Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical literature, the term "reduced" often refers to a state of being diminished, lessened, or brought low, whether in terms of numbers, strength, wealth, or spiritual condition. This concept is frequently encountered in the narratives of the Old and New Testaments, where individuals, nations, or groups experience reduction as a result of divine judgment, personal sin, or external circumstances.Old Testament Context 1. Divine Judgment and Reduction: The theme of reduction is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of divine judgment. For instance, the nation of Israel often faced reduction in numbers and strength due to their disobedience to God's commandments. In Leviticus 26:22, God warns Israel of the consequences of disobedience: "I will send wild animals among you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle, and reduce your numbers, so that your roads lie deserted" . This reduction serves as a form of divine discipline intended to bring the people back to repentance. 2. Reduction in Wealth and Status: The account of Job illustrates a personal reduction in wealth and status. Job, once a man of great wealth and influence, is reduced to poverty and suffering. Job 1:14-15 describes the beginning of his reduction: "a messenger came to Job and reported, 'While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!'" . Job's reduction is a test of faith, ultimately leading to his restoration and greater understanding of God's sovereignty. 3. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets frequently warned of reduction as a consequence of sin. Isaiah 17:4 speaks of the reduction of Ephraim: "In that day the glory of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away" . This reduction is symbolic of the spiritual decline and impending judgment upon the people. New Testament Context 1. Spiritual Reduction: In the New Testament, reduction often takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus speaks of the reduction of the proud and the exaltation of the humble. In Luke 14:11, He states, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" . This principle underscores the kingdom value of humility over pride. 2. Reduction in Numbers: The early church experienced reduction in numbers due to persecution and apostasy. However, this often led to a purification and strengthening of the faith community. Acts 8:1 notes, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria" . This scattering, while a reduction in one sense, facilitated the spread of the Gospel. 3. Personal Reduction for Spiritual Gain: The Apostle Paul speaks of personal reduction in terms of suffering and loss for the sake of Christ. In Philippians 3:7-8, he writes, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things" . Paul's reduction in worldly status and gain is portrayed as a spiritual gain, emphasizing the eternal value of knowing Christ. Theological Implications The concept of reduction in the Bible often serves as a reminder of human dependence on God. Whether through divine judgment, personal trials, or spiritual discipline, reduction is used by God to draw individuals and nations back to Himself. It highlights the transient nature of worldly wealth and status and underscores the eternal significance of spiritual growth and humility. Through reduction, believers are often refined and prepared for greater service in God's kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Reduce.Greek 3014. lepra -- leprosy ... To contract this ailment meant the leper was reduced to a social outcast -- barred from all the activities at the Temple. See 3015 (). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3014.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7739b. shevah -- to be set or made... 7739a, 7739b. shevah. 7740 . to be set or made. Transliteration: shevah Short Definition: reduced. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding ... /hebrew/7739b.htm - 5k 1639. gara -- to diminish, restrain, withdraw Library The Manich??ans are Reduced to the Choice of a Tortuous, or Curved ... Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ... Whether Christ's Body was Reduced to Dust in the Tomb? All the Duties of a Contemplative Life Reduced to Two Heads... But See, when He is Reduced to Straits in the Argument... The Shifts to which Hermogenes is Reduced, who Deifies Matter, and ... The State of Misery to which Adam's Sin Reduced Mankind, and the ... Of the Question Why God Suffered the Jews to be Reduced to ... Argument. In the Former Books an Exposition Has Been Given of the ... Eighth Tractate. Why Distant Objects Appear Small. Thesaurus Reduced (16 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Reduce. Multi-Version Concordance Reduced (16 Occurrences). Acts 7:6 And God declared that ... /r/reduced.htm - 11k Reduce (13 Occurrences) Alphabet (2 Occurrences) Gideon (45 Occurrences) Miniature (1 Occurrence) Mesha (4 Occurrences) Powder (14 Occurrences) Commandments (181 Occurrences) Godhead (5 Occurrences) Slave (148 Occurrences) Resources What is monism? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view socialism? | GotQuestions.org What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.org Reduced: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reduced (16 Occurrences)Acts 7:6 1 Corinthians 15:27 2 Peter 2:6 Genesis 47:21 Exodus 5:11 Leviticus 27:18 Job 30:19 Psalms 79:1 Psalms 89:40 Psalms 102:5 Proverbs 6:26 Isaiah 25:5 Ezekiel 16:27 Ezekiel 28:18 Daniel 3:29 Amos 5:5 Subtopics Related Terms |