Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "fittest" in the Bible is not directly addressed using the modern terminology associated with evolutionary theory, such as "survival of the fittest." However, the Scriptures do provide insights into the qualities and characteristics that are deemed fit or suitable in the eyes of God. These qualities often relate to spiritual fitness, moral integrity, and the ability to fulfill God's purposes.
Spiritual FitnessSpiritual fitness is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and equipped for a life of faith and service. In
1 Timothy 4:7-8 , Paul advises, "Train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." Here, the emphasis is on the eternal value of spiritual discipline over mere physical prowess.
Moral IntegrityThe Bible frequently highlights the importance of moral integrity as a measure of one's fitness in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse underscores the idea that true fitness involves living a life of honesty and righteousness, which aligns with God's standards.
Fitness for God's PurposeThe concept of being fit for God's purpose is illustrated in various biblical narratives. For instance, in the account of David's anointing as king, God tells Samuel in
1 Samuel 16:7 , "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage highlights that God's criteria for fitness are based on the heart and character rather than external attributes.
Endurance and PerseveranceEndurance and perseverance are also aspects of being spiritually fit.
James 1:12 declares, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse suggests that spiritual fitness involves the ability to withstand trials and remain steadfast in faith.
Fitness in ServiceThe New Testament further elaborates on the idea of fitness in the context of service and ministry. In
2 Timothy 2:21 , Paul writes, "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." This passage indicates that being fit for service involves purification and readiness to fulfill God's work.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "fittest" in the context of natural selection, it provides a rich tapestry of teachings on what it means to be fit in a spiritual and moral sense. The emphasis is on qualities such as godliness, integrity, readiness for God's purposes, endurance, and service, which together define a life that is pleasing to God.
Strong's Hebrew
3477. yashar -- straight, right... Word Origin from yashar Definition straight, right NASB Word Usage conscientious*
(1),
fittest (1), Jashar (2), just (1), proposal of peace (1), right (35
...Library
Survival of theFittest
... Survival of theFittest. Formed part of preceding address. PERHAPS the... The name
of this law is the Survival of theFittest. Eternal life...
The Survival of theFittest.
... STUDY IV THE SURVIVAL OF THEFITTEST. THE STORY OF THE GREAT FLOOD."Gen.6-8. Parallel
Readings. Hist.... V. SURVIVAL OF THEFITTEST IN THE NATURAL WORLD....
The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and...
... CHAPTER XIII. THE NATURE OF HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION; WITH THE TIME, PLACE,
AND TEMPERFITTEST FOR IT.... II. Thefittest place for it. III....
The Benefits of an Early Piety
... season: whereas, would we be so humble as to be guided by the experience and counsel
of the wisest men, we should learn that youth is thefittest season for...
That the Supreme Cause and Author of all Things must of Necessity...
... every respect is best and wisest to be done: And that, having infinite power, he
can never be controlled or prevented from doing what he so knows to befittest...
Species, or Units of Nature.
... The teachings of Darwin require an answer in the affirmative. The survival of the
fittest is one of Darwin's emphasized laws of natural selection....
The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... joy. (ii) The spiritual mourner is thefittest person for comfort. When
the heart is broken for sin, now it isfittest for joy....
Phasaelus is Too Hard for Felix; Herod Also Overcomes Antigonus in...
... When Antony had heard both sides, he asked Hyrcanus which party was thefittest
to govern, who replied that Herod and his party were thefittest....
Copiousness of Words
... and reading the best things; and it is only by giving it our attention that we shall
know not only the appellations of things, but what isfittest for every...
The Book of God
... Often the survival of thefittest is just a survival of thosefittest to
survive, and not the survival of those who ought to survive....
Thesaurus
Fittest (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fittest (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 10:3 Select the
best and
fittest of your master's sons, set him on his
...Empire (8 Occurrences)
... strife. It was a case of the survival of thefittest.... tyrant. The bloody wars
could find no solution except the survival of thefittest....
Nativity (9 Occurrences)
... We know, however, that it took place in the "fulness of the time" (Galatians
4:4), ie, at thefittest time in the world's history....
Old (3966 Occurrences)
... Evolution (unfolding) is the great process or movement; natural selection and survival
of thefittest name only guesses at some of its methods....
Fitteth (1 Occurrence)
Fitters (1 Occurrence)
Select (13 Occurrences)
... (WBS). 2 Kings 10:3 Select the best andfittest of your master's sons, set him on
his father's throne, and fight for your master's house." (WEB NAS RSV)....
Roman (26 Occurrences)
... strife. It was a case of the survival of thefittest.... tyrant. The bloody wars
could find no solution except the survival of thefittest....
Master's (52 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:3 Select the best andfittest of your master's sons, set him on his father's
throne, and fight for your master's house." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY...
Testament (13 Occurrences)
... Evolution (unfolding) is the great process or movement; natural selection and survival
of thefittest name only guesses at some of its methods....
Resources
Is belief in God a virus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat do creationists believe about natural selection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of Darwinism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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