Topical Encyclopedia
The term "profuse" generally refers to something that is abundant, excessive, or overflowing. In the context of the Bible, the concept of profusion can be seen in various aspects of God's creation, His blessings, and human responses to divine generosity.
Profusion in CreationThe Bible often highlights the abundance of God's creation as a testament to His power and generosity. In
Genesis 1, the creation narrative describes the earth being filled with a profusion of life, from plants and animals to the stars in the sky. This abundance reflects God's ability to provide more than enough for His creation.
Psalm 104:24 states, "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures."
Profusion in BlessingsGod's blessings are frequently described as being profuse, overflowing beyond human expectation. In
Malachi 3:10 , God challenges His people to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising, "Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing without measure." This verse illustrates the concept of divine generosity that exceeds human capacity to contain.
The New Testament also speaks of the profusion of God's grace. In
Ephesians 1:7-8 , Paul writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Here, the word "lavished" conveys the idea of grace being given in abundance.
Profusion in Worship and GivingHuman responses to God's profuse blessings are often characterized by acts of worship and giving. The Bible records instances where individuals respond to God's generosity with their own acts of profusion. In
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul encourages believers to give generously, stating, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."
The account of the widow's offering in
Mark 12:41-44 also exemplifies profuse giving. Despite her poverty, the widow gives all she has, demonstrating a heart of abundant generosity that Jesus commends.
Profusion in God's Love and MercyThe Bible frequently emphasizes the profusion of God's love and mercy. In
Lamentations 3:22-23 , it is written, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage highlights the inexhaustible nature of God's mercy, renewed daily for His people.
Similarly,
Romans 5:20 speaks of the abundance of grace, stating, "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." This verse underscores the idea that God's grace is more than sufficient to cover the multitude of human sins, showcasing His boundless love and forgiveness.
In summary, the concept of profusion in the Bible is intricately linked to God's nature as a generous provider, His abundant blessings, and the appropriate human response of worship and giving. The Scriptures consistently portray God as one who gives lavishly, inviting His people to partake in and reflect His abundant generosity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful; giving in abundance; as, profuse hospitality.
2. (a.) Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse expenditure.
3. (v. t.) To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander.
Library
Read Now the MostProfuse Revilings which He Has Poured Forth...
... Book III. Chapter 15. " 17. Read now the mostprofuse revilings which
he has poured forth whilst puffed? "17. Read now the...
On Mourning for the Dead
... The unprofitable and bad consequences, the sinful nature, ofprofuse sorrowing for
the dead, are easily deduced from the former part of this reflection; in the...
The Story of Panthea.
... a very generous policy on all these occasions, showing no desire to secure such
treasures to himself, but distributing them withprofuse liberality among his...
"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
... See how thy generous testimony has been requited! In the day of thy glory thou wert
tooprofuse in thy acknowledgments, too prodigal in thy testimonials....
The Best Introduction to this Production Will be the Following...
... he dedicated in honour of the gods golden and silver statues, and adorned them with
precious stones,"that I may not waste words in aprofuse description of...
Appendix V in the Directory.
... Holy Communion. The reading of Holy Scriptures. The directions for the
reading of Holy Scripture are much lessprofuse. Of course...
The Demons Shall be Punished More Severely than Men.
... And such are you also, O Greeks,"profuse in words, but with minds strangely warped;
and you acknowledge the dominion of many rather than the rule of one...
The Life and Passion of Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr.
... devout priest [2096] and glorious witness of God, composed many writings whereby
the memory of his worthy name survives; and although theprofuse fertility of...
Virgins are Called to the Imitation of the Church in the...
... "Lion in front, but dragon all behind,. And in the midst a she-goat breathing forth.
Profuse the violence of flaming fire. Her slew Bellerophon in truth....
If we Would Give Alms to Ourselves, we must Flee Iniquity; for He...
... Those, then, who think that they can by giving alms, howeverprofuse, whether in
money or in kind, purchase for themselves the privilege of persisting with...
Thesaurus
Profuse (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful;
giving in abundance; as,
profuse hospitality.
...Profuse (1 Occurrence).
...Profusely (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In aprofuse manner. Multi-Version Concordance
Profusely (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 15:3 In their streets...
Kisses (12 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses
of an enemy areprofuse. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Unsparing (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not sparing; not parsimonious; liberal;profuse.
2. (a.) Not merciful or forgiving. Multi-Version Concordance...
Lavish (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Expending or bestowing profusely;profuse;
prodigal; as, lavish of money; lavish of praise. 2. (a...
Large (235 Occurrences)
... city. 2. (superl.) Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions. 3. (superl.)
Full in statement; diffuse; full;profuse. 4. (superl...
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Bestowed in a large way; hence, more than sufficient; abundant; bountiful;
ample;profuse; as, a liberal gift; a liberal discharge of matter or of water...
Importunate (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Importunate (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are
the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy areprofuse. (See JPS)....
Fever (13 Occurrences)
... used by Hippocrates. This is followed by a period of burning dry heat,
ending in a period ofprofuse perspiration. Such attacks...
Frequent (10 Occurrences)
... King James Version (Proverbs 27:6) as translation of `athar, "to be abundant," the
Revised Version (British and American) in text, "profuse." American Revised...
Resources
Does God cry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Codex Gigas? | GotQuestions.orgProfuse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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