Topical Encyclopedia
The term "partial" in a biblical context often refers to the concept of partiality or favoritism, which is addressed in various passages throughout Scripture. Partiality is generally viewed as an unjust or biased preference for one person or group over another, and it is consistently discouraged in the Bible.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of partiality is addressed in the context of justice and leadership.
Deuteronomy 1:17 instructs leaders, "Show no partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God." This verse emphasizes the importance of impartiality in judicial matters, underscoring that justice should be administered fairly, without regard to a person's status or influence.
Similarly,
Leviticus 19:15 states, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command highlights the need for equity in legal proceedings, ensuring that neither the poor nor the rich receive preferential treatment.
New Testament ContextThe New Testament continues to address the issue of partiality, particularly within the context of the Christian community.
James 2:1 warns believers, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." This admonition is part of a broader discussion on the sin of partiality, where James criticizes the practice of giving preferential treatment to the wealthy while neglecting the poor.
The Apostle Paul also speaks against partiality in his epistles. In
Romans 2:11 , he declares, "For God does not show favoritism." This statement reflects the divine standard of impartiality, indicating that God's judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not on external factors such as ethnicity, social status, or wealth.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical teaching against partiality has significant theological implications. It reflects the character of God, who is just and impartial in His dealings with humanity. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute by treating others with fairness and equality, recognizing that all people are created in the image of God (
Genesis 1:27).
Furthermore, the rejection of partiality aligns with the message of the Gospel, which is inclusive and available to all, regardless of background or social standing.
Galatians 3:28 affirms this truth: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending societal divisions.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the biblical prohibition against partiality calls Christians to examine their own attitudes and behaviors. It challenges them to ensure that their interactions, both within the church and in the broader society, reflect the impartial love and justice of God. This includes advocating for fairness in social, economic, and legal systems, and actively working to eliminate discrimination and bias in all forms.
By adhering to the biblical principle of impartiality, believers can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and bear witness to the just and loving nature of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Of, pertaining to, or affecting, a part only; not general or universal; not total or entire; as, a partial eclipse of the moon.
2. (n.) Inclined to favor one party in a cause, or one side of a question, more then the other; biased; not indifferent; as, a judge should not be partial.
3. (n.) Having a predilection for; inclined to favor unreasonably; foolishly fond.
4. (n.) Pertaining to a subordinate portion; as, a compound umbel is made up of a several partial umbels; a leaflet is often supported by a partial petiole.
Greek
1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge... issue (1), waver (1). contend, discern, doubt, judge, be
partial. From
dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, ie (literally and
...3313. meros -- a part, share, portion
... share, portion NASB Word Usage case (2), country (1), detail (1), district (3),
districts (2), group (1), individually (1), part (11),partial (2), partially (1...
378. anapleroo -- to fill up
... 4137 ("fulfill"), 378 () is " the filling up of a perfect vacancy, as with the simple
4137 -- but rather the of what is lacking ; the of apartial void" (, 1000...
991. blepo -- to look (at)
... Word Usage beware (5), careful (1), careful* (1), consider (1), facing (1), guard
(1), keep on seeing (2), look (7), looking (5), looks (1),partial* (2), saw...
4383. prosopon -- the face
... the face NASB Word Usage ahead* (2), appearance (5), before* (2), coming* (1), face
(37), faces (5), openly (1), outwardly* (1),partial* (3), partiality (1...
2983. lambano -- to take, receive
... 1), experienced* (1), forgotten* (1), gets (1), gripped (1), incur (1), married
(2), marry (2), obtained (1), occupy (1), overtaken (1),partial* (1), picked (2...
Strong's Hebrew
6440. panim -- face, faces... 1), old (1), open (15), openly* (1), opposite* (5), ours (1), outer (1), outran*
(1), over (3), over* (1), overlooks* (2), own (1),
partial* (3), partiality
...1784. Diynay -- judges
... Dinaite (Aramaic)partial from uncertain primitive; a Dinaite or inhabitant of some
unknown Assyria province -- Dinaite. 1783, 1784. Diynay. 1784a ....
1921. hadar -- to honor, adorn, perhaps to swell
... root Definition to honor, adorn, perhaps to swell NASB Word Usage claim honor (1),
defer* (1), honor (1), majestic (1),partial (1), respected (1), rough...
5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize
... 1), discern (1), distinguish (1), distinguishes (1), examine (1), examine and see
(1), examined (1), familiar (1), know (2), knows (1),partial* (1), partiality...
5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take
... 3), lofty (1), longing* (1), looked* (2), make (1), married (1), must be carried
(1), obtained (1), offer (3), pardon (2), pardons (1),partial* (2), partiality...
Library
Partial Weavings of the Strands.
... The Holy SpiritPartial Weavings of the Strands.... He is speaking directly to men
all the time everywhere. But the message is apartial one....
Because the Inevitable Tendency of thePartial-Rapture Theory is...
... Chapter Seven The Beneficiaries of the Redeemer's Return 7. Because the inevitable
tendency of thepartial-rapture theory is to get believers occupied with...
Wherein is aPartial Inquiry into the Nature of the World, and a...
... I. Wherein is apartial inquiry into the nature of the world, and a more minute
exposition of the things which preceded the genesis of man....
Because thePartial-Rapture Theory Introduces a Situation that is...
... Chapter Seven The Beneficiaries of the Redeemer's Return 8. Because the
partial-rapture theory introduces a situation that is full of Confusion....
ThePartial Council of Antioch; it Deposed Athanasius; it...
... Chapter V."ThePartial Council of Antioch; it deposed Athanasius; it substituted
Gregory; its Two Statements of the Faith; those who agreed with them....
He Next Skilfully Confutes thePartial, Empty and Blasphemous...
... Book II. Section 4. He next skilfully confutes thepartial, empty and blasphemous
statement of Eunomius on the subject of the absolutely existent....
Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles...
... Because there is not a single Scripture in the Church Epistles which, rightly
interpreted, teaches apartial rapture. How could there be?...
From Fasts Absolute Tertullian Comes toPartial Ones and...
... Chapter IX."From Fasts Absolute Tertullian Comes toPartial Ones and Xerophagies....
For the exception of certain kinds from use of food is apartial fast....
Who Teach: that Grace and Free Will arePartial Causes which...
... Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine Paragraph 9 Who teach: That grace and free
will arepartial causes which together work the beginning?...
The Apostles did in all Cases Teach the Whole Truth to the Whole...
... Chapter XXVI."The Apostles Did in All Cases Teach the Whole Truth to the Whole Church
No Reservation, NorPartial Communication to Favourite Friends....
Thesaurus
Partial (14 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) Of, pertaining to, or affecting, a part only; not general or universal;
not total or entire; as, a
partial eclipse of the moon.
...Partiality (26 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of beingpartial; inclination to favor one party, or
one side of a question, more than the other; undue bias of mind....
Defer (7 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Aren't (102 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Integrity (46 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Repair (26 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To restore to a sound or good state after decay, injury, dilapidation, or
partial destruction; to renew; to restore; to mend; as, to repair a house, a...
Crack (5 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) Apartial separation of... 14. (n.) Mental flaw; a touch of craziness;partial
insanity; as, he has a crack. 15. (n.) A crazy or crack-brained person....
Attention (236 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Accordance (118 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Swayed (6 Occurrences)
... with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the
way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren'tpartial to anyone...
Resources
Is partial preterism biblical? What do partial preterists believe? | GotQuestions.orgWill there be a partial rapture? | GotQuestions.orgCalvinism vs. Arminianism - which view is correct? | GotQuestions.orgPartial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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