Topical Encyclopedia
The term "backside" in the Bible is often used to describe the rear or farthest part of something, typically in a geographical or spatial context. It is not commonly used to refer to the human body as it might be in modern vernacular. Instead, it often denotes a remote or less visible area, sometimes implying a place of lesser importance or a hidden aspect of a location.
Biblical Usage:1.
Geographical Context: · In
Exodus 3:1, the term "backside" is used to describe a remote area of the wilderness. The verse states, "Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." Here, "far side" is synonymous with "backside," indicating a distant part of the wilderness where Moses encountered the burning bush.
2.
Symbolic and Spiritual Implications: · The use of "backside" in the context of Moses' journey to Horeb can symbolize a place of divine encounter and revelation. It suggests that God often meets His people in the hidden or less prominent places, away from the distractions of daily life. This can be seen as an encouragement for believers to seek God in solitude and quietness.
3.
Wilderness and Testing: · The "backside" of the wilderness can also represent a place of testing and preparation. For Moses, this remote area became a place where he was prepared for his future role as the leader of the Israelites. It underscores the biblical theme that God often uses wilderness experiences to refine and prepare His servants for greater tasks.
4.
Prophetic Imagery: · In some prophetic passages, the concept of the "backside" can be used metaphorically to describe hidden or future events. While not explicitly using the term "backside," the idea of something being revealed or uncovered is present in prophetic literature, where God unveils His plans to His prophets.
Theological Reflections:· The notion of the "backside" as a place of divine encounter and preparation aligns with the broader biblical theme of God working in unexpected and humble settings. It serves as a reminder that God's presence is not confined to the grand or the visible but is often found in the quiet and secluded places.
· The "backside" can also be seen as a metaphor for the hidden aspects of God's will and purpose, which are revealed in His timing. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His plans are not immediately apparent.
In summary, the term "backside" in the Bible carries rich connotations of remoteness, divine encounter, and spiritual preparation. It invites believers to seek God in the quiet places and trust in His unfolding plan.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The hinder part, posteriors, or rump of a person or animal.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BACKSIDEbak'sid': SeeBACK.
Greek
3693. opisthen -- behind, after... Word Origin probably from opis (back) Definition behind, after NASB Word
Usage back (1), behind (5). after,
backside, behind. From
...Strong's Hebrew
4142. musabbah -- being changed, enclosed, be set, turning... Or mucabbah {moo-sab-baw'}; feminine of muwcab; a reversal, ie The
backside (of
a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name) -- being
...Library
The Life of Mr. John Semple.
... It was some time after the restoration, that, while under his hidings, being one
night in bed with another minister, thebackside of the bed falling down to...
Divine Grace.
... but in that thou seest the fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter, thou shalt
also see the reason of that." So he had him about to thebackside of the wall...
How Herod Sent his Sons to Rome; How Also He was Accused by...
... not know him, or that he was in jest, put him in mind that he was but a private
man; but Manahem smiled to himself, and clapped him on hisbackside with his...
The Westminster Assembly.
... forms foranent us, on the Prolocutor's left hand, going from the upper end of the
house to the chimney, and at the other end of the house, andbackside of the...
"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up...
... manifestation of himself, either in life or consolation, when he covereth himself
with clouds round about, that neither can a soul see into thebackside of it...
Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... So he had him about to thebackside of the wall, where be saw a man with a vessel
of oil in his hand, of the which He did also continually cast, but secretly...
Thesaurus
Backside (3 Occurrences)... animal. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BACKSIDE. bak'sid': See BACK.
Multi-Version Concordance
Backside (3 Occurrences). Revelation
...Desert (322 Occurrences)
... The "backside of the desert" (Exodus 3:1) is the west of the desert, the
region behind a man, as the east is the region in front....
Backs (46 Occurrences)
Remnant (157 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half
curtain that remaineth, shall hang over thebackside of the tabernacle....
Behind (188 Occurrences)
... 8. (adv.) After the departure of another; as, to stay behind. 9. (n.) Thebackside;
the rump. Multi-Version Concordance Behind (188 Occurrences)....
Within (400 Occurrences)
... Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book
written within and on thebackside, sealed with seven seals....
Backslide
Resources
What is the history of Masada? | GotQuestions.orgBackside: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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