Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of distribution is often associated with the allocation and sharing of resources, gifts, and responsibilities among individuals or groups. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's provision and the call for His people to act justly and generously.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, distribution is frequently linked to the equitable sharing of land and resources. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel is a prime example. In the Book of Joshua, God commands the distribution of the land to the Israelites, ensuring that each tribe receives its inheritance: "So Joshua took the entire land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land had rest from war" (Joshua 11:23). The concept of distribution also appears in the laws concerning the Year of Jubilee, where land and property were to be returned to their original owners, ensuring that no family would be permanently dispossessed (Leviticus 25:10-13). This reflects God's concern for justice and the prevention of systemic poverty. New Testament Context In the New Testament, distribution takes on a more spiritual and communal dimension. The early church is depicted as a community that practiced the distribution of goods to meet the needs of its members. Acts 4:34-35 describes this practice: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need" . The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of distribution in his letters, particularly in the context of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to believers for the common good: "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" . Principles of Distribution The biblical principle of distribution is rooted in the character of God as a provider and sustainer. It emphasizes the importance of generosity, stewardship, and community. Believers are called to be channels of God's blessings, ensuring that resources—whether material or spiritual—are shared in a manner that reflects God's justice and love. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) further illustrates the responsibility of believers to wisely distribute and utilize the resources entrusted to them by God. The faithful servants are commended for their diligence and stewardship, while the unfaithful servant is rebuked for his inaction. Conclusion The biblical theme of distribution underscores the call for believers to reflect God's character through acts of generosity and justice. Whether through the sharing of material resources or the exercise of spiritual gifts, the faithful distribution of what God has provided is a testament to His provision and a means of building up the body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To divide among several or many; to deal out; to apportion; to allot.2. (v. t.) To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice. 3. (v. t.) To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters, etc. 4. (v. t.) To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes in the cases. 5. (v. t.) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table. 6. (v. t.) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise. 7. (v. i.) To make distribution. Greek 1239. diadidomi -- to hand over, distribute ... to hand over, distribute. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diadidomi Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ad-id'-o-mee) Short Definition: I offer here and there ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1239.htm - 6k 1244. diaireo -- to divide, to distribute 1268. dianemo -- to distribute, to disseminate 1266. diamerizo -- to distribute, to divide 2624. katakleronomeo -- to distribute by lot 3307. merizo -- to divide 2841. koinoneo -- to have a share of 1142. daimon -- a demon 2130. eumetadotos -- ready to impart 4650. skorpizo -- to scatter Strong's Hebrew 5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession... divide, have inheritance, take as a heritage, cause to, give to, make to inherit, distribute for. A primitive root; to inherit (as ... /hebrew/5157.htm - 7k 2505. chalaq -- to divide, share 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 967. bazar -- to scatter 6536. paras -- to break in two, divide 2686. chatsats -- to divide 7080. qasam -- to practice divination 2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share Library Whether Bishops Sin Mortally if they Distribute not to the Poor ... None of those who are in the Order of Laymen May Distribute the ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ... *** end of this project gutenberg ebook history of egypt, chaldaea ... *** end of this project gutenberg ebook history of egypt, chaldaea ... Mr. G. Borrow's Report on Past and Future Operations in Spain ... Rich in Good Works On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... This Text was Translated in 1994 and Revised in 2002 for Project ... Epistle xxx. To Mauricius Augustus. Thesaurus Distribute (23 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice. ... 7. (vi) To make distribution. Multi-Version Concordance Distribute (23 Occurrences). ... /d/distribute.htm - 14k Deal (170 Occurrences) Portions (49 Occurrences) Distributing (8 Occurrences) Distributed (30 Occurrences) Disperse (13 Occurrences) Divide (71 Occurrences) Apportion (19 Occurrences) Shelemiah (10 Occurrences) Distressing (8 Occurrences) Resources How does God distribute spiritual gifts? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Bible society? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Distribute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Distribute (23 Occurrences)Mark 6:41 Mark 8:6 Mark 8:7 Luke 9:16 Luke 18:22 1 Corinthians 7:17 1 Corinthians 13:3 Ephesians 4:28 1 Timothy 6:18 Numbers 33:54 Numbers 34:29 Joshua 13:32 1 Chronicles 24:4 1 Chronicles 24:5 2 Chronicles 31:14 2 Chronicles 31:15 2 Chronicles 31:19 2 Chronicles 35:12 Nehemiah 13:13 Job 21:17 Isaiah 58:7 Daniel 11:24 Daniel 11:39 Subtopics Related Terms |
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