Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "fitting" in the Bible often relates to what is appropriate, proper, or suitable in the sight of God. It encompasses behavior, speech, and actions that align with God's will and the teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides guidance on what is considered fitting for believers in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's holiness and righteousness.
Fitting Behavior and ConductThe Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of fitting behavior in his epistles. In
Ephesians 5:3-4, Paul instructs believers on what is appropriate: "But among you, as is fitting for saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Here, Paul contrasts behaviors that are unfitting with those that are suitable for those who are called to be holy.
In
Colossians 3:18, Paul speaks to the fitting roles within the family structure: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." This verse highlights the appropriateness of certain roles and behaviors within the Christian household, emphasizing harmony and order as ordained by God.
Fitting SpeechThe Bible also addresses the importance of fitting speech. In
Proverbs 25:11, it is written, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." This proverb underscores the value of timely and appropriate words, suggesting that speech should be both beautiful and valuable, reflecting wisdom and discernment.
In the New Testament,
Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This instruction emphasizes the need for speech that is gracious and thoughtful, fitting for those who represent Christ.
Fitting WorshipWorship that is fitting is another significant theme in Scripture. In
Psalm 33:1, the psalmist declares, "Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; befitting is the praise of the upright." This verse highlights that praise and worship are appropriate responses to God's majesty and goodness, particularly from those who live righteously.
Romans 12:1 further elaborates on fitting worship: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Here, Paul describes a life of holiness and dedication as the fitting form of worship, aligning one's entire being with God's will.
Fitting in the Community of BelieversThe early church is depicted as a community where fitting behavior and mutual edification are paramount. In
1 Corinthians 14:40, Paul instructs, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This directive ensures that worship and community life are conducted in a way that is fitting and edifying for all members, reflecting God's order and peace.
In summary, the biblical concept of "fitting" encompasses a wide range of behaviors, speech, and attitudes that align with God's standards. It calls believers to live lives that are appropriate and pleasing to God, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fit.
2. (n.) Anything used in fitting up
3. (n.) necessary fixtures or apparatus; as, the fittings of a church or study; gas fittings.
4. (a.) Fit; appropriate; suitable; proper.
Greek
4241. prepo -- to befitting, proper, suitable... to be
fitting, proper, suitable. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prepo Phonetic
Spelling: (prep'-o) Short Definition: it becomes, is
fitting to Definition
...5534. chre -- it is necessary,fitting
... it is necessary,fitting. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chre Phonetic Spelling:
(khray) Short Definition: it is necessary, proper Definition: it is...
2520. katheko -- to be proper orfitting
... to be proper orfitting. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katheko Phonetic
Spelling: (kath-ay'-ko) Short Definition: it isfitting Definition: I come down...
2120. eukairia --fitting time
...fitting time. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eukairia Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-kahee-ree'-ah) Short Definition: a convenient time, opportunity...
1872. epakoloutheo -- to follow after
... 1872 (from 1909 , ",fitting," which intensifies 190 , "to follow") -- properly,
follow along as "fitting," ie as it morally corresponds to what leads; hence...
1867. epaineo -- to praise
... Cognate: 1867 (from 1909 , ",fitting" which intensifies 134 , "to praise") -- to
praise in afitting (apt) manner, ie as appropriate (adequate) to the...
1870. epaischunomai -- to be ashamed (of)
... 1870 (from , ",fitting" intensifying 153, "disgrace") -- properly, , like someone
"singled out" because they placed their confidence or support ("believed the...
1904. eperchomai -- to come to or upon
... 1904 (from 1909 , ",fitting" and 2064, "come") -- properly, come , ie what comes
and leaves its appropriate, inevitable effects that the particular coming....
433. aneko -- to be fit, be proper
... (Col 3:18) (433 ) -- Note the imperfect tense ("wasfitting"). [JB Lightfoot, "The
tense involved perhaps implies an essential () obligation" of what was "."]....
2540. kairos -- time, season
... time, season. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kairos Phonetic Spelling:
(kahee-ros') Short Definition:fitting season, opportunity, time...
