Topical Encyclopedia
The term "glittering" in the Bible often conveys the idea of brightness, splendor, or radiance, typically associated with divine or heavenly attributes. It is used to describe objects or phenomena that reflect light in a striking or dazzling manner, often symbolizing the majesty and power of God.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, "glittering" is frequently used in the context of warfare and divine intervention. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 32:41, God declares, "when I sharpen My flashing sword and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me." Here, the "flashing sword" is a symbol of God's righteous judgment and power, emphasizing His ability to execute justice with precision and brilliance.
Similarly, in
Job 20:25, the term is used to describe the terrifying and swift nature of divine retribution: "It is drawn forth and comes out of his body, the glittering point comes out of his gall; terrors come upon him." The "glittering point" of the weapon signifies the inevitability and sharpness of God's judgment against the wicked.
Prophetic ImageryThe prophets also employ the imagery of glittering to convey the awe-inspiring presence of God. In
Ezekiel 21:10, the prophet speaks of a sword that is "sharpened to make a slaughter, polished to flash like lightning." This vivid description underscores the readiness and effectiveness of God's instruments of judgment, reflecting His sovereign control over the affairs of nations.
Heavenly and Angelic AssociationsIn
Daniel 10:6, the appearance of a heavenly being is described with elements of glittering: "His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude." The glittering aspects of this vision highlight the majesty and otherworldly nature of the angelic messenger, serving as a reminder of the divine glory that surpasses human understanding.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "glittering," the concept is present in the depiction of heavenly glory and the transfiguration of Christ. In
Luke 9:29, during the Transfiguration, "as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." This moment of divine revelation is marked by a radiant transformation, symbolizing the divine nature and authority of Jesus Christ.
Symbolism and Theological ImplicationsThe use of "glittering" in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's holiness, purity, and might. It often accompanies divine revelation, judgment, and the manifestation of God's presence. The dazzling imagery associated with glittering elements in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of God and His works, encouraging a response of reverence and worship.
In summary, "glittering" in the biblical context is a multifaceted term that conveys the brilliance and majesty of God's presence and actions. Whether describing the sharpness of a sword or the radiance of a heavenly being, it serves as a reminder of the divine power and glory that permeates the biblical narrative.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Glitter.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GLITTER; GLITTERINGglit'-er, glit'-er-ing (baraq, "lightning"): The word is used in sense of "glittering" in the Old Testament with "sword," "spear" (Deuteronomy 32:41Job 20:25Ezekiel 21:10, 28Nahum 3:3Habakkuk 3:11). InEzekiel 21:10 the Revised Version (British and American) changes "glitter" to "as lightning," and inDeuteronomy 32:41 the Revised Version, margin gives, "the lightning of my sword." InJob 39:23, where the word is different (lahabh), the Revised Version (British and American) has "flashing."
Greek
4447. purinos -- fiery... fiery. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: purinos Phonetic Spelling:
(poo'-ree-nos) Short Definition: fiery,
glittering Definition: fiery,
glittering.
...Strong's Hebrew
3851. lahab -- flame, blade... Word Origin from an unused word Definition flame, blade NASB Word Usage blade (2),
flame (6), flames (1), flashing (2). blade, bright, flame,
glittering.
...19. ibchah -- slaughter
... 18, 19. ibchah. 20 . slaughter. Transliteration: ibchah Phonetic Spelling:
(ib-khaw') Short Definition:glittering. Word Origin...
1300. baraq -- lightning
... Word Origin from baraq Definition lightning NASB Word Usage flash like lightning
(1), flashing (1), gleaming (2),glittering point (1), lightning (9...
Library
A Case of Diabolic Deception.
... It might be seen, too, that the cell in which the young man referred to lived was
glittering with numerous lights; and the whisperings of those moving about in...
The Church of Notre Dame De Lorette in Paris with Its Yellow...
... decorations of the "Chapel of the Virgin." The whole edifice glares at the spectator
like a badly-managed limelight, and the tricky,glittering, tawdry effect...
Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... The Prince searched and searched in every direction, under heaps of costly jewels
andglittering robes, piles of gold and silver, and rich armour; but they had...
The Tongue.
... seconds, and yet no chemical science can separate that virus from the contaminated
blood, and show the metallic particles of poisonglittering palpably, and say...
The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... As he stood gazing on her fortified walls, built of pure silver; on her towers of
jasper and ebony; on herglittering spires of gold and precious stones; on...
The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... On he travelled eastward, in the face of the rays of theglittering sun, which sparkled
on his shield and casque with dazzling brightness, and so astonished...
Striking Similes
... Cold as the white rose waking at daybreak. Cold,glittering monotony like frosting
around a cake.... Fresh as the first beamglittering on a sail....
The Penitent Thief
... No angel from heaven had come to place aglittering crown upon His head in place
of the bloody crown of thorns. What was it wrought such a change in him?...
Before Egypt's Throne
... her. The litter was ofglittering ebony, hung with purple, tasseled with
gold. At her right, was Unas; at her left, Nari. Behind...
The King in his Beauty
... The singer calls upon Him to bind on His side Hisglittering sword, and to put on,
as His armour, 'glory and majesty.' These two words, in the usage of the...
Thesaurus
Glittering (12 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Glitter. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GLITTER;
GLITTERING.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Glittering (12 Occurrences).
...Glitter (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To sparkle with light; to shine with a brilliant and broken light or showy
luster; to gleam; as, aglittering sword.... GLITTER;GLITTERING....
Gleaming (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Job 20:25 He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yes, theglittering
point comes out of his liver. Terrors are on him. (See NIV)....
Flashing (12 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:41 if I whet myglittering sword, My hand take hold on judgment;
I will render vengeance to my adversaries, and will recompense those who hate me...
Shaphir (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHAPHIR. sha'-fer (shaphir, "glittering"; kalos; the
King James Version Saphir): One of a group of towns mentioned in Micah 1:10-15....
Flash (19 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:3 the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, theglittering spear, and
a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of...
Gloat (11 Occurrences)
Spear (55 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:3 the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, theglittering spear, and
a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of...
Onyx-stones (1 Occurrence)
... silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood
for things of wood; onyx-stones, and stones to be set,glittering stones, and...
Jasper (8 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews yashpheh, "glittering"), a gem of various colours, one of the twelve
inserted in the high priest's breast-plate (Exodus 28:20)....
Resources
What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Babylon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of porneia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgGlittering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
