Topical Encyclopedia
Commendation in the biblical context refers to the act of entrusting, praising, or recommending someone or something, often in the sight of God or the Christian community. It is a significant theme throughout Scripture, reflecting both divine approval and human acknowledgment of faithfulness, virtue, or service.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, commendation is often associated with God's approval of individuals who demonstrate faith and obedience. For example, in
Genesis 15:6, Abraham's faith is commended by God: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This divine commendation underscores the importance of faith as the basis for a righteous standing before God.
The Psalms frequently express a desire for God's commendation, as seen in
Psalm 37:5-6: "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun." Here, the psalmist highlights the connection between trust in God and His commendation through the manifestation of righteousness and justice.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, commendation takes on a more explicit form within the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul often uses the concept of commendation in his epistles, both in terms of divine approval and the recognition of fellow believers. In
2 Corinthians 10:18, Paul writes, "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." This verse emphasizes that true commendation comes from God, not from self-promotion or human approval.
Paul also commends individuals for their service and faithfulness. In
Romans 16:1-2, he writes, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in any matter she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." Here, Paul acknowledges Phoebe's contributions and encourages the Roman church to support her, illustrating the communal aspect of commendation.
Commendation and Christian VirtueCommendation is closely linked to the demonstration of Christian virtues such as faith, love, and perseverance.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," provides numerous examples of individuals who received commendation for their faith.
Hebrews 11:2 states, "This is why the ancients were commended." The chapter goes on to list figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, whose lives exemplified trust in God's promises.
Furthermore, commendation is not limited to individual recognition but extends to the collective witness of the church. In
Revelation 2-3, Jesus addresses the seven churches, commending them for their deeds, perseverance, and faithfulness, while also calling them to repentance where necessary. This dual aspect of commendation and correction serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance and growth.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, seeking commendation from God involves living a life that aligns with His will and reflects His character. It encourages humility, as seen in
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." The pursuit of divine commendation motivates Christians to serve faithfully, love sacrificially, and remain steadfast in trials, knowing that their ultimate approval comes from the Lord.
In summary, commendation in the Bible encompasses both divine approval and human recognition, rooted in faithfulness and virtue. It serves as an encouragement for believers to live lives worthy of the calling they have received, with the assurance that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in words; recommendation.
2. (n.) That which is the ground of approbation or praise.
3. (n.) A message of affection or respect; compliments; greeting.
Greek
1868. epainos -- praise... praise. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: epainos Phonetic Spelling:
(ep'-ahee-nos) Short Definition:
commendation, praise Definition
...4956. sustatikos -- constructive, commendatory
... introductory. Cognate: 4956 -- properly, what , referring to a , or letter
ofcommendation (used only in 2 Cor 3:1). See 4921 ()....
2162. euphemia -- good report
... good report. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: euphemia Phonetic Spelling:
(yoo-fay-mee'-ah) Short Definition:commendation, good report Definition...
133. ainesis -- praise
... praise. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ainesis Phonetic Spelling:
(ah'-ee-nes-is) Short Definition: praise Definition: praise,commendation....
2129. eulogia -- praise, blessing
... From the same as eulogeo; fine speaking, ie Elegance of language;commendation
("eulogy"), ie (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by...
Library
Commendation for the Steadfast
...Commendation for the Steadfast. A Sermon... This Philadelphian church had won the
commendation, "Thou hast kept my word." Dear hearer, see that you win it too....
Love'sCommendation
... Love'sCommendation. A Sermon No.104. Delivered on Sabbath Morning, November
23, 1856, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON.... Love'scommendation....
Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ...
... Homily X.Commendation of those who came to hear after taking a meal.?
Commendation of those who came to hear after taking a meal...
Commendation and Exhortation. Syriac Version
... Syriac Version Chapter I."Commendation and exhortation. Syriac Version.
Because thy mind is acceptable to me, inasmuch as it is...
Marriage not Abolished by theCommendation of virginity.
... Discourse II."Theophila. Chapter I."Marriage Not Abolished by theCommendation
of Virginity. And then, she said, Theophila spoke...
Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing....
... Homily IX.Commendation of those who had laid aside the practice of swearing.?
Commendation of those who had laid aside the practice of swearing....
Commendation and Exhortation.
... Shorter and Longer Versions Chapter I."Commendation and exhortation.
Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God...
Commendation and Exhortation.
... Chapter IV."Commendation and exhortation. Now it occurs to me to mention,
that the report is true which I heard of thee whilst...
It Follows afterCommendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church. .....
... Section 14. It follows aftercommendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church.?
14. It follows aftercommendation of the Trinity, "The...
That the Great Reason for the Advent of Christ was the...
... Chapter 4."That the Great Reason for the Advent of Christ Was theCommendation
of Love. 7. Moreover, what greater reason is apparent...
Thesaurus
Commendation (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Commendation (2 Occurrences). 1
... ourselves? Or do we
need, as do some, letters of
commendation to you or from you?
...Commendatory (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Serving to commend; containing praise or
commendation; commending; praising.... 3. (n.) Acommendation; eulogy....
Commend (22 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.)Commendation; praise. 6. (n.) Compliments; greetings. Int.... Or do we
need, as do some, letters ofcommendation to you or from you?...
Onesimus (2 Occurrences)
... Paul in Rome. Such acommendation would greatly facilitate' Onesimus's return
to Colosse. But Paul does more. He furnishes Onesimus...
Second (2060 Occurrences)
... He does not indeed wish to enter upon any further apologies or self-
commendation. Some believe greatly in letters ofcommendation...
Judge (297 Occurrences)
... 7. (v.) To assume the right to pass judgment on another; to sit in judgment or
commendation; to criticize or pass adverse judgment upon others....
Letters (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need,
as do some, letters ofcommendation to you or from you?...
Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... love or vanity of, esp. by artful and interestedcommendation or attentions;
to blandish; to cajole; to wheedle. 5. (vt) To raise...
Flattery (11 Occurrences)
... (n.) The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artfulcommendation
or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise....
Recommend (2 Occurrences)
... to commit to another's care, confidence, or acceptance, with favoring representations;
to put in a favorable light before any one; to bestowcommendation on; as...
Resources
Is the Bible truly God's Word? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCommendation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
