The term "obscurely" refers to something that is not clear or is difficult to understand. In the context of the Bible, it often pertains to passages or teachings that are not immediately apparent or are veiled in mystery. The Bible, being a divinely inspired text, contains many such passages that require careful study and spiritual discernment to comprehend fully.

Biblical Usage and Context

The concept of obscurity in the Bible can be seen in various ways, including prophetic language, parables, and the mysteries of God's will. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in 1 Corinthians 13:12 : "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." This passage highlights the partial understanding that believers have in this life, with the promise of full revelation in the life to come.

Prophetic Language

Prophetic books such as Daniel and Revelation are often cited as containing obscure language. Daniel 12:9 states, "He replied, 'Go on your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.'" This indicates that certain prophecies are intentionally obscure until the appointed time of their fulfillment. Similarly, the book of Revelation is filled with symbolic imagery that has been the subject of much interpretation and debate.

Parables

Jesus frequently used parables to teach spiritual truths. These accounts, while simple on the surface, often contain deeper meanings that are not immediately obvious. In Matthew 13:10-11 , the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables, and He answers, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." This suggests that parables serve to reveal truths to those who are spiritually receptive while remaining obscure to others.

Mysteries of God

The Bible also speaks of the mysteries of God's will and His divine plan. Ephesians 1:9 says, "And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ." While God reveals certain aspects of His will to believers, there remains an element of mystery that requires faith and trust in His sovereign plan.

Interpretation and Understanding

The obscurity of certain biblical passages calls for diligent study and reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages believers to "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This underscores the importance of approaching Scripture with humility and a desire for truth.

Conclusion

While some aspects of Scripture may be obscure, they invite believers into a deeper relationship with God as they seek understanding. The promise of clarity and revelation in God's timing assures believers that what is obscure now will one day be made clear.(adv.) In an obscure manner.84. adelos -- uncertainly
... adelos Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ay'-loce) Short Definition: out of sight, uncertainly
Definition: out of sight, obscurely, inconspicuously, uncertainly, without ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/84.htm - 6k

After These Matters, Celsus Brings the Following Charges against ...
... point out the "enigmas," our mistakes regarding which lead to the introduction of
our views concerning Satan, he continues: "The ancients allude obscurely to a ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlii after these matters.htm

2 Thessalonians ii. 9-Jun
... Satan.". One may naturally enquire, what is that which withholdeth, and
after that would know, why Paul expresses it so obscurely. ...
/.../homily iv 2 thessalonians ii.htm

2 Cor. xii. 16-18
... Paul has spoken these words very obscurely, but not without a meaning or purpose. ...
Then, because he had spoken obscurely, he unveils his meaning, saying,. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxviii 2 cor xii.htm

It is Said that on a Recent Occasion Where the Letters of ...
... a Commentary? It is to interpret another man's words, to put into plain
language what he has expressed obscurely. Consequently, it ...
/.../14 it is said that.htm

The Fundamentals of the Christian Religion
... must be added that on Typology touching the reason of types: why Jesus Christ was
prophesied as to His first coming; why prophesied obscurely as to the manner. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section viii the fundamentals of.htm

Psalm CXLIX.
... For for this purpose God willed to set down some of His verses obscurely, not that
anything new should be dug out of them, but that what was already well known ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

Extracts No. Iii.
... in opinion, whether learned or unlearned, it is obvious that the truth about which
they differ, to say the most of it, is yet but obscurely made manifest to ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no iii.htm

Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
... several things which God, in the New Testament, hath most plainly revealed of himself,
which in the Old Testament are more darkly and obscurely delivered to us ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the mystery of.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... fallen angels from heaven, and still keeps them in "everlasting chains " to the
judgment of the great day; by which expression is not obscurely intimated some ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... The Scriptures obscurely hint at a catastrophe in heaven among immortal intelligences,
by which many of them were smitten down from their radiant emerald ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

Obscurely (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In an obscure manner. Multi-Version
Concordance Obscurely (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 13:12 For ...
/o/obscurely.htm - 6k

Obscured (2 Occurrences)

/o/obscured.htm - 7k

Obscures (1 Occurrence)

/o/obscures.htm - 6k

Gospel (108 Occurrences)
... It is proclaimed in all its fullness in the revelation given in the New Testament.
It is also found, although obscurely, in the Old Testament. ...
/g/gospel.htm - 101k

Gloom (29 Occurrences)
... dullness. 4. (n.) In gunpowder manufacture, the drying oven. 5. (vi) To shine
or appear obscurely or imperfectly; to glimmer. 6. (vi ...
/g/gloom.htm - 15k

Window (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:12 For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face
to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

Intimate (12 Occurrences)
... 6. (v.) To suggest obscurely or indirectly; to refer to remotely; to give slight
notice of; to hint; as, he intimated his intention of resigning his office. ...
/i/intimate.htm - 9k

Revelation (52 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which
had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. ...
/r/revelation.htm - 89k

Deaf (22 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Deprived of the power of hearing; deafened. 4. (a.) Obscurely heard; stifled;
deadened. 5. (a.) Decayed; tasteless; dead; as, a deaf nut; deaf corn. ...
/d/deaf.htm - 15k

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