Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the concept of "fading" is often used metaphorically to describe the transient nature of life, beauty, and worldly possessions. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the contrast between the temporal and the eternal.
Old Testament ReferencesThe imagery of fading is vividly portrayed in the Old Testament, particularly in the poetic and wisdom literature. In
Isaiah 40:7-8 , the prophet declares, "The grass withers, the flowers fade when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Here, the fading of grass and flowers symbolizes the fleeting nature of human life and achievements, juxtaposed with the enduring word of God.
Similarly, in
Psalm 103:15-16 , the psalmist reflects, "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more." This passage underscores the brevity of human existence and the inevitability of mortality.
New Testament InsightsThe New Testament continues this theme, often using the concept of fading to highlight the impermanence of earthly glory and the superiority of spiritual pursuits. In
1 Peter 1:24-25 , Peter echoes Isaiah, stating, "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'" This reiteration serves to remind believers of the eternal nature of God's promises compared to the temporary nature of human life.
James 1:10-11 also employs this imagery: "But the rich should exult in their humiliation, because they will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." Here, James warns against placing trust in wealth and status, which are as fleeting as a flower's bloom.
Theological ImplicationsThe recurring theme of fading in Scripture serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of the material world. It calls believers to focus on the eternal, urging them to invest in spiritual growth and the pursuit of God's kingdom. The metaphor of fading challenges individuals to evaluate their priorities, encouraging a life centered on enduring values rather than temporary gains.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the biblical concept of fading invites a reflection on the brevity of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. It encourages believers to seek treasures in heaven, as Jesus taught in
Matthew 6:19-20 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
In daily life, this understanding can inspire a focus on relationships, acts of kindness, and spiritual disciplines that have lasting significance. By recognizing the fading nature of worldly pursuits, Christians are called to live with purpose, aligning their lives with the enduring truths of Scripture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fade.
2. (a.) Losing freshness, color, brightness, or vigor.
3. (n.) Loss of color, freshness, or vigor.
4. (n.) An Irish dance; also, the burden of a song.
Greek
2673. katargeo -- to render inoperative, abolish... abolish NASB Word Usage abolished (4), abolishing (1), bring to an end (1), did
away (1), do away (1), done away (4), fades away (1),
fading (1),
fading away (1
...Strong's Hebrew
5034b. nabel -- to sink or drop down, languish, fade... root Definition to sink or drop down, languish, fade NASB Word Usage crumbles away
(1), fade (1), fade away (1), fades (2), fades away (1),
fading (2), lose
...Library
Fading, StillFading PM , with Refrain. Evening Prayer.
... 60Fading, StillFading PM, with Refrain. Evening Prayer. Evening Prayer.
Fading, stillfading, the last beam is shining; Father...
O Light of Lights! when Other Light isFading,
... FAITH AND PENITENCE XXVIII O Light of lights! when other light isfading,.
11,10,11,10 Ph?s ek photos. O Light of lights! when other light isfading,....
A Crown Op Pride or a Crown of Glory
... pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet; 4. And the glorious
beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be afading flower, and...
The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... THE JUDGMENT OF DRUNKARDS AND MOCKERS. 'Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards
of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is afading flower, which are on the head...
The Otterbein Hymnal
... 59 Stockwell. 8s & 7s. Evening Meditations. 60Fading, StillFading PM, with Refrain.
Evening Prayer. 61 God Be With You. PM Parting Blessing....
The Service Common to Two and Many Nuns.
... beheld the beauties of paradise and been abundantly filled therewith, ye, O
all-honoured ones, have sprouted unto the world as the never-fading flowers of the...
The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of...
... the radiance of virtues, doth illumine the fulness of the faithful, driving away
the demon's darkness; wherefore as participant of the never-fading grace we...
Isaiah's Discourse
... Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to thefading flower
of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are...
Index of First Lines.
... Almighty Cause, 471 Ever patient, loving, meek, 120 Every bird that upward springs,
544Fading, stillfading, the last beam is shining, 370 Faint the earth...
PM Anonymous. Vespers.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 370. PM Anonymous. Vespers. 1Fading, stillfading,
the last beam is shining; Father in heaven! the day...
Thesaurus
Fading (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fading (8 Occurrences).
... (See NIV). Isaiah 1:30 For ye are
as an oak whose leaf is
fading, And as a garden that hath no water. (YLT NIV)
...Godhead (5 Occurrences)
... The general elimination of the forms in -head has been followed by afading
consciousness, in the case of the few surviving instances in this form, of the...
Flower (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to thefading
flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley...
Fertile (55 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to thefading
flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley...
Fadeth (9 Occurrences)
Glorious (91 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to thefading
flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley...
Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to thefading
flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley...
Lapse (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A gap, slipping, or gradualfading; as, a lapse in judgment; an unobserved
or imperceptible progress or passing away; -- restricted usually to...
Fade (16 Occurrences)
... For "fade" (Ezekiel 47:12), the Revised Version (British and American) has "wither";
for "fall" "falleth" "falling" (Isaiah 34:4), "fade," "fadeth," "fading"....
Flowers (42 Occurrences)
... (5) tsits, "flower" (Isaiah 40:6); plural tsitstsim, flowers as architectural ornaments
(1 Kings 6:18); tsitsah, "thefading flower of his glorious beauty...
Resources
Why did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is glorification? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean for a society to be post-Christian? | GotQuestions.orgFading: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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