Topical Encyclopedia
The term "basest" is used in the Bible to describe individuals or actions that are considered lowly, morally degraded, or of the lowest status. It often conveys a sense of contempt or disdain for those who are seen as lacking in virtue or nobility. The concept of being "base" or "basest" is frequently associated with behaviors or characteristics that are contrary to the values upheld by Scripture.
In the Old Testament, the term is used to describe people of low status or those who act in a morally reprehensible manner. For example, in the book of Daniel, the term is used in the context of God's sovereignty over human kingdoms.
Daniel 4:17 states, "This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, so that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes, and sets over it the basest of men." Here, the term "basest" is used to emphasize that God can choose to elevate even the most humble or morally low individuals to positions of power, underscoring His ultimate authority and the unpredictability of His choices.
The use of "basest" in this context highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's ability to use the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes. This is consistent with other biblical narratives where God chooses the younger, the weaker, or the less esteemed to accomplish His will, such as David, the youngest son of Jesse, being chosen as king over his older brothers (1 Samuel 16).
In a broader sense, the concept of "basest" can also be applied to actions or attitudes that are considered ignoble or unworthy. The Bible frequently contrasts base behavior with the virtues that believers are called to embody, such as righteousness, humility, and integrity. For instance, in the New Testament, believers are exhorted to live lives that reflect the holiness and moral standards of God, avoiding behaviors that would be considered base or dishonorable.
The term "basest" serves as a reminder of the biblical call to rise above the moral and ethical standards of the world and to pursue a life that is pleasing to God. It challenges believers to examine their own lives and to strive for a character that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, rather than the base inclinations of human nature.
Strong's Hebrew
8215. shephal -- low (in station)... Word Origin (Aramaic) from shephel Definition low (in station) NASB Word Usage lowliest
(1).
basest. (Aramaic) from shphal; low --
basest. see HEBREW shphal.
...8217. shaphal -- low
...basest, humble, lower,. From shaphel; depressed, literally or figuratively --
base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). see HEBREW shaphel. 8216, 8217. shaphal. 8218...
Library
The Fruits of Grace
... And the Egyptian were degraded politically too, for we read in one passage of the
prophets that Egypt shall be thebasest of all nations; and yet, though the...
"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
... There needed no greater difference and deformity between Christ and us, than
this,"our servitude and bondage to sin, which truly is thebasest and most...
"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare...
... on both and yet there is no spot nor stain upon his holiness or righteousness, from
all his intermingling with the creatures, the worst andbasest creatures....
Matt. xix. 27
... gloriously approved themselves, and having pleased God, and having throughout the
whole day shone by their labors, are possessed by thebasest feeling of vice...
"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the...
... There is no such distance between the highest prince on the throne, and thebasest
beggar on the dunghill, as between the only begotten of the Father, who is...
Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... to my own safety. Who would not load me with the deepest guilt, and stamp
me as thebasest of murderers? Both Scripture and common...
Apion Book 2 Footnotes
... And this is a remarkable completion of the ancient prediction of God by Ezekiel
29:14, 15, "that the Egyptians should be a base kingdom, thebasest of the...
The Anti-Missionary Agitation.
... foreign propaganda. Malicious placards are posted before every yamen and
temple.Basest stories are retailed. "The barbarians dig...
Solomon's Reign.
... He lived a life of thebasest sort of self-indulgence. He depended upon foreign
alliances rather than upon Jehovah to save his nation....
Matt. 8:11 Many
... when we look at the tribes in the Sudan, or observe the ways of the Bedouins."Was
it not said of Egypt that it was finally to become "thebasest of kingdoms...
Thesaurus
Basest (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Basest (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 29:15 It shall
be the
basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself
...Lowliest (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 29:15 It shall be thebasest of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more
lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no...
Ruleth (21 Occurrences)
... intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it thebasest of men....
Basework (1 Occurrence)
Bases (80 Occurrences)
Nero
... But in both ways they were sorely disappointed, for Nero, having surrendered himself
to thebasest appetites, continued to go from excess to excess....
Exalt (56 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 29:15 It shall be thebasest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself
any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no...
Dispersion (4 Occurrences)
... Hebrews, a court where cases could be decided, as fully recognized by law as any
of the other courts, Egyptian or Persian, for Egypt, "thebasest of kingdoms...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
