Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "fancy" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be explored through related themes such as imagination, desires, and the inclination of the human heart. The Bible provides insight into how human fancy, or imagination, can be both a source of creativity and a potential avenue for sin.Imagination and Creativity The Bible acknowledges the role of imagination in human creativity and the expression of God's image in mankind. In Genesis 1:27, it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This divine image includes the ability to imagine and create, reflecting God's own creative nature. The construction of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 31:1-5, highlights the use of artistic skill and imagination, as God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, granting him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. Imagination and the Heart The Bible also warns about the potential dangers of human fancy when it is not aligned with God's will. In Genesis 6:5, it is written, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This passage illustrates how the imagination of the heart can lead to evil when it is not submitted to God. Jeremiah 17:9 further emphasizes the deceitful nature of the human heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This suggests that human fancy, when left unchecked, can lead to self-deception and sin. Desires and Worldly Fancy The New Testament also addresses the issue of worldly desires and fancy. In 1 John 2:15-17, believers are cautioned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage warns against the allure of worldly fancy, which can distract believers from their devotion to God. The desires of the flesh and eyes, along with pride, are seen as contrary to the will of God and are temporary in nature. Renewal of the Mind The Bible encourages believers to renew their minds and align their imaginations with God's truth. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves submitting one's fancy and imagination to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing for a life that reflects God's will and purpose. In summary, while the term "fancy" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a framework for understanding the role of imagination and desires in the life of a believer. Through the renewal of the mind and submission to God's will, human fancy can be directed towards creativity and righteousness, rather than sin and worldliness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.2. (n.) An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit. 3. (n.) An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression. 4. (n.) Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking. 5. (n.) That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value. 6. (n.) A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad. 7. (v. i.) To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof. 8. (v. i.) To love. 9. (v. t.) To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine. 10. (v. t.) To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners. 11. (v. t.) To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal). 12. (a.) Adapted to please the fancy or taste; ornamental; as, fancy goods. 13. (a.) Extravagant; above real value. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FANCYfan'-si (phantazo, "to cause to appear," "show"): In Ecclesiasticus 34:5, "And the heart fancieth, as a woman's in travail" (compare The Wisdom of Solomon 6:16; Hebrews 12:21). Greek 2755. kenodoxos -- vainglorious ... It is only used in Gal 5:26. 2755 () refers to "foolish fancy" (, "empty opinion"). This is , and . [This is also the meaning of 2755 in the .]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2755.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2031. harhor -- fancy, imagining... 2030, 2031. harhor. 2032 . fancy, imagining. Transliteration: harhor Phonetic Spelling: (har-hor') Short Definition: fantasies. ... /hebrew/2031.htm - 6k 401. Ukal -- an Israelite name 6287. p'er -- to go over the boughs Library But Let this Monstrous and Impious Fancy be Put Far from Us... Of those who Fancy That, on Account of the Saints' Intercession ... Of those who Fancy that the Sins which are Intermingled with Alms ... But Lest any Should Fancy that this was Granted Only to the Twelve ... Now Fancy to Yourself Christ, the Lamb of God... Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... Of those who Fancy that no Men Shall be Punished Eternally. It Seems to Me Also that the Fancy of Plato... The Image of Matter in the Sun, after which Man is Formed ... The Doctrine of Manich??us not Only Uncertain, but False. His ... Thesaurus Fancy (1 Occurrence)... 4. (n.) Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking. ... /f/fancy.htm - 8k Image (126 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Conceit (14 Occurrences) Levitical (19 Occurrences) Arabia (9 Occurrences) Comparative Demonology Demoniac (7 Occurrences) Demon (26 Occurrences) Resources What is Occam's Razor? Does Occam's Razor disprove the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org What is monism? | GotQuestions.org Fancy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fancy (1 Occurrence)Song of Songs 6:12 Subtopics Related Terms |