Topical Encyclopedia The term "formal" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of formality can be observed in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. Formality often relates to the structured and prescribed ways in which religious practices, ceremonies, and social interactions are conducted. In the biblical narrative, formality is evident in the worship practices, priestly duties, and societal customs of the Israelites, as well as in the teachings of the New Testament.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, formality is prominently seen in the detailed instructions given by God for worship and sacrifices. The Book of Leviticus outlines specific rituals and offerings that the Israelites were to follow. For instance, Leviticus 1:3-4 states, "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, so that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." This passage highlights the formal procedures required for sacrificial offerings, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions precisely. The construction and service of the Tabernacle also reflect a high degree of formality. Exodus 25-31 provides detailed descriptions of the materials, dimensions, and furnishings of the Tabernacle, as well as the garments and consecration of the priests. The formal nature of these instructions underscores the holiness and reverence required in approaching God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of formality in religious practices, particularly when it becomes mere ritual without genuine faith. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "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." Here, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their outward formality that lacks inward sincerity and true righteousness. The Apostle Paul also addresses the balance between formality and genuine faith. In 1 Corinthians 14:40 , he advises, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This instruction to the Corinthian church emphasizes the importance of order and formality in worship, while ensuring that such practices are edifying and meaningful. Cultural and Social Formality Beyond religious practices, formality in social interactions is evident in biblical customs and traditions. For example, the Book of Ruth illustrates formal customs in the context of redemption and marriage. In Ruth 4:7-8 , the formal act of exchanging sandals is described as a legal transaction: "Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to confirm any matter, a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, 'Buy it for yourself.'" Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "formal," the concept is woven throughout its teachings and narratives. Formality in the Bible serves to maintain order, reverence, and holiness in worship and social interactions, while also cautioning against empty rituals devoid of true faith and sincerity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) See Methylal.2. (a.) Belonging to the form, shape, frame, external appearance, or organization of a thing. 3. (a.) Belonging to the constitution of a thing, as distinguished from the matter composing it; having the power of making a thing what it is; constituent; essential; pertaining to or depending on the forms, so called, of the human intellect. 4. (a.) Done in due form, or with solemnity; according to regular method; not incidental, sudden or irregular; express; as, he gave his formal consent. 5. (a.) Devoted to, or done in accordance with, forms or rules; punctilious; regular; orderly; methodical; of a prescribed form; exact; prim; stiff; ceremonious; as, a man formal in his dress, his gait, his conversation. 6. (a.) Having the form or appearance without the substance or essence; external; as, formal duty; formal worship; formal courtesy, etc. 7. (a.) Dependent in form; conventional. Greek 3741. hosios -- righteous, pious, holy ... or divine character; thus distinguished from dikaios, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from hieros, which denotes formal consecration; and ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3741.htm - 7k 4252. Priskilla -- Priscilla, the same person as Prisca. 476. antidikos -- an opponent, adversary 4251. Priska -- Prisca, a Christian and the wife of Aquila 4825. sumboulos -- a counselor Strong's Hebrew 4941. mishpat -- judgment... From shaphat; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law ... /hebrew/4941.htm - 7k Library Of the Formal Admission of the Catechumen, and of the Signs ... On Obedience, the Formal Object of all the Divine Precepts Formal Catalogues of Authentic Scriptures were Published, in all ... Distinction Between Positive (Material) and Negative (Formal) ... Whether Matters of Faith Ought to be Divided into Certain Articles Whether by Charity God is to be Loved on Account of Himself Fifth Proposition of Arminius Christ Crucified. Ebedmelech the Ethiopian On the Precepts of Divine Worship in General Thesaurus Formal (1 Occurrence)... 4. (a.) Done in due form, or with solemnity; according to regular method; not incidental, sudden or irregular; express; as, he gave his formal consent. ... /f/formal.htm - 7k Petition (33 Occurrences) Protest (37 Occurrences) Address (8 Occurrences) Abstinence (2 Occurrences) Ordination (12 Occurrences) Ordain (13 Occurrences) Poetry Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Education (4 Occurrences) Resources Should it be required that a man have formal Bible education before he can serve as a pastor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is dynamic equivalence in Bible translation? | GotQuestions.org What constitutes marriage according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Formal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Formal (1 Occurrence)Romans 7:6 Subtopics Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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