Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of time is often expressed in a manner where a part of a period is counted as the whole. This method of reckoning time is evident in various passages throughout the Scriptures and reflects the cultural and linguistic practices of the ancient Near East.Old Testament Examples One of the most notable examples of this concept is found in the account of creation in Genesis. The creation narrative describes God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 1:1–2:3). While the text specifies "evening and morning" as markers of each day, the understanding of these "days" has been a subject of theological discussion. Some interpretations suggest that these days may represent longer periods, yet they are counted as whole days in the narrative. Another instance is seen in the account of Noah and the flood. Genesis 7:12 states, "And the rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights." However, the entire period of the flood, including the time the waters prevailed and receded, lasted much longer. The use of "forty days and forty nights" serves as a representative period within the larger timeframe. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, the concept of time as a part representing the whole is also present. Jesus' resurrection is described as occurring "on the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:4). According to Jewish reckoning, any part of a day could be considered a whole day. Thus, Jesus' death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday is counted as three days, even though it spans parts of three days. Another example is found in the prophecy of Jesus concerning His resurrection, where He refers to the "sign of Jonah." In Matthew 12:40, Jesus states, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." This expression aligns with the Jewish inclusive reckoning of time, where any part of a day is considered a full day. Cultural and Linguistic Context The practice of counting a part of a period as the whole is rooted in the cultural and linguistic context of the biblical authors. In the ancient Near East, inclusive reckoning was a common method of time calculation. This approach is evident in various legal and historical documents from the period, where partial days or years are counted as complete units. Theological Implications Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting biblical chronology and prophecy. It highlights the importance of considering the cultural context in which the Scriptures were written. This method of time reckoning underscores the reliability of biblical narratives, as it reflects the conventions of the time rather than modern chronological precision. Conclusion The biblical use of time, where a part of a period is counted as the whole, is a testament to the cultural and historical context of the Scriptures. This understanding aids in the interpretation of key biblical events and prophecies, providing insight into the ancient worldview and the divine message conveyed through the biblical text. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 13:1Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 4:16 Esther 5:1 Library Enrollment by Households in Egypt Chronology of the Life of Christ Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... Additional Notes Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ... Chapter xlvi Augustin's Part in the Controversy. Chapter xv Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1 8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is God's relationship to time? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |
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