Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "perishing" in the Bible often refers to the state of being lost, destroyed, or experiencing eternal separation from God. It is frequently used to describe the fate of those who reject God's salvation and persist in sin. The concept of perishing is contrasted with eternal life, which is offered through faith in Jesus Christ. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, the idea of perishing is often associated with physical destruction or death as a consequence of sin or disobedience to God. For example, in Proverbs 11:10 , it is written, "When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy." Here, perishing is linked to the downfall of the wicked, highlighting the moral order upheld by God. New Testament Context: The New Testament expands the concept of perishing to include spiritual and eternal dimensions. In John 3:16 , one of the most well-known verses, it states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse underscores the contrast between perishing and receiving eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ. In 2 Peter 3:9 , the apostle Peter writes, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." This passage emphasizes God's desire for all to be saved and His patience in allowing time for repentance. Theological Implications: Perishing is a significant theological concept as it relates to the doctrine of salvation. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of redemption through Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and without intervention, the natural consequence is perishing. The doctrine of perishing also highlights the justice of God. In Matthew 10:28 , Jesus warns, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." This indicates that perishing is not merely physical death but involves eternal consequences. Practical Application: For believers, the concept of perishing serves as a motivation for evangelism and living a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel. The urgency of sharing the message of salvation is rooted in the desire to prevent others from perishing. In Jude 1:23 , it is written, "Save others by snatching them from the fire; and to others show mercy, tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh." Conclusion: While the Bible presents perishing as a dire outcome for those who reject God, it also offers hope through the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. The call to repentance and faith is central to avoiding the fate of perishing and embracing the gift of eternal life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Perish.Greek 622. apollumi -- to destroy, destroy utterly ... utterly. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apollumi Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ol'-loo-mee) Short Definition: I destroy, lose, am perishing Definition: (a) ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/622.htm - 10k 684. apoleia -- destruction, loss Strong's Hebrew 6. abad -- to perish... lost (1), lacking (1), lost (12), make vanish (1), makes to perish (1), no (2), obliterate (1), perish (61), perished (16), perishes (7), perishing (2), ruined ... /hebrew/6.htm - 6k 3615. kalah -- to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished ... 12. abdan -- destruction 11. abaddon -- (place of) destruction or ruin, Abaddon 10. abaddoh -- destruction 3582. kachad -- to hide 13. obdan -- destruction Library Perishing or Being Saved Rescue the Perishing. PM Things Perishing and Things Stable Of the Destruction of the Saguntines, who Received no Help from ... Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Letter clxxiii. (AD 416. ) The Church, Formerly Barren, is Now Fruitful. Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome. 2 Thessalonians ii. 9-Jun Immeasurable Love Thesaurus Perishing (24 Occurrences)...Perishing (24 Occurrences). Matthew 8:25 and his disciples having come to him, awoke him, saying, 'Sir, save us; we are perishing.' (YLT NAS RSV). ... /p/perishing.htm - 13k Perisheth (15 Occurrences) Perizzite (22 Occurrences) Punishment (417 Occurrences) Everlasting (192 Occurrences) Vailed (1 Occurrence) Joram (26 Occurrences) Grateful (4 Occurrences) Gaza (22 Occurrences) Wrong-doer (5 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the great deception in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is Christless Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Perishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Perishing (24 Occurrences)Matthew 8:25 Mark 4:38 Luke 8:24 Luke 15:17 John 6:27 1 Corinthians 1:18 2 Corinthians 2:15 2 Corinthians 4:3 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Numbers 24:24 Deuteronomy 26:5 Job 4:11 Job 29:13 Job 31:19 Job 33:18 Psalms 31:12 Psalms 39:10 Proverbs 31:6 Ecclesiastes 7:15 Isaiah 27:13 Jeremiah 44:18 Jeremiah 50:6 Zechariah 11:9 Zechariah 11:16 Subtopics Related Terms |