Topical Encyclopedia The term "faring" in the context of the Bible generally refers to the state of well-being, progress, or journeying of individuals or groups. It is often used to describe how someone is doing in terms of health, prosperity, or spiritual condition. The concept of faring well or poorly is deeply intertwined with the biblical themes of divine blessing, obedience, and the consequences of sin.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the well-being of individuals and nations is frequently linked to their relationship with God. For instance, the Israelites' prosperity in the Promised Land was contingent upon their obedience to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, illustrating how the Israelites would fare based on their faithfulness to God. The account of Joseph provides a narrative example of faring well despite adverse circumstances. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt. His ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams led to the preservation of Egypt and his own family during a severe famine. Genesis 39:2 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master." Joseph's success is attributed to God's presence and favor, demonstrating the biblical principle that true prosperity comes from God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of faring well is often spiritualized, focusing on the state of one's soul and relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently speaks of spiritual well-being and growth. For example, in 3 John 1:2 , John writes, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." Here, the emphasis is on the prosperity of the soul, suggesting that spiritual health is paramount. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 serves as a cautionary tale about equating material wealth with true well-being. The rich man, who stored up earthly treasures, is called a fool because he neglected his spiritual state. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). This underscores the biblical teaching that faring well in God's eyes involves being "rich toward God" rather than merely accumulating earthly possessions. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, faring well is closely associated with living in accordance with God's will. The Bible teaches that true prosperity and well-being are found in a life that honors God and seeks His kingdom. This is evident in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), where Jesus describes the blessedness of those who embody the values of the kingdom of heaven, such as humility, mercy, and righteousness. Moreover, the concept of faring well extends to the community of believers. The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, exemplifies a community that fared well through devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their communal life, marked by generosity and unity, resulted in spiritual and numerical growth, indicating that collective well-being is also a biblical concern. Conclusion In summary, the biblical concept of faring encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, with a strong emphasis on the latter. It is intricately linked to one's relationship with God, obedience to His commandments, and the pursuit of His kingdom. Whether in the context of individual lives or the broader community of faith, faring well is ultimately about aligning with God's purposes and experiencing His blessings. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fare.Strong's Hebrew 733. Arach -- perhaps "traveler," an Israelite name... name NASB Word Usage Arah (4). Arach, the name of three Israelites. From 'arach; way faring; Arach, the name of three Israelites: Arah. see HEBREW 'arach. ... /hebrew/733.htm - 6k 1980. halak -- to go, come, walk 3220. yam -- sea 5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on Library Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ... The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. Of Faith. Varying Doctrine Concerning the Gods. Second Great Group of Parables. A Parable to the Lovers of Money. Ruth Letter xiv . --To the Bishop of Melitene. The Yoke of Jesus. Jerusalem to Rome Thesaurus Faring (2 Occurrences)...Faring (2 Occurrences). Luke 16:19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: (ASV). ... /f/faring.htm - 7k Way-faring (6 Occurrences) Sea-faring (1 Occurrence) Farewell (13 Occurrences) Wayfaring (7 Occurrences) Farm (9 Occurrences) Waylaid (1 Occurrence) Sea-force (3 Occurrences) Seafaring (2 Occurrences) Cheer (22 Occurrences) Resources Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Shamgar? | GotQuestions.org Faring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Faring (2 Occurrences)Luke 16:19 Colossians 4:8 Subtopics Related Terms |