Topical Encyclopedia
Gravity, in the context of modern science, refers to the natural force by which objects with mass are attracted toward one another. While the Bible does not explicitly mention gravity as understood in contemporary physics, the concept of order and the sustaining power of God over creation can be seen throughout Scripture. The Bible often speaks to the majesty and intricacy of God's creation, which can be understood to include the forces that govern the physical universe.
Creation and OrderThe Bible begins with the account of creation, where God establishes order out of chaos.
Genesis 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." This passage sets the stage for the ordered universe that follows, where God systematically creates light, land, seas, and all living creatures. The orderliness of creation implies the existence of natural laws, such as gravity, that maintain the stability and functionality of the universe.
God's Sustaining PowerThe Bible frequently emphasizes God's ongoing involvement in sustaining the universe.
Colossians 1:16-17 declares, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This passage suggests that the forces that maintain the universe, including gravity, are under God's sovereign control.
The Majesty of CreationThe Psalms often reflect on the grandeur of God's creation, which can be seen as encompassing the laws of nature.
Psalm 19:1-2 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." The regularity and predictability of celestial bodies, which are governed by gravitational forces, are seen as a testament to God's creative power and wisdom.
Job and the Forces of NatureIn the book of Job, God speaks of His control over the natural world, which can be interpreted to include gravitational forces.
Job 38:4-7 records God's words: "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" This passage highlights God's intimate knowledge and authority over the physical universe.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention gravity, the concept of a divinely ordered and sustained universe is consistent with the existence of such natural laws. The Scriptures affirm that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all creation, including the forces that govern it.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Seriousness; severity; heaviness; as, the gravity of a difficult situation.
2. (a.) Sobriety of character or demeanor.
3. (a.) Importance, significance, dignity, etc; hence, seriousness; enormity; as, the gravity of an offense.
4. (n.) The tendency of a mass of matter toward a center of attraction; esp., the tendency of a body toward the center of the earth; terrestrial gravitation.
5. (a.) Lowness of tone; -- opposed to acuteness.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GRAVITYgrav'-i-ti (semnotes): The word, meaning properly "venerableness," "sanctity," is used in 2 Maccabees 3:12 of the "sanctity" of the temple. In1 Timothy 3:4 the writer declares that a characteristic of a bishop should be that he has "his children in subjection with all gravity." Titus is enjoined (2:7) in his "doctrine" (teaching) to show "uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech (Revised Version), that cannot be condemned" (compare1 Timothy 3:8). In1 Timothy 2:2 the same word is translated "honesty" (the Revised Version (British and American) "gravity"), "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." A better rendering of semnotes might be "dignity" or "dignified seriousness" (Olshausen), which quality is necessary, both on the part of parents in relation to their children, if they are to be properly trained, and on the part of preachers and teachers, if their "doctrine" is to be worthily represented. All mere lightness of demeanor (the opposite of gravity) tells against the great trusts committed to both parents and teachers (compare1 Timothy 3:11Titus 2:2). Such "gravity" or "dignified seriousness" ought indeed to characterize Christian demeanor in general, as in1 Timothy 2:2 above.
W. L. Walker
Greek
4587. semnotes -- seriousness... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: semnotes Phonetic Spelling: (sem-not'-ace) Short
Definition: dignity, honor Definition: dignity, honor,
gravity, seriousness.
...4586. semnos -- reverend, ie venerable, spec. serious
... derived from 4576 , "to revere, be in awe") -- properly, what is (dignified, has "");
weighty, deeply respected because viewed as majestic (having "gravity...
Library
Gravity Upward.
... The Resurrection:Gravity UpwardGravity Upward.... The action was in accord with the
law of His life. He rose at will by the moralgravity of His character....
Whether theGravity of a Sin Depends on Its Cause?
... OF THE COMPARISON OF ONE SIN WITH ANOTHER (TEN ARTICLES) Whether thegravity
of a sin depends on its cause? Objection 1: It would...
Whether theGravity of Sins Varies According to their Objects?
... OF THE COMPARISON OF ONE SIN WITH ANOTHER (TEN ARTICLES) Whether thegravity
of sins varies according to their objects? Objection...
The Resurrection:Gravity Upward. Matthew 28:1-15. Mark 16:1-8....
... III. The Great Experiences of Jesus' Life. 6. The Resurrection:Gravity Upward.
Matthew 28:1-15. Mark 16:1-8. Luke 24:1-49. John 20:1-21:25....
Whether theGravity of Sins Depends on the Excellence of the...
... OF THE COMPARISON OF ONE SIN WITH ANOTHER (TEN ARTICLES) Whether thegravity of
sins depends on the excellence of the virtues to which they are opposed?...
Whether the Debt of Punishment that Arises through Ingratitude in...
... Wherefore the amount of the debt that returns must be according to thegravity
of the subsequent sin. It is possible, however, for...
Whether the Sin of Our First Parents was More Grievous than Other...
... I answer that, There is a twofoldgravity to be observed in sin.... The othergravity
of sin results from some circumstance of place, person, or time....
Whether Lies are Sufficiently Divided into Officious, Jocose, and...
... Thirdly, lies are divided in a more general way, with respect to their relation
to some end, whether or not this increase or diminish theirgravity: and in...
Whether Backbiting is the Gravest of all Sins Committed against...
... Objection 4: Further, thegravity of a sin is measured by thegravity of the defect
that it causes. Now backbiting causes a most grievous defect, viz....
Whether Gluttony is the Greatest of Sins?
... according to Gregory (Moral. xxxiii). I answer that, Thegravity of a sin
may be measured in three ways. First and foremost it depends...
Thesaurus
Gravity (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Seriousness; severity; heaviness; as, the
gravity of a difficult situation.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
GRAVITY.
...Levity (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Frivolity; inappropriate lack ofgravity and
seriousness in deportment or character; trifling gayety; sportiveness; vanity....
Solemnity (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Ceremoniousness; impressiveness; seriousness; grave earnestness; formal
dignity;gravity. 4. (n.) Hence, affectedgravity or seriousness....
Slide (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Especially, to move over snow or ice with a smooth, uninterrupted motion,
as on a sled moving by the force ofgravity, or on the feet....
Fall (522 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To Descend, either suddenly or gradually; particularly, to descend by the
force ofgravity; to drop; to sink; as, the apple falls; the tide falls; the...
Gray (16 Occurrences)
Life (6001 Occurrences)
... To overcome or be rid of sin was necessary to life. The real center ofgravity
in life was in the moral and religious part of man's nature....
Up (25836 Occurrences)
... 1. (adv.) Aloft; on high; in a direction contrary to that ofgravity; toward or
in a higher place or position; above; -- the opposite of down....
Uncorruptedness (1 Occurrence)
... Uncorruptedness (1 Occurrence). Titus 2:7 in all things affording thyself as a pattern
of good works; in teaching uncorruptedness,gravity, (DBY YLT)....
Uncorruptness (1 Occurrence)
... Uncorruptness (1 Occurrence). Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern
of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness,gravity, sincerity, (KJV ASV)....
Resources
How can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about the existence of black holes? | GotQuestions.orgDid God create the universe? | GotQuestions.orgGravity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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