Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "befitting" refers to something that is appropriate, suitable, or proper in a given context. In biblical terms, it often relates to behavior, actions, or attitudes that align with God's will and the teachings of Scripture. The concept of what is befitting is closely tied to the pursuit of righteousness and holiness, as believers are called to live lives that reflect the character of God.
Biblical Context:The Bible frequently addresses the idea of living in a manner that is befitting of one's calling as a follower of Christ. This involves embodying virtues such as humility, love, and integrity, which are pleasing to God and serve as a witness to others.
Scriptural References:1.
Ephesians 4:1 : "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received."
· This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life that is befitting of the Christian calling. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to conduct themselves in a way that reflects their identity in Christ.
2.
Colossians 1:10 : "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
· Here, the focus is on living a life that is befitting of the Lord, characterized by good works and spiritual growth. This aligns with the biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are continually transformed into the likeness of Christ.
3.
Philippians 1:27 : "Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel."
· Paul exhorts the Philippians to live in a way that is befitting of the gospel, highlighting the importance of unity and steadfastness in faith.
Theological Implications:Living in a manner that is befitting of one's faith is a central theme in Christian theology. It involves a commitment to holiness and a rejection of worldly values that contradict God's standards. The call to live a befitting life is not merely about external behavior but is rooted in a transformed heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and ensure that their actions, words, and thoughts are befitting of their identity in Christ. This includes practicing virtues such as kindness, patience, and self-control, as well as engaging in regular prayer and study of Scripture to align one's life with God's will.
Related Concepts:·
Holiness: The pursuit of a life set apart for God, characterized by moral purity and devotion.
·
Sanctification: The process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
·
Witness: Living in a way that reflects the truth of the gospel to others, serving as a testimony to God's transformative power.
Conclusion:The concept of what is befitting in the Christian life is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for those who seek to honor God in all aspects of their lives. By striving to live in a manner worthy of their calling, believers not only grow in their relationship with God but also serve as a light to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Befit.
2. (a.) Suitable; proper; becoming; fitting.
Greek
3169. megaloprepes --befitting a great one...befitting a great one. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: megaloprepes Phonetic
Spelling: (meg-al-op-rep-ace') Short Definition: magnificent, superb
...937. basilikos -- royal
... the king's country. Cognate: 937 -- kingly (royal),befitting a king; kingly
dignity, belonging to a king. See 932 (). Word Origin...
1740. endoxazomai -- to glorify
... Cognate: 1740 -- viewed in ,befitting () , perceived () of "acknowledged
glory because recognized as glorious" (Souter). See 1741 ()....
514. axios -- of weight, of worth, worthy
... something "weighs in" on . 514 ("weighed-in") "properly means, '' hence ',' ',
befitting, , " (J. Thayer). [514 () is the root...
2412. hieroprepes -- reverent
... 2412 s (from , "a sacred place, a temple," and 4241 , "fitting") --"befitting men,
places, actions, or things sacred to God, reverent" (K. Wuest); "to a sacred...
Strong's Hebrew
4998. naah -- to be comely orbefitting... 4997, 4998. naah. 4999 . to be comely or
befitting. Transliteration: naah Phonetic
Spelling: (naw-aw') Short Definition: lovely. Word Origin a prim.
...2969. yaah -- to befit, bebefitting
... to befit, bebefitting. Transliteration: yaah Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-aw') Short
Definition: due.... root Definition to befit, bebefitting NASB Word Usage due (1)....
Library
Whether it isBefitting to the Divine Nature to Assume?
... OF THE MODE OF UNION ON THE PART OF THE PERSON ASSUMING (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether it isbefitting to the Divine Nature to assume?...
Whether it isBefitting for a Divine Person to Assume?
... OF THE MODE OF UNION ON THE PART OF THE PERSON ASSUMING (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether it isbefitting for a Divine Person to assume?...
Whether it isBefitting that Christ Should be Predestinated?
... OF THE PREDESTINATION OF CHRIST (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether it isbefitting
that Christ should be predestinated? Objection 1: It would...
Of Adoption asBefitting to Christ (Four Articles)
... OF ADOPTION ASBEFITTING TO CHRIST (FOUR ARTICLES). We must now come to consider
whether adoption befits Christ: and under this head...
Fragment x. It is Indeed Proper to God, andBefitting his...
... Fragment X. It is indeed proper to God, andbefitting His character? It
is indeed proper to God, andbefitting His character, to...
Whether this Proposition is False: "Christ as Man was...
... Objection 2: Further, what isbefitting to Christ as man isbefitting to
any man; since He belongs to the same species as other men....
Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have had Perfect...
... Now it is clear that it is as natural as it isbefitting to the principles of human
nature that children should not have sufficient strength for the use of...
Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed?
... Therefore if a dowry isbefitting the blessed, for the same reason it
will bebefitting the saints who are wayfarers. But it is...
Whether God Can do what He Does Not?
... Therefore He cannot do except what He does. Objection 3: Further, God cannot
do anything that is not good andbefitting creation....
Whether Holy Scripture Should Use Metaphors?
... I answer that, It isbefitting Holy Writ to put forward divine and spiritual
truths by means of comparisons with material things....
Thesaurus
Befitting (2 Occurrences)...Befitting (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or
jesting, which are not
befitting: but rather giving of thanks. (ASV).
...Before (18954 Occurrences)
Kind (290 Occurrences)
... native. 2. (superl.) Having feelingsbefitting our common nature; congenial;
sympathetic; as, a kind man; a kind heart. 3. (superl...
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Free by birth; hence,befitting a freeman or gentleman; refined; noble;
independent; free; not servile or mean; as, a liberal ancestry; a liberal spirit...
Godlike (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Resembling orbefitting a god or God; divine; hence,
preeminently good; as, godlike virtue. Multi-Version Concordance...
Fitting (29 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not
befitting: but rather giving of thanks. (Root in ASV NAS RSV)....
Friendly (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Appropriate to, or implying, friendship;befitting friends; amicable.
3. (a.) Not hostile; as, a friendly power or state....
Decorous (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Suitable to a character, or to the time, place, and
occasion; marked with decorum; becoming; proper; seemly;befitting; as, a...
Priestly (16 Occurrences)
... (a.) Of or pertaining to a priest or the priesthood; sacerdotal;befitting or
becoming a priest; as, the priestly office; a priestly farewell....
Proper (62 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.)Befitting one's nature, qualities, etc.; suitable in all respect; appropriate;
right; fit; decent; as, water is the proper element for fish; a proper...
Resources
Are there different levels of punishment in hell? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the priests of On? Was Joseph wrong to marry the daughter of a pagan priest (Genesis 41)? | GotQuestions.orgIs The Divine Comedy / Dante's Inferno a biblically accurate description of Heaven and Hell? | GotQuestions.orgBefitting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
