The term "lordly" is used in the Bible to describe attributes or actions that are befitting a lord or master, often conveying a sense of majesty, authority, or nobility. In the context of Scripture, it can refer to both human and divine characteristics, highlighting the grandeur and sovereignty associated with the term.

Biblical Usage:

1. Judges 5:25 : The word "lordly" appears in the Song of Deborah, a victory hymn sung by Deborah and Barak after the defeat of Sisera. The verse states, "He asked for water, and she gave him milk; in a magnificent bowl she brought him curds." The term "magnificent" in this context is often translated as "lordly" in other versions, emphasizing the nobility and grandeur of the offering. This reflects the cultural practice of offering the best to guests, especially those of high status.

2. Symbolism of Authority and Nobility:
· The use of "lordly" in the Bible often symbolizes authority and nobility. It is associated with those who hold power and command respect. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lords were figures of significant influence and control, and their actions or possessions were often described as "lordly" to denote their elevated status.

3. Divine Attributes:
· While the term is used to describe human actions or possessions, it can also be applied to divine attributes. The Lord is often depicted with characteristics that are "lordly," underscoring His supreme authority and majesty over creation. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of God as the ultimate sovereign, whose ways and thoughts are higher than those of humans (Isaiah 55:8-9).

4. Cultural Context:
· In biblical times, the concept of lordship was deeply ingrained in societal structures. Lords were landowners, rulers, or individuals of high rank who wielded considerable influence. The term "lordly" would thus evoke images of wealth, power, and respect, qualities that were highly esteemed in the ancient world.

5. Application in Christian Theology:
· In Christian theology, the notion of lordship is central to understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Jesus Christ is often referred to as "Lord," signifying His divine authority and the reverence due to Him. Believers are called to recognize His lordship in their lives, submitting to His will and acknowledging His sovereignty.

Conclusion:

The term "lordly" in the Bible serves as a descriptor of majesty and authority, whether in human or divine contexts. It reflects the cultural and theological significance of lordship, emphasizing the respect and honor associated with those who possess such attributes.1. (superl.) Suitable for a lord; of or pertaining to a lord; resembling a lord; hence, grand; noble; dignified; honorable.

2. (superl.) Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent.

3. (adv.) In a lordly manner.

117. addir -- majestic
... stately (1). excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty ier
one, noble,. From 'adar; wide or (generally) large; figuratively ...
/hebrew/117.htm - 6k

Whether Christ Can be Called a Lordly Man?
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO CHRIST IN HIS BEING AND BECOMING
(TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether Christ can be called a lordly man? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ can be called.htm

Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and Concerning ...
... ever aspiring to the true Lordship, and source of Lordship; and moulding, as an
image of goodness, itself, and those after it, to its Lordly bearing, as ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput viii concerning lordships and.htm

Concerning Holy of Holies, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of ...
... As one might say, so far as the things which are,"holy or divine, or lordly, or
kingly,"surpass the things which are not, and the self-existent ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput xii concerning holy of.htm

The Introduction.
... office obliged them to travel the country, in order to see that every one discharged
his duty properly: but they were utter strangers to the lordly power of ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm

The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.
... God made man for lordly skies, great sunshine, gay colours, free winds, and delicate
odours; and however the fogs may be needful for the soul, right gladly ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm

The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572
... The only direct evidence of her complicity lay in the Casket Letters, and several
of her lordly accusers were (if she were guilty) her accomplices. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xviii the last years.htm

Various Precepts.
... child, him that speaketh to thee the word of God remember night and day; and thou
shalt honour him as the Lord; [2410] for in the place whence lordly rule is ...
/.../various/the teaching of the twelve apostles/chapter iv name precepts.htm

Satan's Banquet
... Ahithophel first presents the lordly dish of love and kindness to David, then
afterwards that which is worse, for he forsakes his master, and becomes the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... His ambition led him, not to assume a lordly dominion over the heritage of God,
but to abound in labours for the honour and advancement of the gospel. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... One proud, surly, lordly word, one needless contention, one covetous action, may
cut the throat of many a sermon, and blast the fruit of all that you have been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

Lordly (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (superl.) Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent. 3. (adv.) In a lordly
manner. Multi-Version Concordance Lordly (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/lordly.htm - 7k

Lordliness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state or quality of being lordly.
Multi-Version Concordance Lordliness (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/l/lordliness.htm - 6k

Sisera (18 Occurrences)
... Jael, Heber's wife, received him into her tent with apparent hospitality, and "gave
him butter" (ie, lebben, or curdled milk) "in a lordly dish." Having drunk ...
/s/sisera.htm - 17k

Dish (54 Occurrences)
... The "lordly dish" in Judges 5:25 was probably the shallow drinking cup, usually
of brass. ... She gave him milk. She brought him butter in a lordly dish. ...
/d/dish.htm - 24k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... (see PEFS). It was probably in some such dish-"a bowl fit for lords" (English
Versions, "a lordly dish")-that Jael offered. Sisera ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Nobles (71 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS NIV). Judges 5:25 He asked for water. She gave him
milk. She brought him butter in a lordly dish. (See NIV). ...
/n/nobles.htm - 33k

Imperious (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Commanding; domineering; overbearing; ascendant;
imperial; lordly; majestic. 2. (a.) Haughty; arrogant ...
/i/imperious.htm - 7k

Magnificent (9 Occurrences)
... by lust. (See NAS). Judges 5:25 He asked for water. She gave him milk. She
brought him butter in a lordly dish. (See NAS). 1 Kings ...
/m/magnificent.htm - 9k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... 2. (superl.) Possessing or showing too great self-esteem; overrating one's
excellences; hence, arrogant; haughty; lordly; presumptuous. ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Butter (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT). Judges 5:25 He asked for water. She gave him milk. She
brought him butter in a lordly dish. (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT). ...
/b/butter.htm - 10k

Lordly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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