Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of quantity often relates to the measurement, abundance, or scarcity of material and spiritual resources. The Bible addresses quantity in various forms, including the provision of resources, the measurement of time, and the spiritual implications of abundance and scarcity.Provision and Abundance The Bible frequently illustrates God's provision through the concept of quantity. In the Old Testament, God's provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness is a prime example. Exodus 16:16-18 states, "This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’ The Israelites did this, some gathered more and some less. When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed." This passage highlights the sufficiency of God's provision, ensuring that each person had exactly what they needed, regardless of the quantity gathered. It underscores the principle that God's provision is perfectly measured to meet the needs of His people. Scarcity and Dependence Conversely, the Bible also addresses scarcity and the dependence on God that it fosters. In 1 Kings 17:12-14 , the widow of Zarephath expresses her dire situation to Elijah: "As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." Elijah assures her that the flour and oil will not run out until the Lord sends rain upon the land. This narrative demonstrates how God can multiply limited resources, emphasizing reliance on divine provision rather than human calculation. Spiritual Implications of Quantity The New Testament often shifts the focus from material quantity to spiritual abundance. In John 10:10 , Jesus declares, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." Here, the emphasis is on the abundance of life that Jesus offers, transcending material wealth and focusing on spiritual richness. Moreover, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of stewardship over the resources God entrusts to individuals. The servants are judged not by the quantity of their initial endowment but by their faithfulness and productivity with what they were given. This parable teaches that spiritual and material resources should be used wisely and diligently for God's glory. Measurement of Time The Bible also addresses the concept of quantity in the measurement of time. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This passage reflects the ordered nature of God's creation, where time is measured and purposeful. The quantity of time allotted to various activities is part of God's divine plan, encouraging believers to use their time wisely and in accordance with His will. Conclusion In summary, the Bible's treatment of quantity encompasses God's provision, the spiritual implications of abundance and scarcity, and the stewardship of resources. Whether in the form of material goods, spiritual blessings, or time, the concept of quantity in Scripture serves to highlight God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the call for believers to trust in His perfect provision. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The exact number of an item; a considerable number.2. (n.) The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being measurable, or capable of increase and decrease, multiplication and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question How much?; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative dimensions; measure; amount; bulk; extent; size. 3. (n.) The extent or extension of a general conception, that is, the number of species or individuals to which it may be applied; also, its content or comprehension, that is, the number of its constituent qualities, attributes, or relations. 4. (n.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as, the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. 5. (n.) The relative duration of a tone. 6. (n.) That which can be increased, diminished, or measured; especially (Math.), anything to which mathematical processes are applicable. 7. (n.) A determinate or estimated amount; a sum or bulk; a certain portion or part; sometimes, a considerable amount; a large portion, bulk, or sum; as, a medicine taken in quantities, that is, in large quantities. Greek 2425. hikanos -- sufficient, fit ... hikanos Phonetic Spelling: (hik-an-os') Short Definition: sufficient, worthy, many, much Definition: (a) considerable, sufficient, of number, quantity, time, (b ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2425.htm - 8k 1640. elasson -- smaller, less 3426. modios -- modius, a dry measure of one peck 4128. plethos -- a great number 1024. brachus -- short, little 4053. perissos -- abundant 5118. tosoutos -- so great, so much, pl. so many 4052. perisseuo -- to be over and above, to abound 4130 -- furnish, accomplish, fill, supply 4119. pleion -- more excellent, very great, many Strong's Hebrew 8229. shiphah -- abundance, quantity... 8228, 8229. shiphah. 8230 . abundance, quantity. Transliteration: shiphah Phonetic Spelling: (shif-aw') Short Definition: abundance. Word Origin fem. ... /hebrew/8229.htm - 6k 8506. token -- a measurement 6996. qatan -- small, young, unimportant 7690. saggi -- great, much 7230. rob -- multitude, abundance, greatness 3527. kabar -- to be much or many 7227. rab -- much, many, great 7991. shaliysh -- a third (part) 4767. mirbah -- much 1995. hamon -- a sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance Library Whether in this Sacrament the Dimensive Quantity of the Bread or ... Whether the Whole Dimensive Quantity of Christ's Body is in this ... Whether a Determinate Quantity of Bread and Wine is Required for ... Ep. xxvi. What a Very Small Quantity of Vegetables You have Sent ... Whether Water Should be Added in Great Quantity? Whether Sin Incurs a Debt of Punishment Infinite in Quantity? In Reply to those who Ask Whether the Natures of the Lord are ... Whether all Will Rise Again of the Same Stature? Whether There is Equality in God? Whether Charity Increases by Addition? Thesaurus Quantity (18 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as, the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. ... /q/quantity.htm - 13k Infinite (8 Occurrences) Equal (70 Occurrences) Infinitude Mass (65 Occurrences) Part (2071 Occurrences) Allowance (11 Occurrences) Greatness (63 Occurrences) Little (2458 Occurrences) Increase (184 Occurrences) Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Origen of Alexandria? | GotQuestions.org What is eternal life? | GotQuestions.org Quantity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Quantity (18 Occurrences)Luke 5:6 John 21:6 Acts 28:3 Exodus 5:8 Leviticus 11:36 Leviticus 19:35 Joshua 22:8 2 Samuel 8:8 2 Samuel 12:30 1 Chronicles 18:8 1 Chronicles 20:2 1 Chronicles 22:5 1 Chronicles 22:14 1 Chronicles 23:29 2 Chronicles 9:9 2 Chronicles 31:10 Isaiah 22:24 Ezekiel 45:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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