Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "alter" is not directly found in the Bible as a standalone word but is often associated with the concept of change or transformation. In a biblical context, it is closely related to the idea of repentance, renewal, and the transformative power of God in the lives of individuals and communities.
Biblical Context and Usage:The concept of altering or transformation is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire for His people to turn away from sin and embrace a life of holiness. This transformation is often depicted as a spiritual renewal or a change of heart, aligning with God's will.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, the idea of transformation is frequently associated with repentance and returning to God. The prophets often called the Israelites to alter their ways and return to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. For instance, in
Ezekiel 18:31 , God calls His people to "Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit."
New Testament References:The New Testament emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in altering the believer's life.
Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a key aspect of the Christian life, signifying a departure from worldly values and an embrace of God's truth.
Theological Significance:The concept of altering one's life is central to the Christian doctrine of sanctification. It involves a continuous process of becoming more like Christ, as believers are called to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (
Ephesians 4:22-24).
Practical Implications:For Christians, the call to alter one's life is a call to daily repentance and renewal. It involves a commitment to spiritual growth, obedience to God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. This transformation is not merely an external change but a profound internal renewal that affects every aspect of a believer's life.
Conclusion:While the word "alter" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the concept it represents is foundational to the Christian faith. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace and the believer's ongoing journey toward spiritual maturity and holiness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To make change or modify in some respect; as, to alter a garment.
2. (v. t.) To agitate; to affect mentally.
3. (v. t.) To geld.
4. (v. i.) To become, in some respects, different; to vary; to change; as, the weather alters almost daily; rocks or minerals alter by exposure.
Greek
236. allasso -- to change... to change. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: allasso Phonetic Spelling:
(al-las'-so) Short Definition: I change,
alter Definition: I change,
alter, exchange
...3337. metallasso -- to change, exchange
... exchange. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metallasso Phonetic Spelling:
(met-al-las'-so) Short Definition: I change, transform,alter Definition: I change...
2369. thumiaterion -- altar of incense, a censer
... an altar of incense, a censer. From a derivative of thumiao; a place of fumigation,
ie Thealter of incense (in the Temple) -- censer. see GREEK thumiao....
Strong's Hebrew
8133. shena -- to change...alter, change, be diverse. (Aramaic) corresponding to shana --
alter, change, (be)
diverse. see HEBREW shana. 8132, 8133. shena. 8134 . Strong's Numbers.
5709. ada -- to pass on or away
...alter, depart, pass away, remove, take away. (Aramaic) or adah (Aramaic) {ad-aw'};
corresponding to adah --alter, depart, pass (away), remove, take (away)....
8132. shana -- to change
... root Definition to change NASB Word Usagealter (1), beam (1), change (2), changed
(4), changing (1), different (1), disguise (1), disguised (1), given to...
8138. shanah -- to repeat, do again
... do speak, strike again,alter, double, be given to change, disguise, be
diverse, pervert,. A primitive root; to fold, ie Duplicate...
2498. chalaph -- to pass on or away, pass through
... abolish,alter, change, cut off, go on forward, grow up, be over, pass away,.
A primitive root; properly, to slide by, ie (by implication...
5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... bar') Short Definition: alienate. alienate,alter, at all, beyond, bring
over, through, carry over, overcome on, A primitive root...
4171. mur -- to change
... exchange, remove. A primitive root; toalter; by implication, to barter, to dispose
of -- X at all, (ex-)change, remove. 4170, 4171. mur. 4172 ....
Library
For Time CannotAlter the Nature or Essence of Things...
... [Way-1-95] For time cannotalter the nature or essence of things? For time
cannotalter the nature or essence of things; it only...
Ash Wednesday. Gather the People . . And Let the Priests, the...
... and let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and thealter,
and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord. Gather the people . ....
Of Novatus and his Followers. The Novatians of PhrygiaAlter the...
... Book IV. Chapter XXVIII."Of Novatus and his Followers. The Novatians of Phrygia
alter the Time of keeping Easter, following Jewish Usage....
The Debate Therefore, Set up by the Deists, About Reason and Faith...
... power of life, than it is the power of the senses; but must stand below them both,
and follow them both, in the same degree of inability toalter, increase, or...
The Problem Solved. June L4.
... Letter. But remember that though death mayalter our place, it cannotalter our
character"though it mayalter our circumstances, it cannotalter ourselves....
Reference to Cyprian's Treatise "On the Mortality. "
... after this life is done; where also he adduces that testimony from the book of Wisdom:
"He was taken away, lest wickedness shouldalter his understanding...
God's Dealing Does not Depend Upon any Contingent Merits of Men.
... unless we indulge in reckless disputation, the entire question is concluded concerning
him who is taken away lest wickedness shouldalter his understanding....
Pottage Versus Birthright
... false choice. Youth is gone: cannotalter that. Opportunities gone: cannot
alter that. Strength gone: cannotalter that. Habits...
The Peace of God
... If so, there is no use in tormenting your soul about it; for it is not in your own
power, and you will neveralter it to your liking; and more, you need not...
The Form and Spirit of Religion
... God. His two great ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are sent
for us from on high. I dare notalter either of them. I...
Thesaurus
Alter (8 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To make change or modify in some respect; as,
to
alter a garment.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Alter (8 Occurrences).
...Change (109 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) Toalter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another;
as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the...
Injunction (8 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not
be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn'talter...
Repealed (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not
be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn'talter...
Color (18 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To change oralter the hue or tint of, by dyeing, staining, painting,
etc.; to dye; to tinge; to paint; to stain. 10. (vt...
Issued (40 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shallalter this word, let a beam
be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon...
Decree (82 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shallalter this word, let a beam
be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon...
Medes (15 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not
be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn'talter...
Persia (30 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not
be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn'talter...
Persians (6 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not
be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn'talter...
Resources
Should Bible translations use gender-inclusive language? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is neurotheology? | GotQuestions.orgIs the New World Translation a valid version of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAlter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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