Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "scrape" is often associated with actions involving the removal or cleaning of a surface, typically using a sharp or abrasive tool. This action can be both literal and metaphorical, appearing in various passages to convey themes of purification, judgment, or distress.Literal Usage: 1. Levitical Laws and Ritual Purity: In the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical laws, scraping is mentioned as part of the purification process. For instance, in the context of cleansing a house afflicted by mildew or mold, the priest is instructed to "scrape the house" (Leviticus 14:41). This act symbolizes the removal of impurity and the restoration of holiness to the dwelling. 2. Job's Suffering: The Book of Job provides a vivid depiction of scraping in a literal sense. Job, afflicted with painful sores, uses a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself (Job 2:8). This act underscores his intense physical and emotional suffering, as well as his desperate attempt to find relief amidst his trials. Metaphorical Usage: 1. Judgment and Destruction: Scraping can also symbolize divine judgment and the removal of sin or corruption. In prophetic literature, the imagery of scraping is sometimes used to describe the thoroughness of God's judgment against sin. For example, in the context of divine retribution, cities or nations may be metaphorically "scraped" clean of their iniquities. 2. Repentance and Renewal: The act of scraping away the old to reveal the new can also be seen as a metaphor for repentance and spiritual renewal. Just as a surface is scraped to remove dirt or decay, believers are called to rid themselves of sin and embrace a renewed life in Christ. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the concept of scraping aligns with the broader biblical themes of purification and sanctification. It reflects the necessity of removing sin and impurity to achieve spiritual cleanliness and holiness before God. The physical act of scraping serves as a tangible representation of the spiritual cleansing that believers undergo through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, scraping was a common practice for cleaning and maintaining various objects, from household items to personal grooming. The biblical references to scraping would have resonated with the original audience, who understood the practical and symbolic significance of such actions. Overall, the term "scrape" in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, illustrating the importance of purification and the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To rub over the surface of (something) with a sharp or rough instrument; to rub over with something that roughens by removing portions of the surface; to grate harshly over; to abrade; to make even, or bring to a required condition or form, by moving the sharp edge of an instrument breadthwise over the surface with pressure, cutting away excesses and superfluous parts; to make smooth or clean; as, to scrape a bone with a knife; to scrape a metal plate to an even surface.2. (v. t.) To remove by rubbing or scraping (in the sense above). 3. (v. t.) To collect by, or as by, a process of scraping; to gather in small portions by laborious effort; hence, to acquire avariciously and save penuriously; -- often followed by together or up; as, to scrape money together. 4. (v. t.) To express disapprobation of, as a play, or to silence, as a speaker, by drawing the feet back and forth upon the floor; -- usually with down. 5. (v. i.) To rub over the surface of anything with something which roughens or removes it, or which smoothes or cleans it; to rub harshly and noisily along. 6. (v. i.) To occupy one's self with getting laboriously; as, he scraped and saved until he became rich. 7. (v. i.) To play awkwardly and inharmoniously on a violin or like instrument. 8. (v. i.) To draw back the right foot along the ground or floor when making a bow. 9. (n.) The act of scraping; also, the effect of scraping, as a scratch, or a harsh sound; as, a noisy scrape on the floor; a scrape of a pen. 10. (n.) A drawing back of the right foot when bowing; also, a bow made with that accompaniment. 11. (n.) A disagreeable and embarrassing predicament out of which one can not get without undergoing, as it were, a painful rubbing or scraping; a perplexity; a difficulty. Greek 2833. knetho -- to scratch, itch ... Word Origin a late form of knao (to scrape) Definition to scratch, itch NASB Word Usage tickled (1). itching. From a primary knao ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2833.htm - 6k 2991. laxeutos -- hewn (in stone) 631. apomasso -- to wipe off Strong's Hebrew 5500. sachah -- to scrape... sachah. 5501 . to scrape. Transliteration: sachah Phonetic Spelling: (saw-khaw') Short Definition: scrape. ... root Definition to scrape NASB Word Usage scrape (1) ... /hebrew/5500.htm - 5k 1623. garad -- to scrape, scratch 7106. qatsa' -- to scrape, scrape off 7106a. qatsa -- to scrape, scrape off 4448b. malal -- to rub, scrape 7287b. radah -- to scrape out 7096. qatsah -- to cut off 5502. sachaph -- prostrate 5595. saphah -- to sweep or snatch away, catch up 1639. gara -- to diminish, restrain, withdraw Library Fun and Mischief. His Little Cousin and the "Gnats. " the Aurora ... Psalm LII. Death in Life Thou Shalt not Steal. Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Satan Considering the Saints True Repentance a Thing Divine, Originated by God, and Subject to ... Petty Dishonesty. Argument: He Briefly Shows, Moreover, what Ridiculous, Obscene ... Indwelling Sin Thesaurus Scrape (3 Occurrences)... edge of an instrument breadthwise over the surface with pressure, cutting away excesses and superfluous parts; to make smooth or clean; as, to scrape a bone ... /s/scrape.htm - 9k Scraped (5 Occurrences) Paw (4 Occurrences) Goad (2 Occurrences) Tyrus (18 Occurrences) Rubble (17 Occurrences) Erase (1 Occurrence) Debris (2 Occurrences) Plaster (13 Occurrences) Potsherd (6 Occurrences) Resources Scrape: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scrape (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 14:41 Job 2:8 Ezekiel 26:4 Subtopics Related Terms |