Topical Encyclopedia
The term "brightened" in the context of the Bible often refers to the transformation or illumination that occurs through divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment, or the presence of God. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, symbolizing hope, understanding, and the glory of God manifest in the lives of His people.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of being brightened is frequently associated with the presence and favor of God. For instance, in the book of Psalms, the psalmist often speaks of God's face shining upon His people as a sign of blessing and favor.
Psalm 31:16 states, "Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion." Here, the shining of God's face is synonymous with His grace and protection, which brightens the life of the believer.
The imagery of light and brightness is also prevalent in the prophetic literature. In
Isaiah 60:1 , the prophet declares, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." This passage speaks to the future glory and restoration of Israel, where the brightness signifies the coming of God's salvation and the fulfillment of His promises.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of being brightened is closely linked to the revelation of Jesus Christ and the enlightenment that comes through the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses the metaphor of light to describe the knowledge and understanding that believers receive through Christ. In
Ephesians 1:18 , Paul prays, "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints."
The transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Gospels where the brightness of His divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John.
Matthew 17:2 describes this event: "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This moment of divine brightness underscores the glory and majesty of Christ, affirming His identity as the Son of God.
Spiritual SignificanceThe theme of being brightened carries profound spiritual significance for believers. It represents the transformative power of God's presence in the life of an individual. As Christians walk in the light of Christ, they are called to reflect His brightness to the world. Jesus Himself instructs His followers in
Matthew 5:16 , "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
The brightening of one's life through faith in Christ is not merely an external change but an internal transformation that affects one's entire being. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the heart and mind, leading believers into deeper truth and understanding. This spiritual enlightenment empowers Christians to live out their faith boldly and to be beacons of hope and truth in a darkened world.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "brightened" frequently, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine illumination and transformation that occurs when individuals encounter the living God. Through His Word and Spirit, God continues to brighten the lives of His people, guiding them into His eternal light.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Brighten.
Strong's Hebrew
7044. qalal -- burnished... burnished, polished. From qalal;
brightened (as if sharpened) -- burnished, polished.
see HEBREW qalal. 7043, 7044. qalal. 7045 . Strong's Numbers.
215. or -- to be or become light
... root Definition to be or become light NASB Word Usage bright (1),brightened (2),
dawned (1), enlighten (2), enlightened (1), enlightening (1), gave light (1...
Library
Timeliness in Doing Good.
... appreciated. Once they would havebrightened his life, but now his life
is over. Once... darkness. You might havebrightened it. This...
Blessedness and Praise
... it, indeed, further disclosures of God's mind and purposes, but its especial
characteristic is"the reflection of the light of God frombrightened faces and...
Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... In their prayers, you will find the class I am now speaking of, are praying mainly
that their evidences may bebrightened, and that they may feel assured that...
The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy
Spirit to them that ask him?" This is the law, a conditionbrightened by a...
The Three Tabernacles
... had ascended, and to which he still belonged, and to have craved permanent shelter
and extatic communion within the mystic splendors thatbrightened the Mount...
The Symbols of the Republic.
... From its stock of mighty men"its heroes, and bards, and sages"who havebrightened
the roll of fame; or from its memorable battle-fields, on rude heath and...
Off to vienna
... And some of the light and laughter of his face glowed 'for a moment in their dark
lives, as a gloomy glen in the forest isbrightened up by a darting ray of...
The Note of Cheer
... cheered us, one and all. Facesbrightened and drooping heads were lifted
up as the old man pursued his way. The last hymn was the...
The General Service to one Hieromartyr
... O God-wise, blissful (mentioned by name), with the purple-dye of thy blood, thou
hastbrightened thy sacred and divine raiment, for thou hast piously gone from...
The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor.
... For the Versicles the Stichera, Tone 8. Similar to: O most glorious wonder ...O
all-wise father (mentioned by name), Thou hastbrightened the church of Christ...
Thesaurus
Brightened (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Brighten. Multi-Version Concordance
Brightened (3 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan
...Bright (85 Occurrences)
... with the oath; and he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped
it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyesbrightened...
Brightening (2 Occurrences)
Brighten (3 Occurrences)
Jehoahaz (22 Occurrences)
... Asherah" in Jerusalem). 6. Partial Reform: The close of this dark reign,
however, isbrightened by a partial reform. In his distress...
Resources
Brightened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
