In the Bible, wrinkles are often associated with aging and the natural progression of life. They serve as a metaphor for the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. While the Bible does not frequently mention wrinkles explicitly, the concept is implied in various passages that discuss aging, beauty, and the human condition.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Aging and Wisdom: Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, and the Bible often portrays aging as a time of gaining wisdom and understanding. In Proverbs 16:31, it is written, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." While this verse does not mention wrinkles directly, it highlights the honor and respect due to the elderly, who often bear the physical marks of age, including wrinkles.

2. The Transience of Beauty: The Bible acknowledges the fleeting nature of physical beauty, which can be marred by age and time. In Proverbs 31:30, it states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse underscores the idea that spiritual beauty and reverence for God are of greater value than physical appearance, which inevitably changes with age.

3. Human Frailty: Wrinkles can also symbolize human frailty and the temporary nature of earthly life. In Job 14:1-2, it is written, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." This passage reflects on the brevity of life and the physical changes that accompany it, including the development of wrinkles.

4. Renewal and Restoration: Despite the inevitability of aging, the Bible offers hope for renewal and restoration. In Isaiah 40:31, it promises, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This verse suggests that spiritual renewal and strength are available to those who trust in God, transcending the physical limitations of age.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient biblical times, wrinkles were likely viewed as a natural part of life, much as they are today. The elderly were often respected for their experience and wisdom, and their physical appearance, including wrinkles, was a testament to their life journey. The Bible's emphasis on inner beauty and spiritual maturity over physical appearance reflects a cultural value that esteemed character and godliness above outward looks.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, wrinkles can be seen as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the effects of sin on the world. The aging process, with its accompanying physical changes, points to the impermanence of life and the need for redemption and eternal life through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day." This verse highlights the Christian hope of spiritual renewal and the promise of eternal life, where physical decay will be no more.

In summary, while wrinkles are a natural part of the human experience, the Bible encourages believers to focus on spiritual growth and the eternal promises of God, rather than the temporary nature of physical appearance.7059. qamat -- to seize
... cut down, fill with wrinkles. A primitive root; to pluck, ie Destroy -- cut down,
fill with wrinkles. 7058, 7059. qamat. 7060 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7059.htm - 5k

I am Told, Further, that You Touch with Some Critical Sharpness ...
... I am told, further, that you touch with some critical sharpness upon some points
of my letter, and, with the well-known wrinkles rising on your forehead and ...
/.../13 i am told further.htm

In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ...
... The harrow of pain and passion had roughened his face with wrinkles. ... Herod, turning
quickly, beckoned to the young knight, his wrinkles quivering with anger. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 13 in travel-worn garb.htm

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
... The faults are there, and nobody who is not a fool would think of painting that
homely Saxon peasant-monk's face without the warts and the wrinkles. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/luthera stone on the cairn.htm

The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ
... Brethren, because these words are so spoken in a parable, and are so wrapped in
wrinkles, that yet they seem to have a face and a similitude of a thing done ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/the sermon that the reverend.htm

Life a Tale
... The companions of our youth have grown into dignified men,"the active and influential
citizens of the place. Care has set. "Busy wrinkles round their eyes.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/life a tale.htm

Mysterious visits.
... the Lord Himself! In the presence of so much light our spots and wrinkles
are revealed, and we are utterly ashamed. We are like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/mysterious visits.htm

It was the Day Before the Nones of November in Rome. ...
... He lay comfortably in his great chair and began to read them. Presently
his body straightened, the wrinkles deepened in his brow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 18 it was the.htm

Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ...
... The Cardinal, thin and pale, with shadows of thought and pain in his eyes, and the
many delicate wrinkles of advancing age marking his features, would never ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/iii meanwhile a somewhat embarrassing.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... themselves. But though they do doctor the hair cleverly, they will not escape
wrinkles, nor will they elude death by tricking time. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

Habits
... The sleeves of your dresses and coats fall into the same wrinkles and creases every
time you put them on. That is what we call the "hang" of a dress or coat. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/habits.htm

Wrinkles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wrinkles (1 Occurrence). Job 16:8 And thou hast
filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and ...
/w/wrinkles.htm - 6k

Wrinkle (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (vt) To contract into furrows and prominences; to make a wrinkle or wrinkles
in; to corrugate; as, wrinkle the skin or the brow. ...
/w/wrinkle.htm - 8k

Knit (11 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To unite closely; to connect; to engage; as, hearts knit together in
love. 6. (vt) To draw together; to contract into wrinkles. ...
/k/knit.htm - 10k

Wrist (3 Occurrences)

/w/wrist.htm - 7k

Furrow (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) To cut a furrow in; to make furrows in; to plow; as, to furrow the ground
or sea. 4. (n.) To mark with channels or with wrinkles. Int. ...
/f/furrow.htm - 9k

Purse (7 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To put into a purse. 8. (vt) To draw up or contract into folds or
wrinkles, like the mouth of a purse; to pucker; to knit. ...
/p/purse.htm - 10k

Cockle (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (n.) The dome of a heating furnace. 7. (vt) To cause to contract into
wrinkles or ridges, as some kinds of cloth after a wetting. ...
/c/cockle.htm - 8k

Shrivel (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To draw, or be drawn, into wrinkles; to shrink, and form corrugations; as,
a leaf shrivels in the hot sun; the skin shrivels with age; -- often with up ...
/s/shrivel.htm - 7k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 16:8 And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against
me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

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