Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, "heaping" often refers to the act of piling up or accumulating, whether it be physical objects, actions, or metaphorical concepts. This term appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both positive and negative connotations depending on the situation.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, heaping is frequently associated with the gathering of physical items, such as stones or grain. For instance, in
Joshua 7:26, after the sin of Achan, the Israelites "raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day." This act of heaping stones served as a memorial and a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
Heaping is also used in the context of offerings and sacrifices. In
Leviticus 6:15, the priest is instructed to take "a handful of the fine flour of the grain offering, with its oil and all the frankincense that is on the grain offering, and he shall offer up in smoke its memorial portion on the altar, a soothing aroma to the LORD." Here, the heaping of the grain offering symbolizes dedication and worship to God.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of heaping takes on a more metaphorical meaning.
Romans 12:20, quoting
Proverbs 25:21-22, states, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head." This passage suggests that acts of kindness towards one's enemies can lead to their repentance and transformation, as the "heaping" of coals symbolizes a burning conviction or realization of wrongdoing.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsHeaping is often used to illustrate the accumulation of actions or attitudes, whether righteous or sinful. In
2 Timothy 4:3, Paul warns that "the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires." This heaping of false teachings reflects a turning away from truth and an accumulation of error.
Conversely, heaping can also represent the gathering of blessings and rewards for those who follow God's commandments. In
Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This imagery of heaping blessings emphasizes the abundant generosity of God towards those who live according to His will.
ConclusionThe concept of heaping in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the accumulation of both physical and spiritual realities. Whether it is the heaping of stones as a memorial, the heaping of coals as a call to repentance, or the heaping of blessings as a reward for faithfulness, this term underscores the importance of intentional actions and their consequences in the life of a believer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Heap.
Strong's Hebrew
6018. Omri -- a king of Isr., also several other Isr.... NASB Word Usage Omri (18). Omri. From amar;
heaping; Omri, an Israelite -- Omri.
see HEBREW amar. 6017, 6018. Omri. 6019 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
In the Next Place, Celsus, afterHeaping Together, Simply as Mere...
... Chapter L. In the next place, Celsus, afterheaping together, simply as
mere assertions? In the next place, Celsus, afterheaping...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for...
... I see it, I am grieved for thee; thou art disquieted, and as He who cannot deceive,
assures us, "Thou art disquieted in vain." For thou artheaping up treasures...
The Apocalypse of Sedrach.
... O hands, mild, fair-fingered, worn with toil by which the body is nourished: O hands,
deftest of all,heaping up from all quarters ye made ready houses....
To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... on fire, and placing coals upon it; for what good will he get from receiving food
and drink in proportion to the evil he will suffer from theheaping of coals...
The Case of Abraham, and Its Bearing on the Present Question.
... And if I glance around at their examples"(examples) of some Davidheaping up marriages
for himself even through sanguinary means, of some Solomon rich in...
The Excellence of the Christian Philosophy; the Origin of Heresies...
... hypotheses respecting morals, and the passions and affections, without marking out
any element by which each virtue is to be attained, andheaping up, as it...
Grundtvig's Early Years
... arouse them. The nineteenth century began threateningly for Denmark,heaping
calamity after calamity upon her. England attacked...
Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self...
... But it is enough for me that you, byheaping blasphemies upon our xerophagies,
put them on a level with the chastity of an Isis and a Cybele....
Sixteenth Lesson. Speedily, Though Bearing Long;'
... the irresistible power it can have, must be gathered up and accumulated, until the
stream can come down in full force, there must often be aheaping up of...
Babylon.
... round, with wonderful grounds, containing what were called the hanging gardens,
namely, a hill which Nebuchadnezzar had caused to be raised byheaping up earth...
Thesaurus
Coal (7 Occurrences)... A false tongue is compared to "coals of juniper" (Psalm 120:4; James 3:6). "
Heaping coals of fire on the head" symbolizes overcoming evil with good.
...Heaping (6 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Heap. Multi-Version ConcordanceHeaping (6 Occurrences). Mark
15:3 Then, as the High Priests went onheaping accusations on Him, (WEY)....
Quench (14 Occurrences)
... is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will beheaping burning
coals upon his head. (WEY). Ephesians 6:16 above all...
Mix (10 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 24:10heaping on the wood, kindling the fire, that the flesh may be consumed;
and preparing the mixture, that the bones also may be burned; (Root in...
Mixing (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 24:10heaping on the wood, kindling the fire, that the flesh may be consumed;
and preparing the mixture, that the bones also may be burned; (See NIV)....
Bury (78 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To cover out of sight, either byheaping something over, or by placing within
something, as earth, etc.; to conceal by covering; to hide; as, to bury...
Accusations (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Accusations (5 Occurrences). Mark 15:3 Then, as
the High Priests went onheaping accusations on Him, (WEY)....
Pontius (4 Occurrences)
... and saluted him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They took also the reed and smote
him with it on the head and face, and spat in his face,heaping upon him...
Pilate (60 Occurrences)
... and saluted him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They took also the reed and smote
him with it on the head and face, and spat in his face,heaping upon him...
Contrary (77 Occurrences)
... is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will beheaping burning
coals upon his head. (WEY NIV). Romans 13:14 On the...
Resources
What is the significance of burning coals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho is Joel Osteen, and are his teachings biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “grace upon grace” in John 1:16? | GotQuestions.orgHeaping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
