Topical Encyclopedia
Character, in the biblical context, refers to the moral and ethical qualities that define an individual. It is the essence of who a person is, shaped by their values, beliefs, and actions. The Bible places significant emphasis on the development of godly character, which is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of character is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with virtues such as integrity, honesty, humility, and faithfulness.
Proverbs 22:1 highlights the importance of a good name, stating, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." This verse underscores the value of a reputation built on strong character.
Character and the HeartThe Bible teaches that character is a matter of the heart. In
1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord says to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage emphasizes that God evaluates individuals based on their inner character rather than external appearances.
The Role of TrialsTrials and tribulations are seen as opportunities for character development.
Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here, the Apostle Paul explains that enduring hardships can lead to the strengthening of character, ultimately resulting in hope.
The Fruit of the SpiritGalatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruit of the Spirit, which are qualities that reflect godly character: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." These attributes are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, shaping their character to align with God's will.
Jesus as the Model of CharacterJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of perfect character. His life and teachings provide a blueprint for believers to follow. In
Philippians 2:5-7, Paul encourages believers to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Character and LeadershipThe Bible also addresses the importance of character in leadership. In
1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing traits such as being above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. These qualities are essential for those in positions of authority within the church, as they reflect the character necessary to lead others effectively.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a single definition of character, it consistently highlights the importance of developing a character that mirrors God's holiness and righteousness. Through the guidance of Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Jesus Christ, believers are called to cultivate a character that honors God and serves as a witness to the world.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?
Topicalbible.orgEphesians 4:22
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
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Matthew 7:17
Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
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2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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2 Peter 2:14
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
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1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
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James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
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1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
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2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
2. (n.) Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character.
3. (n.) The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.
4. (n.) Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
5. (n.) Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
6. (n.) Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
7. (n.) The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.
8. (n.) A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
9. (n.) A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Caesar is a great historical character.
10. (n.) One of the persons of a drama or novel.
11. (v. t.) To engrave; to inscribe.
12. (v. t.) To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
Greek
3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause... authority, cause. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: onoma Phonetic Spelling:
(on'-om-ah) Short Definition: name,
character, reputation Definition
...5158. tropos -- a way, manner, fashion
... manner, fashion. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: tropos Phonetic
Spelling: (trop'-os) Short Definition: way, manner,character Definition: (a...
1382. dokime -- (the process or result of) trial, proving...
... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: dokime Phonetic Spelling: (dok-ee-may')
Short Definition: a trial, proof; tried, approvedcharacter Definition: a...
2412. hieroprepes -- reverent
... of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hieroprepes Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-op-
rep-ace') Short Definition: suitable to a sacredcharacter, reverent Definition...
5046. teleios -- having reached its end, ie complete, by ext....
... perfect, full-grown Definition: perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full
grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christiancharacter....
2550. kakoetheia -- malevolence
... Cognate: 2550 (from 2556 , "an evil, vicious disposition" and 2239 , "custom") --
a disposition (character) that fosters and fondles evil ....
2425. hikanos -- sufficient, fit
... From hiko (hikano or hikneomai, akin to heko) (to arrive); competent (as if coming
in season), ie Ample (in amount) or fit (incharacter) -- able, + content...
5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible
... From phren; thoughtful, ie Sagacious or discreet (implying a cautiouscharacter;
while sophos denotes practical skill or acumen; and sunetos indicates rather...
1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... just, righteous. From dike; equitable (incharacter or act); by implication, innocent,
holy (absolutely or relatively) -- just, meet, right(-eous)....
4164. poikilos -- many colored
... diverse, manifold. Of uncertain derivation; motley, ie Various incharacter -- divers,
manifold. (poikilais) -- 7 Occurrences. (poikiles) -- 1 Occurrence....
Strong's Hebrew
8034. shem -- a name... and conspicuous position; compare shamayim); an appellation, as a mark or memorial
of individuality; by implication honor, authority,
character -- + base, (in
...7260. rabrab -- very great things
... very great things (Aramaic) from rab; huge (in size); domineering (incharacter) --
(very) great (things). see HEBREW rab. 7259, 7260. rabrab. 7261 ....
7613. seeth -- exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising
... From nasa'; an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness;
exaltation in rank orcharacter -- be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness...
Library
Character of the Gospel.
... Introduction.Character of the Gospel. The last record made of the Life
and Words of our Lord is contained in the Fourth Gospel....
Whether aCharacter is a Spiritual Power?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS ACHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether acharacter is a spiritual power? Objection 1...
Whether the SacramentalCharacter is theCharacter of Christ?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS ACHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether the sacramentalcharacter is thecharacter of Christ?...
Whether theCharacter be Subjected in the Powers of the Soul?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS ACHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether thecharacter be subjected in the powers of the soul?...
The HebrewCharacter of the Book.
... THE HEBREWCHARACTER OF THE BOOK.... It is not only Hebrew incharacter as to its
linguistic peculiarities, but especially in its use of the Old Testament....
Whether in the Sacrament of Order aCharacter is Imprinted in...
... OF THE EFFECT OF THIS SACRAMENT (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether in the sacrament of Order
acharacter is imprinted in connection with all the Orders?...
Whether a Sacrament Imprints aCharacter on the Soul?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS ACHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether a sacrament imprints acharacter on the soul?...
Whether this Sacrament Imprints aCharacter?
... OF THE EFFECT OF THIS SACRAMENT (THREE ARTICLES) Whether this sacrament
imprints acharacter?... For acharacter is a distinctive sign....
Forms VersusCharacter
... CORINTHIANS (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) FORMS VERSUSCHARACTER. 'Circumcision
is nothing... essential, viz. spiritual conduct andcharacter. I...
Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was...
... INTRODUCTION. 4.Character and condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was
addressed, and nature of the errors against which it was directed....
Thesaurus
Character (27 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters
used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic
character...Quality (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The condition of being of such and such a sort as distinguished from others;
nature orcharacter relatively considered, as of goods;character; sort...
Reputation (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The estimation in which one is held;character in public opinion; the
character attributed to a person, thing, or action; repute....
Sign (181 Occurrences)
... a picture. 6. (n.) A word or acharacter regarded as the outward manifestation
of thought; as, words are the sign of ideas. 7. (n...
Tone (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Sound, or thecharacter of a sound, or a sound considered as of this or
thatcharacter; as, a low, high, loud, grave, acute, sweet, or harsh tone....
Saints (117 Occurrences)
... ownership. They are not primarily words ofcharacter, like chacidh, but
express a relation to God as being set apart for His own....
Personality
... "From being applied to the mask, it came next to be applied to the actor, then to
thecharacter acted, then to any assumedcharacter, then to anyone having any...
Ezranehemiah
... EZRA-NEHEMIAH. Contents 1. Name. 2. Object 3. Plan 4. Unity 5. Sources 6. Literary
Character 7. Languages 8. Historicity 9. Text LITERATURE...
Ezra-nehemiah
... EZRA-NEHEMIAH. Contents 1. Name. 2. Object 3. Plan 4. Unity 5. Sources 6. Literary
Character 7. Languages 8. Historicity 9. Text LITERATURE...
Tiberius (1 Occurrence)
... 5.Character: Though Tiberius was unpopular, he left the empire in a state of
prosperity and peace. Of hischaracter the most opposite views are held....
Resources
What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the character of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.orgCharacter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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