The term "secondly" is an adverb used to introduce the second point or item in a list or sequence. While the word itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept of ordering and prioritizing ideas, events, or commandments is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The use of "secondly" in biblical teaching often implies a structured approach to understanding God's word and His commandments.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Order in Creation and Commandments: The Bible often presents ideas in a specific order to convey importance or sequence. For example, in the creation narrative, God creates the world in a specific order over six days, culminating in the creation of humanity (Genesis 1). Similarly, the Ten Commandments are given in a particular order, with the first commandment emphasizing the primacy of God: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).

2. Pauline Epistles: The Apostle Paul frequently uses structured arguments in his epistles, often introducing points in a logical sequence. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and their order within the body of Christ: "And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers..." (1 Corinthians 12:28). This ordering underscores the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts within the church.

3. The Greatest Commandments: Jesus Himself uses a form of "secondly" when discussing the greatest commandments. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus states, "'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. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" . Here, Jesus provides a clear hierarchy of commandments, emphasizing the foundational importance of love in the life of a believer.

4. Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs often presents wisdom in a sequential manner, encouraging readers to prioritize their actions and thoughts according to divine wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding" . The sequence here suggests that acquiring wisdom is the first step, followed by gaining understanding.

5. Eschatological Order: In eschatological teachings, the Bible presents events in a prophetic sequence. For instance, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the order of events at the return of Christ: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command... and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds..." . This sequence provides believers with an understanding of the end times.

Theological Implications

The use of sequence and order in the Bible reflects the nature of God as a God of order and purpose. It encourages believers to approach their faith with a sense of priority and structure, ensuring that their lives align with God's divine order. The concept of "secondly" serves as a reminder that while all aspects of faith are important, some hold a foundational place that supports and informs the rest.(adv.) In the second place.

Secondly, for Thy Words.
... THE PRACTICE OF PIETY. Secondly, for thy Words. 1. Remember, that thou
must answer for every idle word, that in multiloquy, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/secondly for thy words.htm

But, Secondly, it is a Mystery, in which the Creation and Fall of ...
... [Way-2-45] But, secondly, it is a mystery, in which the creation and
fall of angels? But, secondly, it is a mystery, in which ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-45 but secondly it is.htm

Secondly, that as the Apostles could Not, So no Man...
... Address 26: Secondly, that as the apostles could not, so no man? Secondly,
that as the apostles could not, so no man, from their ...
/.../address 26 0 0 secondly that as.htm

Secondly, with Regard to the Demand of Learned Knowledge in the ...
... Address 140: Secondly, with regard to the demand of learned knowledge in
the Christian church? Secondly, with regard to the demand ...
/.../address 140 0 0 secondly with regard.htm

Secondly, the Other Sort of People, whom He Excludes from his ...
... [Way-2-38] Secondly, the other sort of people, whom he excludes from his
books? Secondly, the other sort of people, whom he excludes ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-38 secondly the other sort.htm

Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the ...
... REVELATION. XI. Proposition XI. Secondly, The motives by which the Christian
religion enforces the practice of the duties. it enjoins ...
/.../xi proposition xi secondly the.htm

Secondly, of Marriage.
... A Treatise against two letters of the pelagians, Chapter 30."Secondly,
of Marriage. "We say," says he, "that that marriage which ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 30 secondly of marriage.htm

Secondly, Natural Reason, Whenever Judging or Ruling in Divine ...
... [Way-2-63] Secondly, natural reason, whenever judging or ruling in divine
matters? Secondly, natural reason, whenever judging ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-63 secondly natural reason whenever.htm

Again, Secondly, "Ye have Heard," Says Our Lord, "That it Hath ...
... Address 169: Again, secondly, "Ye have heard," says our Lord, "that it
hath been said by them? Again, secondly, "Ye have heard ...
/.../address 169 0 0 again secondly ye.htm

Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm Xlv. 7, 8 Whether the Words ...
... Chapter II. Chapter XII."Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm xlv. 7, 8. Whether the
words therefore,' anointed,' &c., imply that the Word has been rewarded. ...
/.../chapter xii texts explained secondly psalm.htm

Secondly (2 Occurrences)
... (adv.) In the second place. Multi-Version Concordance Secondly (2 Occurrences). ... 2
Samuel 16:19 and secondly, for whom do I labour? is it not before his son? ...
/s/secondly.htm - 7k

Secondarily (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a secondary manner or degree. 2. (adv.) Secondly;
in the second place. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SECONDARILY. ...
/s/secondarily.htm - 7k

Holy (1097 Occurrences)
... were sitting" (Acts 2:2), and the appearance of "tongues parting asunder, like as
of fire; and it sat upon each one of them" (Acts 2:3). Secondly, there were ...
/h/holy.htm - 99k

Spirit (706 Occurrences)
... were sitting" (Acts 2:2), and the appearance of "tongues parting asunder, like as
of fire; and it sat upon each one of them" (Acts 2:3). Secondly, there were ...
/s/spirit.htm - 101k

Varieties (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 12:28 And by God's appointment there are in the
Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. ...
/v/varieties.htm - 8k

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)
... 1:5-11, and secondly and most remarkably in what have been called his `interjectional
prayers', those short but moving addresses to Almighty God which occur so ...
/n/nehemiah.htm - 24k

Organization (1 Occurrence)
... Organization (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 12:28 And by God's appointment there
are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. ...
/o/organization.htm - 7k

Language (112 Occurrences)
... is of interest, first, as one of the members of the Semitic group of languages,
to which belong the Hebrew and Aramaic tongues of the Bible; secondly, as one ...
/l/language.htm - 101k

Gehenna (12 Occurrences)
... had been the seat of the idolatrous worship of Molech, to whom children were immolated
by fire (2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6). Secondly, on account of ...
/g/gehenna.htm - 15k

Governings (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 12:28 And some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles,
secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of ...
/g/governings.htm - 6k

What is the doctrine of eternal generation and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is God like? | GotQuestions.org

Once saved always saved? | GotQuestions.org

Secondly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus