Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Preference refers to the act of favoring one person, thing, or course of action over others. In a biblical context, preference can relate to God's choices, human decisions, and the moral implications of favoring certain behaviors or people.
Divine Preference:The Bible often illustrates God's sovereign preference in His choices and actions. For example, God chose Israel as His special people (
Deuteronomy 7:6-8), not because of their size or strength, but because of His love and promise to their ancestors. Similarly, God's preference is evident in His selection of individuals for specific purposes, such as David over his brothers (
1 Samuel 16:7) and Jacob over Esau (
Romans 9:13).
Human Preference:Human preference is a recurring theme in Scripture, often highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of choosing one thing over another. The Bible warns against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of justice and community.
James 2:1-4 admonishes believers not to show partiality, especially in the assembly, as it contradicts the faith in Jesus Christ.
Moral and Ethical Implications:The Bible addresses the moral implications of preference, particularly in the context of love and justice.
Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "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 underscores the importance of impartiality and fairness in human interactions.
Preference in Relationships:In familial and social relationships, preference can lead to discord and conflict. The account of Joseph and his brothers (
Genesis 37:3-4) illustrates the dangers of parental favoritism, which led to jealousy and strife. Similarly, the preference shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons Esau and Jacob (
Genesis 25:28) resulted in family division and deceit.
Preference in Worship and Service:The Bible also addresses preference in the context of worship and service to God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their devotion to God above all else.
Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns.
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges the reality of preference, it calls for discernment and righteousness in making choices. Believers are encouraged to align their preferences with God's will, ensuring that their decisions reflect His justice, love, and truth.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The setting of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilection; choice; also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his preference.
2. (n.) That which is preferred; the object of choice or superior favor; as, which is your preference?
Greek
4299. prokrima -- a prejudice... prokrima Phonetic Spelling: (prok'-ree-mah) Short Definition: a prejudgment, prejudice
Definition: a prejudgment, prejudice, partiality,
preference.
...678. aprosopolemptos -- not accepting the person, ie without...
... aprosopolemptos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ros-o-pol-ape'-tos) Short Definition:
impartially Definition: (literary and Jewish), without anypreference (undue favor...
4285. proegeomai -- to go before (as a leader)
... first.". Word Origin from pro and hegeomai Definition to go before (as a
leader) NASB Word Usage givepreference (1). prefer. From...
2308. thelesis -- will
... Cognate: 2308 (a feminine noun derived from 2309 , "desire, wish") -- a desire or
wish; a brand of God'spreference "fleshed out" in a miraculous way in His...
1588. eklektos -- select, by impl. favorite
... a substantive/noun) -- properly, selected (chosen from, out of), especially as a
deeply personal choice -- literally " a personalpreference (intention)." See...
1586. eklego -- to select
... from 1537 , "out of" and 3004 , " to a conclusion") -- properly, to select (choose)
out of, by a highly deliberate choice (ie real heart-preference) with a...
Library
Among Versions aPreference is Given to the Septuagint and the...
... Book II. Chapter 15."Among Versions aPreference is Given to the Septuagint
and the Itala. 22. Now among translations themselves...
You Chose a Bad Introducer. If You Will Take My Counsel, Both You...
... If you will take my counsel, both you and I will bypreference turn to him who
introduces us to the Father and who said No man cometh unto the Father but by me...
But Since He Says, in Addition to This, "What is thisPreference...
... Chapter LXIV. But since he says, in addition to this, "What is this
preference of sinners over? But since he says, in addition...
Evil, Then Consists Essentially in the Choice of what is Lower in...
... Against the Heathen. Section 5. Evil, then consists essentially in the
choice of what is lower inpreference to what is higher....
Of the Question Why the Heathen Should Refuse to Worship the God...
... If, indeed, He is the deity that presides over the elements of which this world
consists, why is He not worshipped inpreference to Neptune, who presides over...
Whether Choice is to be Found in Irrational Animals?
... Objection 2: Further, the very word "electio" [choice] seems to signify the
taking of something inpreference to others. But irrational...
A Short Description of Charity.
... out of all, whence this love is not a love of simple excellence, but an incomparable
love; for charity loves God by a certain esteem andpreference of his...
Whether Choice is Only of the Means, or Sometimes Also of the End?
... Objection 2: Further, choice impliespreference of one thing to another. But just
as there can bepreference of means, so can there bepreference of ends....
God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... In every act of the will there is apreference-the desiring one thing rather
than another. Where there is nopreference, but complete...
The Question of Novelty Further Considered in Connection with the...
... 585] as being Himself, withal, a virgin; to whom looking, the apostle also"himself
too for this reason abstinent"gives thepreference to continence....
Thesaurus
Preference (3 Occurrences)... of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilection; choice;
also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his
preference.
...Vote (3 Occurrences)
... or opinion, of a person or a body of persons, expressed in some received and authorized
way; the expression of a wish, desire, will,preference, or choice, in...
Choice (113 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Care in selecting; judgment or skill in distinguishing what is to
be preferred, and in giving apreference; discrimination....
Dove (27 Occurrences)
... myriads of birds of Palestine. Doves were givenpreference because they
remained wild and were more elusive. The thing that escapes...
Choose (116 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To make choice of; to select; to take by way ofpreference from two or more
objects offered; to elect; as, to choose the least of two evils....
Select (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Taken from a number bypreference; picked out as more valuable or excellent
than others; of special value or excellence; nicely chosen; selected; choice...
Preferred (9 Occurrences)
Prefer (10 Occurrences)
Version
... received were once more given consideration and, finally, the unadopted readings
for which the American Companies professed deliberatepreference were printed...
Latin (2 Occurrences)
... In the same context he mentions "an innumerable variety of Latin translators,"
"a crowd of translators." His advice to readers is to give apreference to the...
Resources
Why are people irrational? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He instructed us to hate our father and mother (Luke 14:26)? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians use the preferred pronouns of transgender individuals when referring to them? | GotQuestions.orgPreference: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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