Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "prime" is not directly used in the Bible; however, its conceptual significance can be explored through various biblical themes and principles. In a biblical context, "prime" can refer to the foremost, the best, or the first in order or importance. This concept is often associated with the idea of offering the first and best to God, as seen in the practices of tithing and sacrifices. Biblical Themes: 1. Firstfruits: The concept of firstfruits is a key biblical principle that aligns with the idea of "prime." The Israelites were commanded to offer the first and best of their harvest to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His provision. In Exodus 23:19 , it is written, "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." This offering was a demonstration of faith and gratitude, recognizing God as the source of all blessings. 2. Sacrifices: The sacrificial system in the Old Testament required offerings that were without blemish, representing the best of what one had. Leviticus 22:21 states, "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it." This requirement underscores the importance of giving God the prime, or the best, as a reflection of His holiness and worthiness. 3. Tithing: Tithing is another practice that embodies the principle of giving the prime portion to God. The Israelites were instructed to set aside a tenth of their produce and livestock as an offering to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 14:22 , it is written, "You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields." This act of giving the first tenth was a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and sovereignty. 4. Jesus as the Firstborn: In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the "firstborn" over all creation and the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep. Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." This title signifies His preeminence and authority. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:20 states, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." Jesus' resurrection is the prime example of victory over death, offering hope and assurance of eternal life to believers. 5. The Greatest Commandment: The principle of giving God the prime place in one's life is encapsulated in the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-38 , Jesus declares, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." This commandment calls believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, dedicating the prime of their love and devotion to Him. Applications: The concept of "prime" in a biblical sense encourages believers to prioritize God in all aspects of life. Whether through offerings, worship, or daily living, the principle of giving God the first and best is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It challenges Christians to examine their priorities and ensure that God holds the prime position in their hearts and actions. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) First in order of time; original; primeval; primitive; primary.2. (a.) First in rank, degree, dignity, authority, or importance; as, prime minister. 3. (a.) First in excellence; of highest quality; as, prime wheat; a prime quality of cloth. 4. (a.) Early; blooming; being in the first stage. 5. (a.) Lecherous; lustful; lewd. 6. (a.) Marked or distinguished by a mark (') called a prime mark. 7. (n.) The first part; the earliest stage; the beginning or opening, as of the day, the year, etc.; hence, the dawn; the spring. 8. (n.) The spring of life; youth; hence, full health, strength, or beauty; perfection. 9. (n.) That which is first in quantity; the most excellent portion; the best part. 10. (n.) The morning; specifically (R. C. Ch.), the first canonical hour, succeeding to lauds. 11. (n.) The first of the chief guards. 12. (a.) Any number expressing the combining weight or equivalent of any particular element; -- so called because these numbers were respectively reduced to their lowest relative terms on the fixed standard of hydrogen as 1. 13. (n.) A prime number. See under Prime, a. 14. (n.) An inch, as composed of twelve seconds in the duodecimal system; -- denoted by [']. See 2d Inch, n., 1. 15. (v.) To apply priming to, as a musket or a cannon; to apply a primer to, as a metallic cartridge. 16. (v.) To lay the first color, coating, or preparation upon (a surface), as in painting; as, to prime a canvas, a wall. 17. (v.) To prepare; to make ready; to instruct beforehand; to post; to coach; as, to prime a witness; the boys are primed for mischief. 18. (v.) To trim or prune, as trees. 19. (v.) To mark with a prime mark. 20. (v. i.) To be renewed, or as at first. 21. (v. i.) To serve as priming for the charge of a gun. 22. (v. i.) To work so that foaming occurs from too violent ebullition, which causes water to become mixed with, and be carried along with, the steam that is formed; -- said of a steam boiler. Greek 187. akmazo -- to be at the prime ... to be at the prime. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: akmazo Phonetic Spelling: (ak-mad'-zo) Short Definition: I reach maturity, become ripe Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/187.htm - 6k 5230. huperakmos -- past the bloom of youth 136. ainos -- praise (noun) 3494. neanias -- a young man Strong's Hebrew 7839. shacharuth -- blackness... Word Origin from shachar Definition blackness NASB Word Usage prime of life (1). youth. From shachar; a dawning, ie (figuratively) juvenescence -- youth. ... /hebrew/7839.htm - 6k 2779. choreph -- harvest time, autumn 376. ish -- man Library On Monday, or at Prime. Joseph, the Prime Minister The Incarnation as Prime Example of the Action of God's Grace Death of a Christian in his Prime. To the Same How no Change was Made by the Elders in the Ancient System of ... Of the Attributes Assigned by Hilary to Each Person. The Trinity ... How the Mattin Office was not Appointed by an Ancient Tradition ... Missionary Programs and Rural Community Service Obadiah Thesaurus Prime (3 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) First in rank, degree, dignity, authority, or importance; as, prime minister. ... 6. (a.) Marked or distinguished by a mark (') called a prime mark. ... /p/prime.htm - 9k Machine (2 Occurrences) Second (2060 Occurrences) Joseph (248 Occurrences) Tobit Anaharath (1 Occurrence) Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence) Zaphnath-paaneah (1 Occurrence) Nuts (2 Occurrences) Obadiah (21 Occurrences) Resources The patience of Job'why is Job famous for being patient? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Who was Titus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Prime: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Prime (3 Occurrences)1 Samuel 2:33 Job 29:4 Ecclesiastes 11:10 Subtopics Related Terms |