Topical Encyclopedia
The term "distributed" in the context of the Bible often refers to the allocation or apportionment of resources, responsibilities, or spiritual gifts among individuals or groups. This concept is seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating God's provision and the communal nature of the early Christian church.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, distribution is frequently associated with the division of land, resources, and responsibilities among the tribes of Israel. For example, in the book of Joshua, the land of Canaan is distributed among the twelve tribes of Israel as an inheritance from God.
Joshua 13:7 states, "Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh." This distribution was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the importance of divine providence and order.
Additionally, the distribution of resources is evident in the laws concerning the Year of Jubilee, where land was to be returned to its original owners, and debts were forgiven (Leviticus 25). This ensured a fair distribution of wealth and prevented the permanent impoverishment of any family within the community.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of distribution takes on a more spiritual dimension, particularly in the context of the early church. The distribution of spiritual gifts is a key theme, as seen in
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 : "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church, highlighting the unity and diversity within the body of Christ.
The distribution of material resources is also a significant aspect of the early Christian community.
Acts 4:34-35 describes how the believers shared their possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice reflects the communal and selfless nature of the early church, where resources were distributed to ensure that no member was in need.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of distribution underscores the principles of stewardship, generosity, and equality. Believers are called to be stewards of the resources and gifts God has entrusted to them, using them for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. The distribution of spiritual gifts serves to build up the church, while the distribution of material resources reflects God's heart for justice and care for the poor and marginalized.
In summary, the biblical concept of distribution encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, demonstrating God's provision and the call for believers to live in community, sharing their resources and gifts for the common good.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Distribute.
Greek
2624. katakleronomeo -- to distribute by lot... Word Origin from kata and kleronomeo Definition to distribute by lot NASB Word Usage
distributed (1), inheritance (1). apportion an inheritance.
...2183. ephemeria -- a class (of priests detailed for service in the...
... From ephemeros; diurnality, ie (specially) the quotidian rotation or class of the
Jewish priests' service at the Temple, asdistributed by families -- course....
1239. diadidomi -- to hand over, distribute
... Word Origin from dia and didomi Definition to hand over, distribute NASB Word Usage
distribute (1),distributed (2), distributes (1). distribute, divide, give....
Strong's Hebrew
5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession... 1), apportion the inheritance (1), apportioned (1), apportioned for an inheritance
(1), apportioning for inheritance (1), bequeath (2),
distributed (1), divide
...6555. parats -- to break through
... 1), breaking away (1), breaks through (2), broke (1), broke down (1), broken (3),
broken down (5), broken through (2), destroyed (1),distributed (1), employ...
2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share
... share NASB Word Usage allot him a portion (1), allotted (3), apportion (2), apportions
(1), assigned (1), disperse (1), distribute (1),distributed (2), divide...
Library
How Practical Life isDistributed among Many Different Professions...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter IV. How practical life isdistributed
among many different professions and interests. This...
How the Entire City of Jerusalem was Demolished, Excepting Three...
... The Entire City Of Jerusalem Was Demolished, Excepting Three Towers; And How Titus
Commended His Soldiers In A Speech Made To Them, AndDistributed Rewards To...
Wherefore Even they which Having Relinquished orDistributed their...
... Section 33. Wherefore even they which having relinquished ordistributed their
former? 33. Wherefore even they which having relinquished...
I have not Dealt with any Details TouchingDistributed Ownership.....
... Chapter 49 I have not dealt with any details touchingdistributed ownership?
I have not dealt with any details touchingdistributed...
December 10. "According to the Measure of the Rule which God Hath...
... DECEMBER 10. "According to the measure of the rule which God hathdistributed"
(II.... "According to the measure of the rule which God hathdistributed" (II. Cor....
Whether Two Species of Justice are Suitably Assigned, viz....
... Now it is hurtful to the common good of the many, if the goods of the community
aredistributed among many, both because the goods of the community would be...
Epistle xxx. To Mauricius Augustus.
... The thirty pounds of gold which my fellow-servant Busa brought, Scribo [1599] has
distributed faithfully to priests, persons in need, and others....
*** end of this project gutenberg ebook history of egypt, chaldaea...
... phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Gutenberg"
is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied ordistributed...
*** end of this project gutenberg ebook history of egypt, chaldaea...
... phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Gutenberg"
is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied ordistributed...
Of Marriage Between Blood-Relations, in Regard to which the...
... by various relationships; and one man should not himself sustain many relationships,
but that the various relationships should bedistributed among several...
Thesaurus
Distributed (30 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Distribute. Multi-Version Concordance
Distributed (30 Occurrences).
Matthew 14:19 and He told all the people to sit down on the grass.
...Distribute (23 Occurrences)
... the seven loaves He blessed them, and broke them into portions and proceeded to
give them to His disciples for them to distribute, and theydistributed them to...
Inheritances (7 Occurrences)
... Inheritances (7 Occurrences). Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Moses
distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward....
Irrigation
... As streams were few in Palestine, water was generally stored up in winter in reservoirs,
anddistributed through gardens in numerous rills, which could easily...
Territories (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV). Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Mosesdistributed in
the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (See NAS)....
Apportioned (24 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Mosesdistributed in the plains
of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (See NAS)....
Tribal (25 Occurrences)
... Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the
fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel,distributed unto them...
Nun (31 Occurrences)
... of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the
fathers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel,distributed to them...
Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:32 These are the inheritances which Mosesdistributed in the plains
of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. (Root...
Rule (291 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 7:17 Only, as the Lord hasdistributed to each man, as
God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies....
Resources
How does the preservation of the Qur'an compare to the preservation of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives? | GotQuestions.orgIs Marxism compatible with the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgDistributed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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