Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "characteristics" refer to the attributes, qualities, and traits that define individuals, groups, or even God Himself. These characteristics can be moral, spiritual, or physical and are often highlighted to teach, admonish, or encourage believers in their faith journey.
God's CharacteristicsThe Bible extensively describes the characteristics of God, emphasizing His nature and attributes. God is depicted as holy, just, loving, and merciful. In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This triple declaration of holiness underscores God's purity and separateness from sin.
God's love is another central characteristic, as seen in 1
John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." His love is sacrificial and unconditional, exemplified in
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Human CharacteristicsThe Bible also addresses the characteristics of human beings, both in their fallen state and as redeemed individuals. In
Genesis 1:27, it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This indicates that humans possess certain characteristics reflective of God's nature, such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationships.
However, due to the Fall, human characteristics are marred by sin.
Romans 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This sin nature manifests in various negative traits such as pride, greed, and deceit.
Characteristics of the RighteousThe Bible contrasts the characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. The righteous are described as humble, faithful, and obedient to God's commands. In
Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which are characteristics of a life led by the Holy Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
The Beatitudes in
Matthew 5:3-12 further outline the characteristics of those who are blessed by God, including being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure in heart.
Characteristics of Jesus ChristJesus Christ, as the Son of God, embodies the perfect characteristics of both divinity and humanity. He is described as compassionate, humble, and obedient to the Father.
Philippians 2:5-8 highlights His humility and obedience: "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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."
Jesus' compassion is evident in His interactions with people, such as in
Matthew 9:36: "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Characteristics of the ChurchThe Church, as the body of Christ, is called to exhibit characteristics that reflect its divine calling and mission. Unity, love, and holiness are central to the Church's identity.
Ephesians 4:3-4 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called."
The Church is also called to be a light to the world, demonstrating the love of Christ through its actions and teachings. In
John 13:35, Jesus states, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
In summary, the Bible provides a comprehensive view of characteristics, offering guidance on how believers can reflect God's nature and live in accordance with His will.
Greek
5610. hora -- a time or period, an hour... fulfill a purpose); a time-period; a limited period to accomplish the Lord's specific
purpose, ie "the hour" in which specific
characteristics prevail exactly
...2015. epiphaneia -- appearance
... epiphany."]. 2015 () literally suggests an appearing that builds on (Gk ) on
thecharacteristics of a particular situation. Accordingly...
Library
MoralCharacteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 5. MoralCharacteristics.... p.23). United with all
thesecharacteristics of greatness was a far-reaching Ambition....
PhysicalCharacteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 3. PhysicalCharacteristics. A graphic picture
of his personal appearance is drawn by Cedrenus (p.472...
InheritedCharacteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 2. InheritedCharacteristics. The fact of
the inheritance of character, virtues or vices as the case...
MentalCharacteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 4. MentalCharacteristics. According to his
biographer-friend, Constantine was even more conspicuous...
ReligiousCharacteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 6. ReligiousCharacteristics. Was Constantine a Christian?
This vain question has to be considered, hardly discussed....
Characteristics of the Twelve
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 3:14-19
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TWELVE. "And He appointed twelve, that...
His Writings: theirCharacteristics.
... VIII."His Writings: TheirCharacteristics. Of the innumerable
writings"controversial, expository, hortatory, devotional"which...
Of theCharacteristics of the Prayer, the Fuller Treatment of...
... Prolegomena. Chapter IX. Of thecharacteristics of the prayer, the fuller treatment
of which is reserved for the Conferences of the Elders....
Recapitulation;Characteristics of Heresy; Origin of the Name...
... Book V. Chapter I."Recapitulation;Characteristics of Heresy; Origin of
the Name Naasseni; The System of the Naasseni. I think...
All theCharacteristics of Our Bodies --Sex, Various Limbs, Etc....
... Chapter LX."All theCharacteristics of Our Bodies"Sex, Various Limbs, Etc."Will
Be Retained, Whatever Change of Functions These May Have, of Which Point...
Thesaurus
Characteristics (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Characteristics (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 1:11 They
were eager to know the time which the Spirit of Christ
...Heredity
... of the physical and psychical qualities of parents to their offspring; the biological
law by which living beings tend to repeat theircharacteristics in their...
Demonology
... It is difficult to trace the process by which spirits unnamed and withcharacteristics
of the vaguest become deities-especially is it difficult to understand...
Demoniac (7 Occurrences)
... It is difficult to trace the process by which spirits unnamed and withcharacteristics
of the vaguest become deities-especially is it difficult to understand...
Demon (26 Occurrences)
... It is difficult to trace the process by which spirits unnamed and withcharacteristics
of the vaguest become deities-especially is it difficult to understand...
Philippians (2 Occurrences)
... fi-lip'-i-anz I. PAUL AND THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI II.CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH
AT PHILIPPI III.... II.Characteristics of the Church at Philippi....
Targum
... of the Term 2. Origin of the Targums 3. Language of the Targums 4. Mode in Which
the Targums Were Given 5. Date of the Targums 6.Characteristics of the...
Variety (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) An individual, or group of individuals, of a species differing from the
rest in some one or more of thecharacteristics typical of the species, and...
Class (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A group of individuals ranked together as possessing commoncharacteristics;
as, the different classes of society; the educated class; the lower classes...
Apocryphal
... GENERALCHARACTERISTICS 1. Romance 2. The Supernatural 3. Sexual Asceticism 4.
Heretical Teaching 5. Religious Feeling III.... II. GeneralCharacteristics....
Resources
How should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs God male or female? | GotQuestions.orgHow could David be considered a man after God's own heart? | GotQuestions.orgCharacteristics: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
