Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptFlourishing in the biblical context often refers to thriving, prospering, or experiencing growth and abundance. It is frequently associated with spiritual, physical, and communal well-being. The concept of flourishing is deeply rooted in the relationship between God and His people, where obedience to God's commandments and alignment with His will result in blessings and prosperity.
Biblical References1.
Psalm 92:12-14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain."
This passage highlights the flourishing of the righteous, comparing them to strong and enduring trees. The imagery of being planted in the house of the LORD suggests that flourishing is a result of being rooted in God's presence and favor.
2.
Proverbs 11:28 "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage."
Here, flourishing is contrasted with the futility of relying on material wealth. True flourishing is linked to righteousness and trust in God, rather than in temporal riches.
3.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
This passage emphasizes the security and continual growth of those who place their trust in the LORD. Flourishing is depicted as a state of resilience and fruitfulness, even in adverse conditions.
4.
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness."
Jesus speaks of His purpose to bring abundant life to His followers. Flourishing, in this sense, is not merely about physical prosperity but encompasses a full and abundant spiritual life.
Theological ImplicationsFlourishing is often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor. It is associated with living in accordance with God's will and experiencing the fullness of life that He intends for His people. The Bible presents flourishing as both a present reality and a future hope, where ultimate flourishing is found in eternal life with God.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to seek flourishing through a life of righteousness, trust in God, and obedience to His commandments. This involves cultivating a deep relationship with God, engaging in community with other believers, and living out one's faith in practical ways. Flourishing is not solely about personal gain but includes contributing to the well-being of others and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of flourishing encompasses spiritual, physical, and communal dimensions, rooted in a relationship with God. It is characterized by growth, resilience, and fruitfulness, reflecting the abundant life that Jesus offers to His followers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Flourish.
Greek
5611. horaios -- seasonable, timely... beautiful. From hora; belonging to the right hour or season (timely), ie (by
implication)
flourishing (beauteous (figuratively)) -- beautiful. see GREEK hora.
...Strong's Hebrew
7487b. raanan --flourishing... 7487a, 7487b. raanan. 7488 .
flourishing. Transliteration: raanan Short
Definition:
flourishing. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding
...7487. ra'anan -- to be or grow luxuriant, fresh, or green
... ra'anan. 7487a . to be or grow luxuriant, fresh, or green. Transliteration:
ra'anan Phonetic Spelling: (rah-aw-nan') Short Definition:flourishing.flourishing...
7488. raanan -- luxuriant, fresh
... green,flourishing. From an unused root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy,
new; figuratively, prosperous -- green,flourishing. 7487b, 7488....
Library
Thus, Then, the Arians, with their Affairs in a VeryFlourishing...
... Book II. Chapter XLV. Thus, then, the Arians, with their affairs in a
veryflourishing condition? Thus, then, the Arians, with...
Psalm LIV.
... 2. If we inquire then by what word is translated Ziphites, we find, "Menflourishing."
Flourishing then were certain enemies to holy David,flourishing before...
Spiritual Condition of the Congregations. --The Seven Churches in...
... The church of Smyrna (a very ancient, stillflourishing commercial city in Ionia,
beautifully located on the bay of Smyrna) was externally poor and persecuted...
Letter Xci. (AD 408. )
... control, conjugal fidelity, and those chaste, honourable, and upright manners, the
prevalence of which in any city entitles it to be spoken of asflourishing....
Improvement
... the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they
shall be fat andflourishing.". The Bible is always telling...
Of the First Prophecy, which is that of the Seals; and in the...
... for pointing out the time of the ruin of Jerusalem,) distinguish so many periods
of the Roman empire, while it was yet subsisting andflourishing, until, at...
Psalm 92
... that do against me rise. ^12But like the palm-treeflourishing. shall be the righteous
one;... They shall be fat, and full of sap,. and aye beflourishing;...
How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste...
... excepting the river Jordan, which water of Jordan is the occasion why those plantations
of palm trees that are near its banks are moreflourishing, and much...
The Golden Age, 1572-1603.
... seventeen rich and powerful barons, of the stamp of John Zerotin; they had over
a hundred and forty knights; they had capitalists,flourishing tradesmen, mayors...
Paul's Missionary Labors.
... with Silas, but miraculously delivered and honorably released; then in Thessalonica,
where he was persecuted by the Jews, but left aflourishing church; in...
Thesaurus
Flourishing (11 Occurrences)...Flourishing (11 Occurrences).
... (See NIV). Psalms 92:14 They shall still bring forth
fruit in old age; they shall be fat and
flourishing; (KJV WBS YLT).
...Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... 11. (vt) To develop; to make thrive; to expand. 12. (n.) Aflourishing condition;
prosperity; vigor. 13. (n.) Decoration; ornament; beauty. 14....
Verdant (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Covered with growing plants or grass; green;
fresh;flourishing; as, verdant fields; a verdant lawn....
Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... The first suggested identification was that of Robinson (BE, II, 11, 12), namely,
Kuriet el `Enab, the "town of grapes," aflourishing little town about 9...
Kiriathjearim
... The first suggested identification was that of Robinson (BE, II, 11, 12), namely,
Kuriet el `Enab, the "town of grapes," aflourishing little town about 9...
New (1850 Occurrences)
... It is ever fresh,flourishing, and excellent; and under the gospel it is dispensed
in a more clear, spiritual, extensive, and powerful manner than of old...
Nicopolis (1 Occurrence)
... One document has Nikopolis he nun Prebeza, "Nicopolis, which is now Prebeza." In
the time of Augustus, however, Nicopolis was aflourishing town....
Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... Nineveh." It is not again noticed till the days of Jonah, when it is described
(Jonah 3:3; 4:11) as a great and populous city, theflourishing capital of the...
Nahum (3 Occurrences)
... The subject of this prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of
Nineveh, the capital of the great and at that timeflourishing Assyrian empire...
Rent (76 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:20 Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I 'am' against your pillows,
With which ye are hunting there the souls of theflourishing, And I have...
Resources
What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgIs God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does quicken mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgFlourishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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