Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "cheap" in the Bible is not directly addressed with the modern economic connotation of low cost or inexpensive. However, the Scriptures provide principles related to value, worth, and the attitude towards material possessions that can be applied to the understanding of what is considered "cheap."
Value and WorthIn biblical terms, value is often associated with righteousness, wisdom, and spiritual wealth rather than material possessions.
Proverbs 3:13-15 states, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her." This passage highlights that true value is found in wisdom and understanding, which surpasses any material wealth.
Material PossessionsThe Bible warns against placing too much importance on material wealth, which can be seen as "cheap" in comparison to spiritual riches. In
Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly possessions.
Generosity and GivingThe Bible also emphasizes the importance of generosity and the attitude of giving. In
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul writes, "Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This teaching suggests that the value of giving is not in the amount but in the heart and willingness behind it, contrasting with a "cheap" or stingy attitude.
Integrity in TransactionsThe Bible advocates for honesty and integrity in all dealings, including financial transactions.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This principle underscores the importance of fairness and integrity, opposing any notion of deceit or undervaluing in business practices.
Spiritual Riches Over Material WealthThe New Testament frequently contrasts spiritual riches with material wealth. In
Revelation 3:17-18 , the church in Laodicea is admonished, "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich; white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." This passage calls believers to seek spiritual wealth, which is of true and lasting value.
In summary, while the Bible does not directly address the concept of "cheap" as understood in modern economic terms, it provides a framework for understanding value through the lens of spiritual wealth, integrity, and generosity. The Scriptures encourage believers to prioritize eternal values over temporary material possessions, emphasizing the worth of wisdom, righteousness, and a generous heart.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A bargain; a purchase; cheapness.
2. (n.) Having a low price in market; of small cost or price, as compared with the usual price or the real value.
3. (n.) of comparatively small value; common; mean.
4. (adv.) Cheaply.
5. (v. i.) To buy; to bargain.
Greek
2754. kenodoxia -- vainglory... Cognate: 2754 -- "a state of pride which is without basis or justification -- 'empty
pride,
cheap pride, vain pride' " (, 1, 88.221), used only in Phil 2:3
...4508. rhuparos -- filthy
... vile. From rhupos; dirty, ie (relatively)cheap or shabby; morally, wicked -- vile.
see GREEK rhupos. (rupara) -- 1 Occurrence. (ruparos) -- 1 Occurrence....
3690. oxos -- sour wine
... 3690 -- low-grade, sour wine, given as acheap painkiller to people condemned
to crucifixion. "Apparently Jesus was offered kinds of wine....
Strong's Hebrew
1686. dibyonim -- probably dove's dung... In the margin for the textual reading, cheryown {kher-yone'}; both (in the plural
only and) of uncertain derivation; probably some
cheap vegetable, perhaps a
...Library
After this Diamond Recovered So Fast, that in a Few Days He was...
... Just come home with me now and look at a horse I can let you havecheap.... He'd carry
a small house any day. I bought himcheap, and I'll sell himcheap."....
The Publisher Has Pleasure in Submitting the Following Extracts...
... The proposal issued by Mr Nichol is remarkable even in this age ofcheap literature,
and will go far to supply what has been long needed,"an accurate, elegant...
Preface to the Book
... Let each scholar be provided with acheap tablet, a well-bound blank book of two
hundred pages, a small Bible Dictionary of recognized merit, and a copy of the...
Some Desires Being the Same in All, are Known to Each. The Poet...
... had come together on the day appointed, with great expectation, all being in suspense
and silent, is affirmed to have said: You will to buycheap, and sell dear...
The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living
... find that these days in the tropics people may look upon the missionary's American
refrigerator as a normal and necessary thing; but thecheap print curtains...
The Contrast
... It is toocheap"toocheap for us, and often too dear for the beggar. If we
really loved him we would either do more for him, or less....
Firm to the End.
... The growth ofcheap literature is another cause. The printing press which
gives us acheap Bible and Prayer Book, and a vast amount...
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... Is it soap?' I replied, 'Yes; it is soap to wash souls clean.' She demanded what
I meant; whereupon I told her that I carriedcheap and godly books for sale....
Letter iii. A Letter of Severus to Holy Paul the Bishop. ...
... After I learned that all thy cooks had given [232] up thy kitchen (I believe because
they felt indignant at having to fulfill the duty towardscheap dishes of...
April the Thirteenth Pure Gold
... I must not satisfy myself withcheap flimsy and then assume that the Lord
will be satisfied with it.... Let me offer Him nothingcheap....
Thesaurus
Cheap (3 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) of comparatively small value; common; mean. 4. (adv.) Cheaply. 5. (vi) To
buy; to bargain. Multi-Version Concordance
Cheap (3 Occurrences).
...Flash (19 Occurrences)
... 13. (a.) Showy, but counterfeit;cheap, pretentious, and vulgar; as, flash
jewelry; flash finery. 14. (a.) Wearing showy, counterfeit...
Victory (71 Occurrences)
... have gained the victory over him because of the blood of the Lamb and of the testimony
which they have borne, and because they held their livescheap and did...
Low (216 Occurrences)
... 11. (superl.) Beneath the usual or remunerative rate or amount, or the ordinary
value; moderate;cheap; as, the low price of corn; low wages. 12....
Gain (142 Occurrences)
... the floor beam. 2. (a.) Convenient; suitable; direct; near; handy; dexterous;
easy; profitable;cheap; respectable. 3. (vt) That...
Widely (11 Occurrences)
... 16:15 But you put your faith in the fact that you were beautiful, acting like a
loose woman because you were widely talked of, and offering yourcheap love to...
Fowl (73 Occurrences)
... by our Lord as examples of the providential care of God (Matthew 6:26 Luke 12:24);
in another connection the "sparrows" (strouthion) soldcheap, probably for...
Rewards (26 Occurrences)
... They give payment to all loose women: but you give rewards to your lovers, offering
them payment so that they may come to you on every side for yourcheap love...
Popular (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (a.) Adapted to the means of the common people; possessed or obtainable by the
many; hence,cheap; common; ordinary; inferior; as, popular prices; popular...
Bargain (7 Occurrences)
... buy a thing at a bargain. 4. (n.) The thing stipulated or purchased; also,
anything boughtcheap. 5. (n.) To make a bargain; to...
Resources
What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dietrich Bonhoeffer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ragamuffin gospel? | GotQuestions.orgCheap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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