The term "pourtray" is an archaic English word that means to depict, represent, or illustrate, often through artistic means such as drawing or painting. In the context of the Bible, it is used to describe the act of creating a visual representation, often with a spiritual or symbolic significance.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 4:1 : "Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem." In this passage, God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to pourtray the city of Jerusalem on a brick. This act serves as a symbolic representation of the impending siege and judgment upon the city. The use of visual imagery is a powerful tool in conveying God's message to His people, emphasizing the seriousness of the prophetic warning.

2. Ezekiel 23:14 : "But she increased her prostitution. When she saw men portrayed on the wall, images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion." Here, the act of pourtraying is associated with idolatry and unfaithfulness. The depiction of Chaldean men on the wall symbolizes Israel's infidelity to God, as they are drawn to foreign influences and false gods. The use of vermilion, a bright red pigment, highlights the allure and temptation of these images, contrasting with the purity and holiness expected of God's people.

Theological Significance:

In the Bible, the act of pourtraying often carries a deeper spiritual meaning. It is not merely about creating art but is used as a medium to communicate divine truths, warnings, and judgments. The visual representations serve as tangible reminders of spiritual realities, making abstract concepts more accessible to the people.

The use of pourtrayal in prophetic literature, particularly in the book of Ezekiel, underscores the importance of visual symbols in conveying God's messages. These images are intended to provoke reflection, repentance, and a return to faithfulness among the Israelites. They serve as a call to recognize the consequences of sin and the need for obedience to God's covenant.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, visual art was a common means of communication and expression. Walls, pottery, and other surfaces were often adorned with images that conveyed religious, political, or social messages. The biblical use of pourtrayal reflects this cultural practice, utilizing familiar methods to communicate divine truths to the people.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the concept of pourtrayal can serve as a reminder of the power of visual imagery in understanding and communicating spiritual truths. It encourages the use of creativity and art in worship and teaching, recognizing that God can use various forms of expression to reveal His character and will. Believers are called to discern the images and influences they allow into their lives, ensuring that they align with the truth of Scripture and lead to a deeper relationship with God.(v. t.) See Portray.2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree
... laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) Prescribe --
appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. ...
/hebrew/2710.htm - 6k

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and ...
... Whence it is well said to Ezekiel, Take unto thee a tile, and thou shalt lay it
before thee, and pourtray upon it the city Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:1). And ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what the rulers.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... It is a fair picture to pourtray him in the midst of his flock, feeding them in
the green pastures, and leading them beside the still waters; but if my heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm

A Psalm of Remembrance
... If God should lend me help, so that I could, in glowing pictures, pourtray the amazing
love of Christ Jesus to those who believe in him; if I could tell you of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a psalm of remembrance.htm

Hypocrisy
... an elaborate description of the hypocrite in the chapter we have just read, the
twenty-third of Matthew, and I do not know that I can better pourtray him than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/hypocrisy.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... is obedient, and whose high behests are obeyed both in heaven and in hell, it becomes
a crime, the terrible character of which words cannot pourtray, that you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

Chastisement
... thy heart is not thoroughly sanctified; and though it may be right with God, thy
words do not sound like it, and thine actions do not pourtray the holiness of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

Altogether Lovely
... When Apelles painted Alexander, he laid the monarch's finger on an unsightly scar;
but there are no scars to conceal when you pourtray the countenance of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

Profit and Loss
... They are but the daubings of a painter who cannot pourtray a scene so dreadful,
for earth hath not colours black enough or fiery enough to depict it. Ah! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

Pourtray (1 Occurrence)
...Pourtray (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 4:1 Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and
lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: (KJV WBS). ...
/p/pourtray.htm - 6k

Pours (21 Occurrences)

/p/pours.htm - 11k

Graving (7 Occurrences)
... fine instruments. (3.) Hebrews haqaq. Ezek. 4:1, engraving a plan or map,
rendered "pourtray;" Job 19:23, "written.". (4.) Hebrews ...
/g/graving.htm - 10k

Pourtrayed (2 Occurrences)

/p/pourtrayed.htm - 7k

Pourtray: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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