The term "importable" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of importing goods and the broader theme of trade and commerce are present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical times, trade was a significant aspect of life, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas among different nations and peoples.

Biblical Context of Trade and Importation

Trade in the ancient Near East was a vital component of economic life, and the Bible provides numerous references to the exchange of goods. The Israelites, like their neighbors, engaged in trade, importing and exporting various commodities. The Bible often highlights the importance of trade routes, such as the Via Maris and the King's Highway, which connected different regions and facilitated commerce.

Solomon's Trade Endeavors

King Solomon is a prominent biblical figure associated with extensive trade activities. Under his reign, Israel experienced a period of prosperity and wealth, partly due to Solomon's strategic trade alliances. 1 Kings 10:22 states, "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This passage illustrates the importation of luxury goods and exotic items, reflecting the wealth and international connections of Solomon's kingdom.

The Role of Tyre

The city of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician port, played a crucial role in ancient trade. Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of Tyre's extensive trade network, listing various goods imported and exported by the city. Ezekiel 27:12 mentions, "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many wares. They exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." Tyre's trade relationships with distant lands underscore the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the importance of importation in sustaining wealth and influence.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible also addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of trade and commerce. Honesty and integrity in business dealings are emphasized, as seen in Proverbs 11:1 : "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This principle underscores the importance of fairness and righteousness in all economic transactions, including the importation and exportation of goods.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets often warned against the dangers of excessive reliance on wealth and foreign alliances, which could lead to spiritual complacency and idolatry. Isaiah 2:7-8 cautions, "Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made." This passage highlights the potential spiritual pitfalls associated with the accumulation of wealth through trade and importation.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "importable," the concept of importing goods is woven throughout the biblical narrative. From the prosperity of Solomon's kingdom to the bustling trade of Tyre, the Scriptures provide insight into the economic practices of ancient times. The Bible also offers guidance on the ethical conduct of trade, emphasizing honesty and warning against the spiritual dangers of materialism.1. (a.) Capable of being imported.

2. (a.) Not to be endured; insupportable; intolerable.

IMPORTABLE

im-por'-ta-b'l (dusbastaktos): An obsolete word, meaning "unbearable" (Latin: im, "not," portabilis, "bearable") found in Prayer of Manasseh, "Thine angry threatening (the Revised Version (British and American) "the anger of thy threatening") toward sinners is importable"; compare Rheims version, Matthew 23:4, "heavy burdens and importable"; Chaucer ("Clerk's Tale" C.T.), "For it were importable though they wolde."

Importable
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Capable of being imported. 2. (a.) Not to be endured;
insupportable; intolerable. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IMPORTABLE...
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Importance (9 Occurrences)

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Import (2 Occurrences)

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