The term "prevalent" refers to something that is widespread or commonly occurring. In the context of the Bible, it can be used to describe cultural practices, beliefs, or conditions that were widespread during biblical times. The Bible provides numerous examples of prevalent practices and beliefs, both positive and negative, that influenced the lives of individuals and the course of biblical history.

Idolatry

One of the most prevalent issues addressed in the Bible is idolatry. The worship of idols was a common practice among the nations surrounding Israel, and it often infiltrated the lives of the Israelites themselves. The prevalence of idolatry is evident in numerous passages where God warns His people against adopting the idolatrous practices of their neighbors. For instance, in Exodus 20:3-5 , God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them."

False Prophets

The presence of false prophets was another prevalent issue in biblical times. These individuals claimed to speak on behalf of God but often led people astray with their deceptive messages. The Bible warns against such figures and emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord says, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'"

Social Injustice

Social injustice was prevalent in many societies described in the Bible. The prophets frequently spoke out against the oppression of the poor, widows, and orphans, calling for justice and righteousness. In Isaiah 1:17 , the prophet exhorts the people, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

Religious Rituals

Religious rituals and observances were prevalent in the daily lives of the Israelites. The Law of Moses prescribed various sacrifices, feasts, and ceremonies that were to be observed regularly. These practices were intended to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Leviticus 23:4 , it is written, "These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times."

Faith and Obedience

Despite the prevalence of negative influences, the Bible also highlights the prevalence of faith and obedience among God's people. Figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David exemplify lives of faithfulness and commitment to God's commands. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see," and the chapter goes on to recount the acts of faith by many biblical figures.

Conclusion

The concept of prevalence in the Bible underscores the influence of cultural and spiritual dynamics on the lives of individuals and communities. Whether addressing the widespread nature of sin or the enduring presence of faith, the Bible provides a comprehensive view of the forces that shape human experience in relation to God.1. (a.) Most widely adopted or practiced; also, generally or extensively existing; widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance; prevalent disease.

2. (a.) Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force, influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant; successful; victorious.

7227a. rab -- much, many, great
... more (5), more numerous (1), much (16), multitude (2), numerous (10), older (1),
plentiful (1), plenty (2), populous (1), powerful (1), prevalent (1), severe (2 ...
/hebrew/7227a.htm - 6k

Hosius, Bishop of the City of Corduba, Said: a Prevalent Evil...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon I. Hosius, bishop of the city of
Corduba, said: A prevalent evil? (Greek.) Hosius, bishop ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon i hosius bishop of.htm

An Ancient Nonconformist
... of God.' His religion went down into the little duties of common life, and imposed
upon him a standard far above the maxims that were prevalent round about him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/an ancient nonconformist.htm

Introduction.
... has held its place ever since, was the idea of the New Birth." "This doctrine of
the New Birth, as an ascertainable change, was not generally prevalent in any ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/introduction.htm

Preface.
... one,"viz. the study of God's Works; but from the prevalent neglect of the
noblest study of all,"viz. the study of God's Word. His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/preface.htm

The Place of Chrysostom in the History of Exegesis.
... The former tendency was the prevalent one in the Christian Church in the Ante-Nicene
period; the latter, especially in the West, became dominant during the Post ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/i the place of chrysostom.htm

Introduction to the Treatise on the Priesthood.
... The chicanery and rapacity also prevalent in the profession which he had
adopted became especially repugnant to his conscience. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/introduction to the treatise on.htm

Practical Observations.
... as the blessings grow less; the other map showing the prevalence of Christianity,
the lands where the purest Christianity is most prevalent being represented ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 28.htm

Modern Revivals, Concluded.
... doctrines of like tendency.... These doctrines at this day are much more
prevalent than they were formerly. The progress they have ...
/.../chapter xxvi modern revivals concluded.htm

Whether the Cleansing of the World Will be Effected by Fire?
... Now the sin which was most prevalent then was the sin of concupiscence, and
consequently it was fitting that the cleansing should be by means of its contrary ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the cleansing of the.htm

Miscellaneous Phrases
... A misconception which is singularly prevalent. A mixture of malignancy and madness. ...
A powerful and persuasive orator. A prevalent characteristic of her nature. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm

Prevalent (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Most widely adopted or practiced; also, generally or extensively existing;
widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance; prevalent disease. ...
/p/prevalent.htm - 7k

Flesh (468 Occurrences)
... even to free blood-flowing, especially in the violence of grief in mourning for
their dead (see BURIAL; MOURNING), was a widely prevalent custom among ancient ...
/f/flesh.htm - 69k

Cuttings (5 Occurrences)
... even to free blood-flowing, especially in the violence of grief in mourning for
their dead (see BURIAL; MOURNING), was a widely prevalent custom among ancient ...
/c/cuttings.htm - 11k

Weak (102 Occurrences)
... sentence; a weak style. 18. (vi) Not prevalent or effective, or not felt
to be prevalent; not potent; feeble. 19. (vi) Lacking in ...
/w/weak.htm - 38k

Fever (13 Occurrences)
... Of these the most prevalent is ague or intermittent malarial fever, which is common
in all parts but especially in low-lying districts or places where there ...
/f/fever.htm - 17k

General (9 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive,
though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom. ...
/g/general.htm - 49k

Prevent (32 Occurrences)

/p/prevent.htm - 17k

Marriage (74 Occurrences)
... Polygamy is likely to become prevalent only where conditions are abnormal, as where
there is a disproportionate number of females, as in tribal life in a state ...
/m/marriage.htm - 62k

Vampire
... death. This superstition is now prevalent in parts of Eastern Europe, and
was especially current in Hungary about the year 1730. ...
/v/vampire.htm - 7k

Obtain (63 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To become held; to gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established;
to subsist; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom ...
/o/obtain.htm - 24k

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Prevalent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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