Topical Encyclopedia The term "dissolve" in the Bible is often used metaphorically to describe the breaking down or disintegration of physical, spiritual, or moral structures. It conveys a sense of impermanence and the eventual end of worldly things, aligning with the biblical theme of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal nature of God's kingdom.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the concept of dissolving is frequently associated with the judgment and destruction of nations or cities. For example, in Isaiah 34:4 , it is written, "All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The sky will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree." This imagery portrays the cosmic upheaval that accompanies divine judgment, emphasizing the power of God to dismantle even the heavens. The Hebrew word often translated as "dissolve" can also imply a melting or softening, as seen in Psalm 75:3 : "When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars." Here, the psalmist speaks of the earth's foundations being shaken, yet upheld by God's sovereign power. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the idea of dissolving is linked to the end times and the transformation of the current world order. 2 Peter 3:10-12 provides a vivid description: "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be dissolved by fire and the elements will melt in the heat." This passage underscores the temporary nature of the physical world and calls believers to live in holiness and godliness in anticipation of the new heavens and new earth promised by God. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of dissolving serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human achievements and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It encourages believers to focus on spiritual realities rather than temporal ones. The dissolution of the current world order is not to be feared by the faithful, as it heralds the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Moral and Spiritual Lessons From a moral and spiritual perspective, the biblical use of "dissolve" challenges individuals to examine their lives and priorities. It calls for a detachment from material possessions and worldly status, urging a commitment to spiritual growth and readiness for the return of Christ. The imagery of dissolving elements serves as a powerful metaphor for the purification and renewal that God promises to those who remain steadfast in faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To diffuse; to break down; to melt into; to separate into competent parts; as, to dissolve sugar; to dissolve a company; to disorganize; to break up; hence, to bring to an end by separating the parts, sundering a relation, etc.; to terminate; to destroy; to deprive of force; as, to dissolve a partnership; to dissolve Parliament.2. (v. t.) To break the continuity of; to disconnect; to disunite; to sunder; to loosen; to undo; to separate. 3. (v. t.) To convert into a liquid by means of heat, moisture, etc.,; to melt; to liquefy; to soften. 4. (v. t.) To solve; to clear up; to resolve. 5. (v. t.) To relax by pleasure; to make powerless. 6. (v. t.) To annul; to rescind; to discharge or release; as, to dissolve an injunction. 7. (v. i.) To waste away; to be dissipated; to be decomposed or broken up. 8. (v. i.) To become fluid; to be melted; to be liquefied. 9. (v. i.) To fade away; to fall to nothing; to lose power. Greek 3089. luo -- to loose, to release, to dissolve ... to loose, to release, to dissolve. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: luo Phonetic Spelling: (loo'-o) Short Definition: I loose, untie, release, destroy ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3089.htm - 9k 1262. dialuo -- to break up 2647. kataluo -- to destroy, overthrow Strong's Hebrew 4529. masah -- to melt, dissolve, be liquefied... 4528, 4529. masah. 4530 . to melt, dissolve, be liquefied. Transliteration: masah Phonetic Spelling: (maw-saw') Short Definition: consume. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/4529.htm - 6k 4549. masas -- to dissolve, melt 4127. mug -- to melt 4743. maqaq -- to decay, rot, fester, pine away 8271. shera -- to loosen, abide 1638. garas -- to be crushed 2490. chalal -- to bore, pierce 6565. parar -- to break, frustrate Library Whether Other Sins Dissolve Marriage? He Explains what it Means to Confess, and what it Means to ... Whether a Solemn Vow Dissolves a Marriage Already Contracted? Whether it is Fitting that Impediments Should be Assigned to ... Whether the Believer who Leaves his Unbelieving Wife Can Take ... Ezra, the Praying Reformer To Brother Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers Whether Christ's Body was Reduced to Dust in the Tomb? Whether the Husband, Being Converted to the Faith, May Remain with ... Whether Slavery Can Supervene to Marriage? Thesaurus Dissolve (4 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To diffuse; to break down; to melt into; to separate into competent parts; as, to dissolve sugar; to dissolve a company; to disorganize; to break up ... /d/dissolve.htm - 8k Resolve (3 Occurrences) Relent (15 Occurrences) Dissolved (12 Occurrences) Divorce (18 Occurrences) Break (257 Occurrences) Knots (2 Occurrences) Leach (1 Occurrence) Wearied (36 Occurrences) Inscription (18 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about an unhappy marriage? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.org Dissolve: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dissolve (4 Occurrences)Job 30:22 Psalms 6:6 Daniel 5:16 Nahum 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |