Topical Encyclopedia
The term "closes" is not directly referenced as a standalone concept in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of biblical themes related to closure, completion, and the end of certain events or periods. In Scripture, the idea of closing is often associated with the fulfillment of God's promises, the end of an era, or the completion of a divine plan.
Biblical Context and Themes1.
Completion of Creation: The concept of closure is first seen in the creation narrative.
Genesis 2:1-2 states, "Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work." Here, the closing of the creation week signifies the completion of God's creative work, marking a transition from creation to rest.
2.
End of the Flood: The closing of the flood narrative in Genesis is another significant moment of closure. After the floodwaters recede, God establishes a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, marking the end of judgment and the beginning of a new era for humanity (
Genesis 9:11-17).
3.
Exodus and the Promised Land: The closing of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a pivotal moment in biblical history. After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, finally enter Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. This transition is marked by the crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 3-6).
4.
End of the Old Covenant: The closing of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ is a central theme in the New Testament.
Hebrews 8:13 states, "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear." This signifies the fulfillment and closure of the Mosaic Law through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
5.
The End Times: The Bible speaks of the ultimate closure of human history with the return of Christ and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Revelation 21:6 declares, "He said to me, 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.'" This passage highlights the finality and completeness of God's redemptive plan.
Practical ImplicationsThe concept of closure in the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty. It reassures Christians that God is faithful to complete what He has begun, both in the world and in individual lives.
Philippians 1:6 affirms this, stating, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
In summary, while the term "closes" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the theme of closure is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to completion and offering hope for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
Greek
2808. kleio -- to shut... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to shut NASB Word Usage close (1),
closed (1),
closes (1), locked (1), shut (11), shuts (1). shut.
...4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare...
... hence, of Jesus the Messiah, to the Jews who refused him" (Souter); "properly, the
of a trap," (); the stick in the trap that springs andcloses the trap when...
Strong's Hebrew
331. atam -- to shut, shut up... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to shut, shut up NASB Word Usage
closes (1),
latticed (2), shuts (1), shuttered (1), stops (2). narrow, shut, stop.
...Library
ChristCloses his Public Ministry. --Final Words of Warning to the...
... CHAPTER I. FROM THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY TO THE LAST SUPPER. Section 262. Christcloses
his Public Ministry."Final Words of warning to the Multitude....
Continues to Evangelize. Dr. Cook's Prescription. Incident at...
... The Fractious Preacher at Sonora.Closes his Evangelistic Labors.... The Fractious
Preacher at Sonora.Closes his Evangelistic Labors....
The Pelagians Argue that God SometimesCloses the Womb in Anger...
... Book II. Chapter 27."The Pelagians Argue that God SometimesCloses the Womb
in Anger, and Opens It When Appeased. Carefully consider...
1 John v. 20, 21
... John nowcloses this truly noble Epistle, with the admonition: that, persevering
in union with Him the only true God, through his Son, and in that fellowship...
The Same Jesus Here Now.
... and meeting of difficulties. It is most striking that Johncloses his Gospel
so differently from the others. They close with the...
The Nicene Creed.
... of Spain). This Creed abruptlycloses with the words 'and in the Holy
Ghost,' but adds an anathema against the Arians. This was...
Of the Loving Recollection of the Soul in Contemplation.
... For as the pearl-mother, having received the drops of the fresh dew of the morning,
closes up, not only to keep them pure from all possible mixture with the...
C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
... 1. First of all, the genealogy is found in a different part of the Gospel. In
Matthew it opens the story; in Luke itcloses the third chapter....
Introductory Note.
... This part of the Gospel therefore appropriatelycloses with the words: "These things
spake Jesus and departed, and did hide Himself from them" (xii.36)....
"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... had not known him." But faith, giving the answer of a good conscience, casts out
horror and fear, and then perfects love, and the soul thencloses with Christ...
Thesaurus
Closes (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Closes (6 Occurrences).
... Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with
worms and clods of dust. My skin
closes up, and breaks out afresh. (WEB).
...Closer (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which,closes; specifically,
a boot closer. See under Boot. 2. (n.) A finisher...
Closest (8 Occurrences)
Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence)
... Thuscloses this majestic and marvelously interesting and practical book.... Itcloses
most fittingly the formative period of Israel's history....
Onycha (1 Occurrence)
... When the animal draws itself into its shell, the hinder part of the foot
comes last, and the operculumcloses the mouth of the shell....
Laodiceans (2 Occurrences)
... the Galatians. Of course, itcloses with an injunction to the Laodiceans
to exchange epistles with the Colossians. The apostle's...
Gatepost (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A post to which a gate is hung; -- called also swinging / hinging post.
2. (n.) A post against which a gatecloses; -- called also shutting post....
Gate (248 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An opening for passage in any inclosing wall, fence, or barrier;
or the suspended framework whichcloses or opens a passage....
Worms (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust. My skincloses
up, and breaks out afresh. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
World's (21 Occurrences)
... 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and
closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in...
Resources
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