drawing an outline; as, the delineation of a scene or face; in drawing and engraving, representation by means of lines, as distinguished from representation by means of tints and shades; accurate and minute representation, as distinguished from art that is careless of details, or subordinates them excessively.

2. (n.) A delineated picture; representation; sketch; description in words.

Library

Appendix.
... Elliott, "Delineation of Roman Catholicism," bk.2, ch.12; Catholic Encyclopaedia,
art. Purgatory. ... Elliott, "Delineation of Roman Catholicism," bk.2, ch.4, 5. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /appendix.htm

Introduction
... carried us (and we have endeavored to make it as thorough as possible) there seem
to have been very few attempts made to furnish a complete delineation of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/introduction.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... Ophla, or Ophel, lay between the south-east corner and the porch of the Temple;
which cannot at all be conceived, if you begin Nehemiah's delineation at any ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Introduction.
... solemn Covenanting. Nay, as including these services and others, though as
different from each of them, they give its delineation. To ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/introduction.htm

The Preacher as a Man.
... sides of the ministerial character were developed in almost supernatural maturity
and harmony; and, besides, the materials for a full delineation are available ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture vi the preacher as.htm

Victory Found
... she has! If she would only live more as she preaches!". Then followed a
full and true delineation of my life and character. So true ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/x victory found.htm

Conclusion
... That which is dominant in Matthew's delineation of the Lord Jesus is the presentation
of Him as the Son of David, the Heir of Israel's throne, the Messiah and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/conclusion.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... For I am undone" (Is.6:5). Such a delineation of Deity is as far beyond
man's conception as the heavens are above the earth. No ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Introduction.
... When the reader has followed our delineation to the close, and inspected every feature
of this virtuous queen, we trust the decision of his heart will be yet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /introduction.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... 2. These words give us an exact delineation of the Christian heart that sincerely
believes in the holy Gospel. Such hearts are rare in the world. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Thesaurus
Delineation (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The act of representing, portraying, or describing, as by lines, diagrams,
sketches, etc.; drawing an outline; as, the delineation of a scene or face ...
/d/delineation.htm - 7k

Draw (212 Occurrences)
... 15. (vt) To run, extend, or produce, as a line on any surface; hence, also, to form
by marking; to make by an instrument of delineation; to produce, as a sketch ...
/d/draw.htm - 41k

Projection (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The representation of something; delineation; plan; especially, the
representation of any object on a perspective plane, or such a delineation as would ...
/p/projection.htm - 8k

Plan (58 Occurrences)
... or form; properly, a representation drawn on a plane, as a map or a chart; especially,
a top view, as of a machine, or the representation or delineation of a ...
/p/plan.htm - 23k

Deli'lah (6 Occurrences)
Deli'lah. Delilah, Deli'lah. Delineation . Multi-Version Concordance Deli'lah
(6 Occurrences). ... (DBY RSV). Delilah, Deli'lah. Delineation . Reference Bible
/d/deli'lah.htm - 8k

Outline (4 Occurrences)
... a figure is indicated. 3. (n.) A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation
of a figure without shading. 4. (n.) Fig.: A sketch ...
/o/outline.htm - 8k

Description (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of describing; a delineation
by marks or signs. 2. (n.) A sketch or account of anything ...
/d/description.htm - 8k

Design (84 Occurrences)
... preliminary sketch; an outline or pattern of the main features of something to be
executed, as of a picture, a building, or a decoration; a delineation; a plan ...
/d/design.htm - 33k

Draught (8 Occurrences)
... potion or potation. 13. (n.) A sketch, outline, or representation, whether
written, designed, or drawn; a delineation. 14. (n.) An ...
/d/draught.htm - 11k

Drawing (60 Occurrences)
... used not to represent the colors of natural objects, but for effect only, and produced
with hard material such as pencil, chalk, etc.; delineation; also, the ...
/d/drawing.htm - 26k

Resources
Delineation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Delineation (1 Occurrence)

1 Timothy 1:16
But for this reason mercy was shewn me, that in me, the first, Jesus Christ might display the whole long-suffering, for a delineation of those about to believe on him to life eternal.
(DBY)

Subtopics

Delineation

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Delilah's Attempts to Discover Samson's Secret
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