Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "bigger" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of greatness, increase, and growth is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often uses terms like "great," "increase," and "multiply" to convey the idea of something becoming larger or more significant. This concept can apply to physical size, numbers, influence, or spiritual maturity.
Biblical Examples and Themes:1.
God's Greatness and Majesty: The Bible frequently speaks of God's greatness, which surpasses human understanding. In
Psalm 145:3 , it is written, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse highlights the infinite nature of God's greatness, which is beyond human comprehension.
2.
Increase in Numbers and Prosperity: The theme of increase is evident in God's promises to the patriarchs. In
Genesis 17:2 , God promises Abraham, "I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly." This promise of multiplication signifies not only an increase in numbers but also the expansion of God's covenant blessings.
3.
Spiritual Growth and Maturity: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth. In
Ephesians 4:15 , Paul encourages believers to "speak the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." This growth is not merely about size but about maturity and becoming more like Christ.
4.
Parables of Growth: Jesus often used parables to illustrate the concept of growth in the Kingdom of God. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed (
Matthew 13:31-32), Jesus describes the Kingdom as starting small but growing into something much larger: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
5.
Faith and Trust in God's Provision: The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's ability to provide abundantly. In
2 Corinthians 9:10 , Paul writes, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness." This passage reassures believers of God's provision and the resulting increase in righteousness and blessings.
6.
Warnings Against Pride and Self-Exaltation: While the Bible speaks of growth and increase, it also warns against pride and self-exaltation. In
James 4:6 , it is stated, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The pursuit of greatness for selfish reasons is cautioned against, emphasizing humility and reliance on God.
Conclusion:The concept of "bigger" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing God's greatness, the increase of His people, spiritual growth, and the expansion of His Kingdom. While growth and increase are seen as blessings, they are always to be understood within the context of God's will and purpose, with a heart of humility and gratitude.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) compar. of Big.
Greek
4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish... 4994 (literally "living in divine ") is moving in the "
bigger picture" transforming
someone to be "radically-balanced" according to the Lord's will.
...Strong's Hebrew
1419. gadol -- great... Word Origin from gadal Definition great NASB Word Usage all* (2),
bigger (1), bitterly
(1), bitterly* (3), deep (1), elder (3), exceedingly (2), extremely* (2
...1431. gadal -- to grow up, become great
... 2), became rich (1), became tall (1), became...wealthy (1), become arrogant (4),
become great (1), become rich (1), become so great (1),bigger (1), boast* (1...
Library
GrowingBigger for Service's Sake.
... Each One of Us GrowingBigger for Service's Sake. There's a second thing to do.... We
must set ourselves to growingbigger and better for service's sake....
Jehovah --Jesus.
... Thebigger the thing to be seen, the longer the distance needed for good perspective....
The object has been gettingbigger andbigger to his eyes....
Samuel, the Little Server
... Just as certain as his birthday came round his mother came and brought with her
his little coat, and as he grewbigger every year the coat wasbigger too....
Spelling God.
... It's the same thing, only spelled differently; spelled in a yet better way.
The spelling growsbigger to us when Jesus comes. When...
Wesley at Charterhouse
... Accordingly, the upper boys being thenbigger than myself seemed to me very big
and tall, quite contrary to what they appear now when I am taller andbigger...
Mr. ...
... I breathe with my hair, and I drink with my toes. I growbigger andbigger
about the waist,. And yet I am always very tight laced....
'A Time to Plant'
... small on the young man's imagination, on the young woman's dreaming heart, be they
of angels or of beasts, are permanent; and they will getbigger andbigger...
Of Former Times
... of this? Indeed a very plain one: It was not because they were smaller,
but because I wasbigger than I was ten years before. I...
Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ...
... "In the first place, fairies are muchbigger than you see me.".... "But they might
be tremendouslybigger than I am, and yet not very big....
Fences and Serpents
... He began to tamper with the wall. First a tiny little bit of stone taken out that
did not show the daylight through; then a littlebigger, and abigger....
Thesaurus
Bigger (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bigger (4 Occurrences).
... I will pull down my barns, and
build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. (WEB NIV).
...Big (21 Occurrences)
Lotus (2 Occurrences)
... is the dom tree, Zizyphus lotus, a species of jujube tree (Natural Order Rhamneae);
it has many spines and small globular fruit a littlebigger than a pea....
Wax (32 Occurrences)
... illustration. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (vi) To increase in size; to grow
bigger; to become larger or fuller; -- opposed to wane. 2...
Trees (179 Occurrences)
... is the dom tree, Zizyphus lotus, a species of jujube tree (Natural Order Rhamneae);
it has many spines and small globular fruit a littlebigger than a pea....
Tear (97 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:18 He said,'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. (See NAS NIV)....
Pull (32 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Luke 12:18 He said,'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns,
and buildbigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods....
Bigtha (1 Occurrence)
Barns (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:18 He said,'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods....
Store (134 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:18 He said,'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods....
Resources
Why is sexual temptation a bigger problem for men than for women? | GotQuestions.orgHow big is God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgBigger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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