In the context of the Bible, the term "portrayed" often refers to the depiction or representation of images, scenes, or messages, whether through physical art, visions, or metaphorical language. The concept of portrayal is significant in understanding how biblical truths and divine messages are communicated to humanity.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Ezekiel's Visionary Art: One of the most vivid uses of portrayal in the Bible is found in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to create visual representations as part of his prophetic ministry. In Ezekiel 4:1, God commands him, "Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem." This act of portrayal serves as a symbolic representation of the impending siege and judgment upon Jerusalem. The use of visual art here is a powerful tool for conveying God's message to the people.

2. Idolatry and False Images: The Bible frequently warns against the creation and worship of portrayed images, particularly in the context of idolatry. In Exodus 20:4-5 , the second commandment explicitly states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." This prohibition underscores the danger of substituting the worship of the one true God with man-made images, which can lead to spiritual corruption and apostasy.

3. Christ Portrayed as Crucified: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the concept of portrayal to emphasize the centrality of Christ's crucifixion. In Galatians 3:1 , Paul writes, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Here, the portrayal is not a physical image but a vivid proclamation of the gospel message. Paul's use of the term highlights the importance of the crucifixion as the focal point of Christian faith and the means of salvation.

4. Symbolic and Prophetic Imagery: The Bible is replete with symbolic and prophetic imagery that serves as a form of portrayal to convey deeper spiritual truths. The book of Revelation, for example, is filled with vivid portrayals of heavenly visions, beasts, and symbolic events that reveal God's ultimate plan for humanity and the final victory over evil. These portrayals are intended to inspire hope, encourage faithfulness, and provide insight into the spiritual realities that transcend the physical world.

Theological Implications

The use of portrayal in the Bible serves multiple purposes. It acts as a means of communication between God and His people, providing clarity and understanding of divine truths. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the misrepresentation of God's nature. Furthermore, the portrayal of Christ's crucifixion is central to the Christian message, emphasizing the significance of His sacrificial death and resurrection.

In summary, the concept of portrayal in the Bible is a multifaceted tool used by God to communicate His will, reveal His character, and guide His people in truth and righteousness. Through both literal and metaphorical portrayals, the Scriptures provide a rich tapestry of divine revelation that continues to speak to believers today.(imp. & p. p.) of Portray.603. apokaradokia -- strained expectancy
... This intense expectation fosters to see Jesus -- portrayed as an Olympic
runner straining forward to the end-goal with "" (Ro 8:19)! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/603.htm - 8k

4270. prographo -- to write before
... Word Origin from pro and grapho Definition to write before NASB Word Usage beforehand
marked (1), earlier times (1), publicly portrayed (1), written in earlier ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4270.htm - 6k

2707. chaqah -- to cut in, carve
... root Definition to cut in, carve NASB Word Usage carved (1), engraved (1), portrayed
(1), set a limit (1). carved work, portrayed, set a print. ...
/hebrew/2707.htm - 6k

2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree
... NASB Word Usage carve (1), commanders (2), decree (1), decreed (1), enact (1), inscribe
(2), inscribed (3), lawgiver (1), marked (1), portrayed (1), ruler's (1 ...
/hebrew/2710.htm - 6k

"God Willeth to be Seen and to be Sought: to be Abided and to be ...
... deeds' shame that our fair, bright, blessed Lord bare for our sins: it made me to
think of the Holy Vernacle [47] at Rome, which He hath portrayed with His own ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter x god willeth to.htm

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... In the so-called later priestly stories regarding Abraham (see especially Gen.17)
he is portrayed as a devoted servant of the law, chiefly intent upon ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study v the pioneers influence.htm

The Authorship.
... of the Jewish race, who attempts to describe the Jewish people falls into the greatest
errors, and the exact acquaintance with Jewish life, portrayed in almost ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authorship.htm

The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... us that at the consummation of the creation there will be a resuscitation of all
men, and that at that time their course of conduct will be portrayed in their ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... And now, in rapid succession, momentous events followed one another exactly as had
been portrayed in the prophetic scriptures years before the principals in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

Christianity
... This appeal can be made of avail only by setting up some human figure in which
this divine life has been fully proved and clearly portrayed. ...
/.../haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christianity.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... Michael Angelo, with wonderful dramatic power, in his painting in the Sistine Chapel
at Rome has portrayed how lifeless clay in form of man, when touched by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm

Preface.
... Professor Schaff, [2] on the Christ of the Gospels, in which the perfection of our
Lord's character, as portrayed by the Evangelists, is set forth as an ...
/.../schaff/the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/preface.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... The prophecy portrayed his Lord as "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows
and acquainted with grief." Clearest of all is he upon his vicarious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm

Discipline
... Compare the degradation portrayed in that picture with this prophecy of Balaam's,
and then consider"What, in less than two generations, had so transformed ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon i discipline.htm

Portrayed (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Portrayed (3 Occurrences). ... Whose sophistry has bewitched
you--you to whom Jesus Christ has been vividly portrayed as on the Cross? ...
/p/portrayed.htm - 7k

Vermilion (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 She increased her prostitution; for she saw men portrayed on the wall,
the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY ...
/v/vermilion.htm - 7k

Figures (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ezekiel 23:14 She increased her prostitution; for she saw men portrayed
on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (See NIV). ...
/f/figures.htm - 9k

Fornications (14 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Ezekiel 23:14 And she increased her fornications; for she saw men portrayed
upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (DBY). ...
/f/fornications.htm - 10k

Prostitution (48 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 She increased her prostitution; for she saw men portrayed on the wall,
the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (WEB WBS NIV). ...
/p/prostitution.htm - 22k

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... These are most vividly portrayed: (1) some of its physical symptoms (Job 12:25 Psalm
107:27 Proverbs 23:29 Isaiah 19:14; Isaiah 28:8; Isaiah 29:9 Jeremiah 25:16 ...
/d/drunkenness.htm - 24k

Messiah (9 Occurrences)
... After the time of Isaiah and Micah the throne of David lost much of its power and
influence, and the figure of the ideal king is never again portrayed with the ...
/m/messiah.htm - 43k

Harlotry (37 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 And she increased her harlotries; for she saw men portrayed upon the
wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (See RSV). ...
/h/harlotry.htm - 17k

Harlotries (22 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 And she increased her whoredoms; for she saw men portrayed upon the
wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, (See JPS NAS). ...
/h/harlotries.htm - 13k

Vividly (1 Occurrence)
... Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Whose sophistry has bewitched you--you to whom
Jesus Christ has been vividly portrayed as on the Cross? (WEY). ...
/v/vividly.htm - 6k

Why is wickedness portrayed as a woman in Zechariah 5:7-8? | GotQuestions.org

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Portrayed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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