Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "fancy" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be explored through related themes such as imagination, desires, and the inclination of the human heart. The Bible provides insight into how human fancy, or imagination, can be both a source of creativity and a potential avenue for sin.
Imagination and CreativityThe Bible acknowledges the role of imagination in human creativity and the expression of God's image in mankind. In
Genesis 1:27, it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This divine image includes the ability to imagine and create, reflecting God's own creative nature. The construction of the Tabernacle, as described in
Exodus 31:1-5, highlights the use of artistic skill and imagination, as God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, granting him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Imagination and the HeartThe Bible also warns about the potential dangers of human fancy when it is not aligned with God's will. In
Genesis 6:5, it is written, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This passage illustrates how the imagination of the heart can lead to evil when it is not submitted to God.
Jeremiah 17:9 further emphasizes the deceitful nature of the human heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This suggests that human fancy, when left unchecked, can lead to self-deception and sin.
Desires and Worldly FancyThe New Testament also addresses the issue of worldly desires and fancy. In 1
John 2:15-17, believers are cautioned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."
This passage warns against the allure of worldly fancy, which can distract believers from their devotion to God. The desires of the flesh and eyes, along with pride, are seen as contrary to the will of God and are temporary in nature.
Renewal of the MindThe Bible encourages believers to renew their minds and align their imaginations with God's truth.
Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves submitting one's fancy and imagination to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing for a life that reflects God's will and purpose.
In summary, while the term "fancy" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a framework for understanding the role of imagination and desires in the life of a believer. Through the renewal of the mind and submission to God's will, human fancy can be directed towards creativity and righteousness, rather than sin and worldliness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.
2. (n.) An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.
3. (n.) An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.
4. (n.) Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.
5. (n.) That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
6. (n.) A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.
7. (v. i.) To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.
8. (v. i.) To love.
9. (v. t.) To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.
10. (v. t.) To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
11. (v. t.) To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal).
12. (a.) Adapted to please the fancy or taste; ornamental; as, fancy goods.
13. (a.) Extravagant; above real value.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FANCYfan'-si (phantazo, "to cause to appear," "show"): In Ecclesiasticus 34:5, "And the heart fancieth, as a woman's in travail" (compare The Wisdom of Solomon 6:16;Hebrews 12:21).
Greek
2755. kenodoxos -- vainglorious... It is only used in Gal 5:26. 2755 () refers to "foolish
fancy" (, "empty opinion").
This is , and . [This is also the meaning of 2755 in the .].
...Strong's Hebrew
2031. harhor --fancy, imagining... 2030, 2031. harhor. 2032 .
fancy, imagining. Transliteration: harhor
Phonetic Spelling: (har-hor') Short Definition: fantasies.
...401. Ukal -- an Israelite name
... name NASB Word Usage Ucal (1). Ucal. Or mukkal {ook-kawl'}; apparently from 'akal;
devoured; Ucal, afancy name -- Ucal. see HEBREW 'akal. 400, 401....
6287. p'er -- to go over the boughs
... beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire From pa'ar; an embellishment, ieFancy
head-dress -- beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire. see HEBREW pa'ar....
Library
But Let this Monstrous and ImpiousFancy be Put Far from Us...
... Book II. 45 But let this monstrous and impiousfancy be put far from us?
But let this monstrous and impiousfancy be put [3718...
Of those whoFancy That, on Account of the Saints' Intercession...
... Book XXI. Chapter 18."Of Those WhoFancy That, on Account of the Saints'
Intercession, Man Shall Be Damned in the Last Judgment....
Of those whoFancy that the Sins which are Intermingled with Alms...
... Book XXI. Chapter 22."Of Those WhoFancy that the Sins Which are Intermingled
with Alms-Deeds Shall Not Be Charged at the Day of Judgment....
But Lest any ShouldFancy that this was Granted Only to the Twelve...
... Section 7. But lest any shouldfancy that this was granted only to the
twelve? 7. But lest any shouldfancy that this was granted...
NowFancy to Yourself Christ, the Lamb of God...
... Address 182: Nowfancy to yourself Christ, the Lamb of God? Nowfancy to
yourself Christ, the Lamb of God, after his divine sermon...
Against those whoFancy that in the Judgment of God all the...
... Book XXI. Chapter 24."Against Those WhoFancy that in the Judgment of God All the
Accused Will Be Spared in Virtue of the Prayers of the Saints....
Of those whoFancy that no Men Shall be Punished Eternally.
... Book XXI. Chapter 17."Of Those WhoFancy that No Men Shall Be Punished
Eternally. I must now, I see, enter the lists of amicable...
It Seems to Me Also that theFancy of Plato...
... Chapter XXX. It seems to me also that thefancy of Plato? It seems to
me also that thefancy of Plato, that those stones which...
The Image of Matter in the Sun, after which Man is Formed...
... Chapter XXIII."The Image of Matter in the Sun, After Which Man is Formed; Trifling
Fancies; It is a MereFancy, Too, that Man Is Formed from Matter; Man is...
The Doctrine of Manich??us not Only Uncertain, but False. His...
... Uncertain, But False. His AbsurdFancy of a Land and Race of Darkness Bordering
on the Holy Region and the Substance of God. 19. What if...
Thesaurus
Fancy (1 Occurrence)... 4. (n.) Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike
one's
fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.
...Image (126 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Show; appearance; cast. 4. (n.) A representation of anything to the
mind; a picture drawn by thefancy; a conception; an idea....
Dream (82 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idlefancy; a vagary; a revery; --
in this sense, applied to an imaginary or anticipated state of happiness; as...
Conceit (14 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; livelyfancy. 4.
(n.) A fanciful, odd, or extravagant notion; a quantfancy...
Levitical (19 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48 of the prophet are scarcely inspired by practical necessities, that they
have a very pronounced character of ideal vision; and `as nofancy is pure...
Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... Arabianfancy has peopled the desert with strange creatures not of human kind (compare
Isaiah 13:21; Isaiah 34:14), andfancy has been justified by the common...
Comparative
... that all religion arose from fear of ghosts, and all the gods were but men who had
died; (2) "Animism," which traces religion to early man'sfancy that every...
Demonology
... In the extra-canonical Jewish sources the same exuberance offancy appears in
attributing all kinds of ills of mind and body to innumerable, swarming hosts of...
Demoniac (7 Occurrences)
... In the extra-canonical Jewish sources the same exuberance offancy appears in
attributing all kinds of ills of mind and body to innumerable, swarming hosts of...
Demon (26 Occurrences)
... In the extra-canonical Jewish sources the same exuberance offancy appears in
attributing all kinds of ills of mind and body to innumerable, swarming hosts of...
Resources
What is Occam's Razor? Does Occam's Razor disprove the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is monism? | GotQuestions.orgFancy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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