Strong's Hebrew
749. arak --fitting, properarak or arik. 748, 749. arak or arik. 750 .
fitting, proper. Transliteration:
arak or arik Phonetic Spelling: (ar-ak') Short Definition:
fitting.
...3303. yapheh -- fair, beautiful
... Word Origin from yaphah Definition fair, beautiful NASB Word Usage appropriate
(1), beautiful (28), beautiful one (2), fair (1),fitting (1), handsome (4...
5000. naveh -- comely, seemly
... Word Origin from naah Definition comely, seemly NASB Word Usage becoming (2),
comely (1),fitting (3), lovely (4). becometh, comely, seemly....
Library
Whether it wasFitting for the Son of God to Assume Human Nature...
... OF THE MODE OF UNION ON THE PART OF THE HUMAN NATURE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether it was
fitting for the Son of God to assume human nature of the stock of Adam?...
Whether it wasFitting for Christ to be Baptized with John's...
... OF THE BAPTIZING OF CHRIST (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting for
Christ to be baptized with John's baptism? Objection 1: It...
Whether it wasFitting for Christ to be Buried?
... OF CHRIST'S BURIAL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting for Christ to be buried?...
Therefore it does not seemfitting for Christ to have been buried....
Whether it wasFitting for Man to be Tempted by the Devil?
... OF OUR FIRST PARENTS' TEMPTATION (TWO ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting
for man to be tempted by the devil? Objection 1: It would...
Whether it wasFitting for Christ to be Crucified with Thieves?
... THE PASSION OF CHRIST (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting for Christ
to be crucified with thieves? Objection 1: It would seem...
Whether it wasFitting for Christ to Descend into Hell?
... OF CHRIST'S DESCENT INTO HELL (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting for
Christ to descend into hell? Objection 1: It would seem...
Whether it isFitting to Say that when Christ was Baptized the...
... OF THE BAPTIZING OF CHRIST (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it isfitting to say that when
Christ was baptized the Holy Ghost came down on Him in the form of a dove?...
But This, Too, it isFitting that we Should Here Learn from You...
... Book VII. 21 But this, too, it isfitting that we should here learn from
you? But this, too, it isfitting that we should here...
Whether it wasFitting that the Production of Plants Should Take...
... ON THE WORK OF THE THIRD DAY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting that the
production of plants should take place on the third day?...
Whether it wasFitting that the Mother of God Should Go to the...
... OF CHRIST'S CIRCUMCISION, AND OF THE OTHER LEGAL OBSERVANCES ACCOMPLISHED IN REGARD
TO THE CHILD CHRIST (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether it wasfitting that the Mother...
Thesaurus
Fitting (29 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fit. 2. (n.) Anything used in
fitting up.
... 4. (a.) Fit;
appropriate; suitable; proper. Multi-Version Concordance
Fitting (29 Occurrences).
...Fit (47 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:2 So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples and said,
"It does not seemfitting that we Apostles should neglect the delivery of...
Discrepancies
... Differences of literary form and method have ever seemed, except to those who
maintained a mechanical theory of inspiration, wholly natural andfitting....
Dial (2 Occurrences)
... And the sign chosen was mostfitting, Hezekiah lay dying, whether of plague or of
cancer we do not know, but his disease was mortal and beyond cure; he was...
Yah (40 Occurrences)
... Praise Yah! (Root in WEB). Psalms 147:1 Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises
to our God; for it is pleasant andfitting to praise him. (WEB)....
Version
... is not found in the Bible, nevertheless, as frequent references are made in this
work to various ancient as well as modern versions, it isfitting that some...
Neglect (19 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:2 So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples and said,
"It does not seemfitting that we Apostles should neglect the delivery of...
Unstained (4 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 7:26 For such a high priest wasfitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled,
separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (See RSV)....
Union (24 Occurrences)
... of machinery, or the like, as the elastic pipe of a tender connecting it with the
feed pipe of a locomotive engine; especially, a pipefitting for connecting...
Unwearied (5 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:18 Pray with unceasing prayer and entreaty on everyfitting occasion
in the Spirit, and be always on the alert to seize opportunities for doing so...
Resources
What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do Muslim women have to wear a hijab? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.orgFitting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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