Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "trim" in the context of the Bible generally refers to the act of making something neat, orderly, or prepared. It is often associated with the preparation and maintenance of lamps, as well as the adornment or arrangement of garments and other items. The concept of trimming can be both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing readiness, vigilance, and the maintenance of spiritual life. Biblical References: 1. Parable of the Ten Virgins: The most notable biblical reference to trimming is found in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in the Gospel of Matthew. In this parable, Jesus describes ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins took oil in jars along with their lamps, while the foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, a cry rang out that the bridegroom was coming. The virgins arose and "trimmed their lamps" (Matthew 25:7). The act of trimming the lamps signifies preparation and readiness for the coming of the bridegroom, a metaphor for Christ's return. 2. Symbolism of Readiness: The trimming of lamps in the parable symbolizes spiritual vigilance and preparedness. Just as the virgins needed to ensure their lamps were ready to provide light, believers are called to maintain their spiritual lives, keeping their faith and actions aligned with God's will. The wise virgins' preparedness contrasts with the foolish virgins' lack of foresight, highlighting the importance of being spiritually ready for the return of Christ. 3. Old Testament References: While the specific term "trim" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept can be seen in various practices related to the maintenance and preparation of sacred items. For example, the priests were responsible for maintaining the lamps in the Tabernacle, ensuring they were kept burning continually (Exodus 27:20-21). This duty required regular trimming and replenishing of oil, symbolizing the ongoing need for spiritual diligence and care. 4. Metaphorical Application: Beyond its literal application, trimming can also be understood metaphorically in the context of spiritual life. Believers are encouraged to "trim" their lives by removing sin and distractions, thereby allowing their faith to shine brightly. This involves regular self-examination, repentance, and adherence to God's commandments, ensuring that one's life is in order and ready for the Lord's return. Theological Implications: The concept of trimming, particularly in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, carries significant theological implications. It underscores the necessity of spiritual preparedness and the importance of living a life that reflects readiness for Christ's second coming. The parable serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and to actively cultivate their relationship with God, ensuring that they are not caught unprepared when the time comes. In summary, the biblical notion of trimming, while seemingly simple, carries profound spiritual significance. It calls believers to a life of readiness, vigilance, and ongoing spiritual maintenance, reflecting a heart prepared for the return of the Savior. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust.2. (v. t.) To dress; to decorate; to adorn; to invest; to embellish; as, to trim a hat. 3. (v. t.) To make ready or right by cutting or shortening; to clip or lop; to curtail; as, to trim the hair; to trim a tree. 4. (v. t.) To dress, as timber; to make smooth. 5. (v. t.) To adjust, as a ship, by arranging the cargo, or disposing the weight of persons or goods, so equally on each side of the center and at each end, that she shall sit well on the water and sail well; as, to trim a ship, or a boat. 6. (v. t.) To arrange in due order for sailing; as, to trim the sails. 7. (v. t.) To rebuke; to reprove; also, to beat. 8. (v. i.) To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favor each. 9. (n.) Dress; gear; ornaments. 10. (n.) Order; disposition; condition; as, to be in good trim. 11. (n.) The state of a ship or her cargo, ballast, masts, etc., by which she is well prepared for sailing. 12. (n.) The lighter woodwork in the interior of a building; especially, that used around openings, generally in the form of a molded architrave, to protect the plastering at those points. 13. (v. t.) Fitly adjusted; being in good order., or made ready for service or use; firm; compact; snug; neat; fair; as, the ship is trim, or trim built; everything about the man is trim; a person is trim when his body is well shaped and firm; his dress is trim when it fits closely to his body, and appears tight and snug; a man or a soldier is trim when he stands erect. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TRIMThe only non-modern use is in Jeremiah 2:33, "How trimmest thou thy way to seek love!" used for yatabh, "to make good," here "to study out," and the whole phrase means "to walk in an artificial manner," "like a courtesan." Greek 2885. kosmeo -- to order, arrange ... adorn, garnish, trim. From kosmos; to put in proper order, ie Decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick) -- adorn, garnish, trim. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2885.htm - 7k 2899. kraspedon -- a border, tassel 4938. suntrimma -- a fracture, fig. a calamity 5150. trimenon -- of three months Strong's Hebrew 2168. zamar -- to trim, prune... 2167, 2168. zamar. 2169 . to trim, prune. Transliteration: zamar Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-mar') Short Definition: prune. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/2168.htm - 6k 3697. kasam -- to shear, clip 6213. asah -- do, make 6213a. asah -- do, make 3190. yatab -- to be good, well, glad, or pleasing Library Love's Complaining As Regards Our Reverend Friend Epiphanius, this is Strange ... Behold the Bridegroom Cometh I Beware when Slumber Binds Thee The Equipment of the Servants The Welcome visitor Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ... Hymns, Festival and Occasional. The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law. Liii. The Contemplation of Death. Thesaurus Trim (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust. ... /t/trim.htm - 9k Trimmed (7 Occurrences) Barber Trigon (3 Occurrences) Lip (20 Occurrences) Fill (126 Occurrences) Prime (3 Occurrences) Pick (37 Occurrences) Plough (11 Occurrences) Prune (2 Occurrences) Resources Why do men have nipples? | GotQuestions.orgTrim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Trim (4 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 21:12 Jeremiah 2:33 Ezekiel 44:20 Daniel 4:14 Subtopics Related Terms |