Topical Encyclopedia The term "scanty" refers to something that is insufficient in quantity or quality, lacking in fullness or richness. In the context of the Bible, the concept of scantiness can be applied to various aspects of life, including material possessions, spiritual resources, and moral integrity. The Bible often contrasts scantiness with abundance, highlighting the blessings of God as opposed to the insufficiency of human efforts.Material Scantiness In the Old Testament, scantiness is often associated with the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, in Haggai 1:6 , the prophet describes the people's experience of scarcity due to their neglect of God's house: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes." This passage illustrates how material scantiness can result from misplaced priorities and a lack of devotion to God. The theme of scantiness is also evident in the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to a lack of prosperity and abundance. Conversely, obedience to God's laws is promised to bring about plenty and prosperity, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:11-12 : "The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land. The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands." Spiritual Scantiness The New Testament addresses the concept of spiritual scantiness, particularly in the context of faith and righteousness. Jesus warns against spiritual poverty in the parable of the sower, where the seed that falls on rocky ground represents those who receive the word with joy but have no root, leading to a scanty spiritual life (Matthew 13:20-21). This parable emphasizes the importance of a deep and abiding faith that can withstand trials and tribulations. In Revelation 3:17 , the church in Laodicea is rebuked for its spiritual scantiness: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing,’ but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." This admonition serves as a reminder that material wealth does not equate to spiritual richness, and that true wealth is found in a vibrant relationship with Christ. Moral Scantiness The Bible also addresses moral scantiness, where individuals or societies fall short of God's standards of righteousness and justice. The prophets frequently called out the moral deficiencies of Israel and Judah, urging them to return to God's ways. In Amos 8:4-6 , the prophet condemns those who exploit the poor and practice deceit, highlighting the moral scantiness of their actions: "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, ‘When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat?’... skimping the measure, boosting the price, and cheating with dishonest scales." The call to moral integrity is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1) and to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These passages underscore the importance of a life that reflects the fullness of God's character, as opposed to the scantiness of human sinfulness. In summary, the concept of scantiness in the Bible serves as a warning against the insufficiency of human efforts apart from God. Whether in material, spiritual, or moral terms, the Scriptures call believers to seek the abundance that comes from a life aligned with God's will and purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Wanting amplitude or extent; narrow; small; not abundant.2. (a.) Somewhat less than is needed; insufficient; scant; as, a scanty supply of words; a scanty supply of bread. 3. (a.) Sparing; stingy; parsimonious. Library Priscilla and Aquila Enoch, the Deathless Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria Physical Characteristics. After This, Celsus, Desirous of Maintaining that Providence ... Preface of the Author. The Epistle to the Hebrews Sources. The Question at Issue Egypt Thesaurus Scanty (4 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Somewhat less than is needed; insufficient; scant; as, a scanty supply of words; a scanty supply of bread. ...Scanty (4 Occurrences). ... /s/scanty.htm - 7k Scant (4 Occurrences) Trachonitis (1 Occurrence) Simeon (48 Occurrences) Elijah (104 Occurrences) Scapegoat (3 Occurrences) Quickly (254 Occurrences) Negeb (37 Occurrences) Negev (39 Occurrences) Oded (3 Occurrences) Resources Scanty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scanty (4 Occurrences)Matthew 13:5 John 6:7 1 Corinthians 4:11 Micah 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms |