Topical Encyclopedia
The term "constant" is not directly used in the Bible; however, the concept of constancy is woven throughout Scripture, reflecting God's unchanging nature and the call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Constancy, in a biblical sense, often refers to the unwavering and faithful nature of God, as well as the perseverance expected of His followers.
God's Unchanging NatureThe constancy of God is a foundational theme in the Bible. God's nature, promises, and love are depicted as unchanging and eternal. In
Malachi 3:6, the Lord declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse highlights God's immutable nature, providing assurance to His people that His character and promises remain steadfast.
Similarly,
James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This passage emphasizes that God's goodness and generosity are constant, unaffected by the fluctuations of the world.
Constancy in FaithBelievers are called to exhibit constancy in their faith and devotion to God. This steadfastness is a mark of true discipleship and is encouraged throughout the New Testament. In
1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul exhorts the church, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Here, constancy is linked to perseverance in service and faithfulness to God's work.
The Apostle Paul also speaks to the constancy of faith in
Colossians 1:23, urging believers to "continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard." This call to remain grounded in the gospel underscores the importance of unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ.
Constancy in Love and ObedienceThe Bible also emphasizes constancy in love and obedience to God's commandments. Jesus, in
John 15:9-10, instructs His disciples, "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love." This passage highlights the connection between love, obedience, and constancy in the believer's relationship with God.
Constancy in TrialsThe constancy of faith is particularly significant in the face of trials and tribulations.
James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse encourages believers to remain constant in their faith, promising eternal reward for those who endure.
The Apostle Peter also addresses this theme in
1 Peter 5:10, where he writes, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you." Here, constancy is portrayed as a pathway to spiritual maturity and divine restoration.
ConclusionWhile the word "constant" may not appear explicitly in the biblical text, the concept is integral to understanding God's nature and the life of faith to which believers are called. Constancy reflects the unchanging character of God and the steadfastness required of His followers in their journey of faith, love, and obedience.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; -- opposed to fluid.
2. (v. t.) Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle.
3. (v. t.) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc.
4. (v. t.) Consistent; logical.
5. (n.) That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.
6. (n.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used in contradistinction to variable.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONSTANT; CONSTANTLYkon'-stant, kon'-stant-li: In1 Chronicles 28 (chazaq) meaning "firm," "strong." InProverbs 21:28 the adverb ("constantly") of the King James Version is replaced in the American Standard Revised Version by "shall speak so as to endure," the English Revised Version "unchallenged." the Revised Version (British and American) gives "confidently" for the King James Version "constantly" inActs 12:15Titus 3:8.
Greek
3937. Parmenas -- "constant," Parmenas, a Christian... "
constant... for Parmenides (from a comp. of para and meno) or a similar name Definition
"
constant," Parmenas, a Christian NASB Word Usage Parmenas (1). Parmenas.
...3859. paradiatribe -- wrangling,constant arguing
... wrangling,constant arguing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
paradiatribe Phonetic Spelling: (par-ad-ee-at-ree-bay') Short Definition: useless...
1618. ektenes -- stretched, fig. zealous, earnest
... zealous, earnest. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ektenes Phonetic Spelling:
(ek-ten-ace') Short Definition: intent,constant, strenuous, intense...
5442. phulasso -- to guard, watch
... Thus 5442 () is often used in the NT in the Greek voice meaning, " be on guard
against," stressing theconstant, involved with the guarding....
5147. tribos -- a beaten track, a path
... 5147 (from , "to rub") -- properly, a rut (path) formed by (constant use);
(figuratively) the "route" established by the Lord, where people can best know Him....
1111. gogguzo -- to mutter, murmur
... or mutter (grumble) with muffled undertones; (figuratively) murmur, grumble; to
show "smoldering discontent" (Souter), droning on in a low,constant murmur....
1275. diaparatribe -- mutual irritation
... Word Origin from dia and paratribe (friction, irritation) Definition mutual irritation
NASB Word Usageconstant friction (1). always, continually....
5409. phoreo -- to bear constantly, to wear
... bear, wear. From phoros; to have a burden, ie (by analogy) to wear as clothing
or aconstant accompaniment -- bear, wear. see GREEK phoros....
