Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of "external" often pertains to outward appearances, actions, or elements that are visible and tangible, as opposed to internal or spiritual realities. The Bible frequently contrasts external observances with internal faith and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of the heart's condition over mere outward compliance.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Law given to Israel included numerous external rituals and ceremonies. These were intended to set the Israelites apart as God's chosen people and to symbolize deeper spiritual truths. For instance, circumcision was an external sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17:10-11). However, the prophets often reminded the people that external compliance without internal devotion was insufficient. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." New Testament Context The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their focus on external religious practices while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of external versus internal righteousness. In Romans 2:28-29, he writes, "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God." Spiritual Implications The emphasis on internal transformation over external observance is a central theme in Christian theology. The New Covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, focuses on the internal work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. This internal change is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, rather than mere external adherence to religious rituals. Practical Application For believers, the biblical teaching on external versus internal righteousness serves as a call to examine one's heart and motives. It encourages a focus on genuine faith and love for God, which naturally results in righteous living. External actions, while important, should flow from a transformed heart rather than serve as a substitute for true spiritual devotion. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Outward; exterior; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.2. (a.) Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind. 3. (a.) Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral. 4. (a.) Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial. 5. (a.) Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom. 6. (a.) Away from the medial plane of the body; lateral. 7. (n.) Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the plural. Greek 1855. exothen -- from without ... and prep; with article: the outside. Word Origin from exo Definition from without NASB Word Usage external (1), outside (9), outwardly (1), without (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1855.htm - 6k 2680. kataskeuazo -- to prepare 4976. schema -- figure, shape 3924. parektos -- in addition, except 3799. opsis -- the act of seeing, the sense of sight 4561. sarx -- flesh 809. aschemon -- shapeless, ie fig. unseemly 3787. ophthalmodoulia -- eye service 288. ampelos -- vine 1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning Strong's Hebrew 2435. chitson -- outer, external... 2434, 2435. chitson. 2436 . outer, external. Transliteration: chitson Phonetic Spelling: (khee-tsone') Short Definition: outer. ... /hebrew/2435.htm - 6k 1512. gachon -- belly (of reptiles) Library Whether the Goodness and Malice of the External Action are the ... Whether Sin Has an External Cause? Whether Religion Has an External Act? Of Goodness and Malice in External Human Affairs (Six Articles) Whether the External Action Adds any Goodness or Malice to that of ... Of Scrupulosities About External Duties, as the Office, Fasting... Whether any External Goods are Necessary for Happiness? The Great Difference Between External and Internal Penances. Whether the Acts of the External Members are Commanded? Names and External Form of the Old Testament Thesaurus External (8 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Outward; exterior; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body. ... /e/external.htm - 9k External-braiding (1 Occurrence) Outward (17 Occurrences) Passion (82 Occurrences) Exterior (1 Occurrence) Apparel (38 Occurrences) Poetry Fashion (24 Occurrences) Authority (326 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Resources Does God have free will? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Divine Command Theory? | GotQuestions.org Is the Bible truly God's Word? | GotQuestions.org External: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance External (8 Occurrences)Romans 2:28 1 Corinthians 7:37 2 Corinthians 11:28 Galatians 2:6 Galatians 3:3 Galatians 6:12 Colossians 3:22 Hebrews 9:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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