Topical Encyclopedia
Polishing, in the context of the Bible, refers to the process of making a surface smooth and shiny, often by rubbing or grinding. This concept is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing refinement, preparation, and the enhancement of beauty or value.
Literal Use:In the ancient world, polishing was a common practice for various materials, including metals, stones, and wood. The process was essential for creating items of beauty and utility, such as weapons, tools, and ornaments. The Bible provides several instances where polishing is mentioned in relation to craftsmanship and artistry.
One notable reference is found in the description of the construction of the Temple and its furnishings. Skilled artisans were employed to create and polish the various elements used in the Temple, ensuring they were of the highest quality and beauty. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention "polishing" in these contexts, the concept is inherent in the detailed craftsmanship described in passages like
1 Kings 6 and
2 Chronicles 4.
Metaphorical Use:Metaphorically, polishing is used in the Bible to describe the process of spiritual refinement and moral improvement. Just as a craftsman polishes a piece of metal to enhance its luster, God is depicted as refining His people to bring out their best qualities.
In
Proverbs 27:17 , the concept of mutual refinement is illustrated: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse highlights the idea that individuals can help each other improve and grow, much like the polishing process enhances the quality of a material.
The prophet Isaiah also uses imagery related to polishing in
Isaiah 49:2 , where he writes, "He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, He hid me in the shadow of His hand; He made me a polished arrow, and concealed me in His quiver." Here, the polishing of the arrow symbolizes preparation and readiness for God's purposes, emphasizing the idea of being honed and perfected for divine use.
Symbolism in Scripture:Polishing in the Bible often symbolizes the transformation and sanctification of believers. The process of being polished is akin to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who refines and purifies the hearts of believers, making them more like Christ. This is reflected in passages that speak of God's refining fire, such as
Malachi 3:2-3 , which describes the Lord as a refiner and purifier of silver.
Furthermore, the imagery of polishing can be seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the glory and holiness of God. In
Ephesians 5:27 , the church is described as being presented to Christ "as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." This radiant quality is akin to the polished surface of a precious metal, reflecting the light and beauty of God's work in the lives of His people.
In summary, the concept of polishing in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the process of spiritual growth and refinement, illustrating how God works in the lives of His people to bring about holiness and righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Polish.
2. (a. & n.) from Polish.
Strong's Hebrew
1508. gizrah -- a cutting, separation... Word Origin fem. of gezer Definition a cutting, separation NASB Word Usage
polishing (1), separate area (6), separate areas (1).
polishing, separate place.
...6245. ashath -- to be smooth or shiny
... A primitive root; probably to be sleek, ie Glossy; hence (through the idea ofpolishing)
to excogitate (as if forming in the mind) -- shine, think....
Library
Further Strictures on the Same Subject.
... Hasten hither with the pin for panning the hair, and the powder forpolishing the
teeth, and some forked implement of steel or brass for cleaning the nails....
Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul...
... in another what one does one's self: vain speech: much speech: foul speech: to speak
idle words: or to speak words not needful: praising:polishing of words...
On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... tempore. Its present form, however, as Beno??t suggests, may be due to a later
polishing of notes taken down at the time of delivery....
"It's Better Higher Up. "
... And there they found this bedridden saint"one of those saints whom God
ispolishing for his own temple"just beaming with joy....
May the Thirtieth Finding the Deep Things
... souls. We must put first things first. We may be busypolishing our lenses
when our primary and fundamental need is light. It is...
In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
... "Well, here we are on Moriah. And yonder is Pilgrim Victory! He seems to bepolishing
or sharpening his sword. Why, it shines like silver now!"....
Gifts and Talents.
... and ages men have pursued the arts of weaving, embroidering, skilful dressmaking,
casting and chasing noble metals, cutting andpolishing diamonds, molding...
The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... Our writers do not amuse themselves bypolishing their periods, and everywhere
we prefer clearness of words to sonorous expressions....
His Writings and his Character
... forth, there is a kind of primordial roughness about them, as if the earth out of
which they are arising were still clinging to them: thepolishing of the gold...
Of Former Times
... But this, mean time, is to be remarked concerning most of these writers; that each
of them spent his whole life in composing andpolishing one book....
Thesaurus
Polishing (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Polishing (2 Occurrences).
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS). Ezekiel
21:11 And he giveth it for
polishing, For laying hold of by the hand.
...Lap (12 Occurrences)
... n.) A piece of brass, lead, or other soft metal, used to hold a cutting orpolishing
powder in cutting glass, gems, and the like, or inpolishing cutlery, etc....
Runner (5 Occurrences)
... (n.) A movable slab or rubber used in grinding orpolishing a surface of stone....
(n.) A tool on which lenses are fastened in a group, forpolishing or grinding....
Polisher (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, polishes; also, that which
is used inpolishing. Multi-Version Concordance Polisher (1 Occurrence)....
Nazarites (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk,
they were more ruddy in body than rubies, theirpolishing was of sapphire...
Lapis (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, theirpolishing was as of sapphire....
Lazuli (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, theirpolishing was as of sapphire....
Whiter (4 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, theirpolishing was as of sapphire....
Float (4 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The trowel or tool with which the floated coat of plastering is leveled
and smoothed. 11. (n.) Apolishing block used in marble working; a runner. 12....
Ruddy (5 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, theirpolishing was as of sapphire....
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