1492. eido -- be aware, behold, consider, perceive
... 1492 () then is physical seeing (sight) which should be theconstant bridge to
mental and spiritual seeing (). Word Origin see eidon and oida....
Strong's Hebrew
2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen... aid, amend, catch, cleave, confirm, be
constant, constrain,. A primitive root;
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively
...2956. tarad -- to pursue, chase, be continuous
... 2955, 2956. tarad. 2957 . to pursue, chase, be continuous. Transliteration:
tarad Phonetic Spelling: (taw-rad') Short Definition:constant. Word Origin a prim...
8548. tamid -- continuity
... From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance (as indefinite extension);
but used only (attributively as adjective)constant (or adverbially...
Library
A DailyConstant Exercise.
... CERTAIN PATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE WILL.
A DAILYCONSTANT EXERCISE.... A DAILYCONSTANT EXERCISE. 1. Of Contrition....
ForConstant Christian Friendship.
... Prayer and the Christian Life. FORCONSTANT CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP. Jesus!
Thou, my dearest Brother, Who dost well to me intend, Thou...
Whether aConstant Man Can be Compelled by Fear?
... OF COMPULSORY AND CONDITIONAL CONSENT (SIX ARTICLES) Whether aconstant man can
be compelled by fear? Objection 1: It would seem that "aconstant man" [*Cap....
The Duty ofConstant Communion JW
... Second Series Sermon 101 The Duty ofConstant Communion JW.... If it means anything
less thanconstant, it means more than can be proved to be the duty of any man....
Imploring theConstant Presence of God.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 448. " Imploring theconstant Presence of God. 448. LM
Sir Walter Scott. Imploring theconstant Presence of God....
Prophetic KnowledgeConstant.
... Homily III. Chapter XIII."Prophetic KnowledgeConstant. "Wherefore He
confidently made statements respecting things that are to...
Prophetic SpiritConstant.
... Homily III. Chapter XIV."Prophetic SpiritConstant. "For if it were
permitted to any one who will profess prophecy to have it...
Azmon. CM God'sConstant Goodness.
... 92 Azmon. CM God'sConstant Goodness. God'sConstant Goodness. (179) Jehovah
God! thy gracious power On every hand we see; Oh, may...
Constant, Instant, Expectant
...Constant, Instant, Expectant. A Sermon... Now, secondly, comes theCONSTANT""continuing
instant in prayer." To go back to the hunting dog with which we set out....
Of theConstant Falsehood of the Devil, and of the Powers and...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter XXIV."Of theconstant falsehood of the devil, and
of the powers and governments of the world, which we ought to obey...
Thesaurus
Constant (16 Occurrences)... variable. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CONSTANT; CONSTANTLY. kon'-stant
... 8. Multi-Version Concordance
Constant (16 Occurrences). Mark 3
...Attendance (12 Occurrences)
... Mark 3:9 So He gave directions to His disciples to keep a small boat inconstant
attendance on Him because of the throng--to prevent their crushing Him. (WEY)....
Steady (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.)Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering;
not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute; as, a man...
Faithful (136 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) True andconstant in affection or allegiance to a person to whom one is
bound by a vow, be ties of love, gratitude, or honor, as to a husband, a prince...
Living (3112 Occurrences)
... the powers of Nature-of the creation, "full of eyes" as denoting its permeation
with the Divine Reason, the wings signifying itsconstant, ready service, and...
Itch (11 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To have aconstant desire or teasing uneasiness; to long for; as, itching
ears.... 6. (n.) Aconstant irritating desire. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Idolatry (14 Occurrences)
... entered Palestine, they came into contact with the monuments and associations of
the idolatry of the old Canaanitish races, and showed aconstant tendency to...
Faithfulness (91 Occurrences)
... not only because He is really God in contrast to all that is not God, and because
He realizes the idea of Godhead, but also because He isconstant or faithful...
Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 3:8), and sometimes even represents Him as if He did not know certain things
(Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21); nevertheless theconstant representation of...
Foreknow (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 3:8), and sometimes even represents Him as if He did not know certain things
(Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21); nevertheless theconstant representation of...
Resources
Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I increase my spiritual discernment? | GotQuestions.orgConstant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
