Polishing, in the context of the Bible, refers to the process of making a surface smooth and shiny, often by rubbing or grinding. This concept is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing refinement, preparation, and the enhancement of beauty or value.

Literal Use:

In the ancient world, polishing was a common practice for various materials, including metals, stones, and wood. The process was essential for creating items of beauty and utility, such as weapons, tools, and ornaments. The Bible provides several instances where polishing is mentioned in relation to craftsmanship and artistry.

One notable reference is found in the description of the construction of the Temple and its furnishings. Skilled artisans were employed to create and polish the various elements used in the Temple, ensuring they were of the highest quality and beauty. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention "polishing" in these contexts, the concept is inherent in the detailed craftsmanship described in passages like 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 4.

Metaphorical Use:

Metaphorically, polishing is used in the Bible to describe the process of spiritual refinement and moral improvement. Just as a craftsman polishes a piece of metal to enhance its luster, God is depicted as refining His people to bring out their best qualities.

In Proverbs 27:17 , the concept of mutual refinement is illustrated: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse highlights the idea that individuals can help each other improve and grow, much like the polishing process enhances the quality of a material.

The prophet Isaiah also uses imagery related to polishing in Isaiah 49:2 , where he writes, "He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, He hid me in the shadow of His hand; He made me a polished arrow, and concealed me in His quiver." Here, the polishing of the arrow symbolizes preparation and readiness for God's purposes, emphasizing the idea of being honed and perfected for divine use.

Symbolism in Scripture:

Polishing in the Bible often symbolizes the transformation and sanctification of believers. The process of being polished is akin to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who refines and purifies the hearts of believers, making them more like Christ. This is reflected in passages that speak of God's refining fire, such as Malachi 3:2-3 , which describes the Lord as a refiner and purifier of silver.

Furthermore, the imagery of polishing can be seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the glory and holiness of God. In Ephesians 5:27 , the church is described as being presented to Christ "as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." This radiant quality is akin to the polished surface of a precious metal, reflecting the light and beauty of God's work in the lives of His people.

In summary, the concept of polishing in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the process of spiritual growth and refinement, illustrating how God works in the lives of His people to bring about holiness and righteousness.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Polish.

2. (a. & n.) from Polish.

1508. gizrah -- a cutting, separation
... Word Origin fem. of gezer Definition a cutting, separation NASB Word Usage polishing
(1), separate area (6), separate areas (1). polishing, separate place. ...
/hebrew/1508.htm - 6k

6245. ashath -- to be smooth or shiny
... A primitive root; probably to be sleek, ie Glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing)
to excogitate (as if forming in the mind) -- shine, think. ...
/hebrew/6245.htm - 5k

Further Strictures on the Same Subject.
... Hasten hither with the pin for panning the hair, and the powder for polishing the
teeth, and some forked implement of steel or brass for cleaning the nails. ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter xi further strictures on the.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... in another what one does one's self: vain speech: much speech: foul speech: to speak
idle words: or to speak words not needful: praising: polishing of words ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... tempore. Its present form, however, as Beno??t suggests, may be due to a later
polishing of notes taken down at the time of delivery. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

"It's Better Higher Up. "
... And there they found this bedridden saint"one of those saints whom God
is polishing for his own temple"just beaming with joy. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/its better higher up.htm

May the Thirtieth Finding the Deep Things
... souls. We must put first things first. We may be busy polishing our lenses
when our primary and fundamental need is light. It is ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/may the thirtieth finding the.htm

In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
... "Well, here we are on Moriah. And yonder is Pilgrim Victory! He seems to be polishing
or sharpening his sword. Why, it shines like silver now!". ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter nine in the dungeon.htm

Gifts and Talents.
... and ages men have pursued the arts of weaving, embroidering, skilful dressmaking,
casting and chasing noble metals, cutting and polishing diamonds, molding ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... Our writers do not amuse themselves by polishing their periods, and everywhere
we prefer clearness of words to sonorous expressions. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

His Writings and his Character
... forth, there is a kind of primordial roughness about them, as if the earth out of
which they are arising were still clinging to them: the polishing of the gold ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vii his writings and.htm

Of Former Times
... But this, mean time, is to be remarked concerning most of these writers; that each
of them spent his whole life in composing and polishing one book. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 102 of former times.htm

Polishing (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Polishing (2 Occurrences). ... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS). Ezekiel
21:11 And he giveth it for polishing, For laying hold of by the hand. ...
/p/polishing.htm - 7k

Lap (12 Occurrences)
... n.) A piece of brass, lead, or other soft metal, used to hold a cutting or polishing
powder in cutting glass, gems, and the like, or in polishing cutlery, etc. ...
/l/lap.htm - 15k

Runner (5 Occurrences)
... (n.) A movable slab or rubber used in grinding or polishing a surface of stone. ...
(n.) A tool on which lenses are fastened in a group, for polishing or grinding. ...
/r/runner.htm - 9k

Polisher (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, polishes; also, that which
is used in polishing. Multi-Version Concordance Polisher (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/polisher.htm - 6k

Nazarites (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk,
they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire ...
/n/nazarites.htm - 7k

Lapis (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. ...
/l/lapis.htm - 7k

Lazuli (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. ...
/l/lazuli.htm - 7k

Whiter (4 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. ...
/w/whiter.htm - 7k

Float (4 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The trowel or tool with which the floated coat of plastering is leveled
and smoothed. 11. (n.) A polishing block used in marble working; a runner. 12. ...
/f/float.htm - 10k

Ruddy (5 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. ...
/r/ruddy.htm - 8k

Polishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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