Topical Encyclopedia
The term "honeyed" in biblical literature often refers to the sweetness and desirability of honey, which is frequently used as a metaphor for pleasantness, abundance, and divine provision. Honey, a natural sweetener, is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, symbolizing both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 16:24 : "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." This verse highlights the power of kind and gentle speech, comparing it to the sweetness and health-giving properties of honey. The imagery of honeycomb suggests that just as honey is nourishing and delightful, so are words that are gracious and wise.
2.
Psalm 19:10 : "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." Here, the psalmist extols the value of God's commandments, likening them to the sweetness of honey. This comparison underscores the desirability and richness of divine wisdom and instruction.
3.
Ezekiel 3:3 : "Then He said to me, 'Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.' So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded to consume a scroll containing God's words. The sweetness of the scroll in his mouth symbolizes the initial delight and satisfaction found in receiving God's message, even though the message itself may contain difficult truths.
4.
Song of Solomon 4:11 : "Your lips, my bride, drip honey; honey and milk are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon." In this poetic and romantic context, the sweetness of honey is used to describe the beloved's words and presence, emphasizing the allure and beauty of love.
Symbolism and Themes:·
Divine Provision: Honey is often associated with God's provision and blessing. In the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (
Exodus 3:8), honey represents abundance and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
·
Spiritual Nourishment: Just as honey provides physical sustenance, the Word of God is depicted as spiritual nourishment that is sweet and satisfying to the soul. The metaphor of honeyed words or teachings suggests that divine wisdom is not only beneficial but also delightful to those who embrace it.
·
Moral and Ethical Conduct: The use of honey as a metaphor for pleasant words and righteous living underscores the importance of integrity and kindness. Honeyed speech is contrasted with deceitful or harmful words, highlighting the moral imperative to speak truthfully and lovingly.
In biblical times, honey was a valuable commodity, often used in offerings and as a symbol of prosperity. Its frequent mention in Scripture serves as a reminder of the sweetness and richness of God's blessings, both material and spiritual, and the importance of aligning one's life with His divine will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Honey.
2. (a.) Covered with honey.
3. (a.) Sweet, as, honeyed words.
Strong's Hebrew
3031. Yidbash -- an Israelite... NASB Word Usage Idbash (1). Idbash. From the same as dbash; perhaps
honeyed; Jidbash,
an Israelite -- Idbash. see HEBREW dbash. 3030, 3031. Yidbash. 3032 .
...Library
Of the Love of God
... O Holy Ghost that givest grace where Thou wilt, come into me and ravish me to Thee;
change the nature that Thou hast made with Thyhoneyed gifts, that my soul...
Genesis.
... [1268] Whence if thou be prompt. To cull thehoneyed fruits, the golden world [1269]....
Then taste, instilling lure inhoneyed jaws,. To her yet uninitiated lord....
Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... Nor does it consist of saying inhoneyed cadences, "Lord, Lord." Prayer is not a
mere form of words; it is not just calling upon a Name. Prayer is obedience....
Enduring to the End
... of ingratitude assail him, he finds himself stale and fiat where once he was flattered
and admired; nay, the venom of malice succeeds to thehoneyed morsels of...
Spiritual Culture.
... When the soul gets to taste of thehoneyed sweetness of God's Word it endears it
to God and the Bible so as to make death preferable to separation....
The First Love.
... heart loved. The word of God was to your soul likehoneyed dew upon your lips.
How delightful it was to labor for Jesus! How preciously...
Further Exposure of Transmigration, Its Inextricable Embarrassment...
... been once another man, nor Chrysippus, nor Zeno, nor indeed Plato himself, whom
we might perhaps have supposed to have been Nestor, from hishoneyed eloquence?...
The Fourfold Treasure
... write many sharp things to those ancient Plymouth Brethren at Corinth, yet how sweetly
did he prevent all bitterness by dipping his pen in thehoneyed ink of...
Treatment of Words
... consider cherish allure deadly, deadliness mortal, mortality drawn to cleave (L.
adhaerere) emonge in the meantime herefore hence honilyhoneyed, honey-sweet...
The Meditation of the Lover in his Love: and the Forsaking of...
... truly, amid these needy diseases, the burning of sweet love has mirthed my mind
within my secret soul as it were with music, and the sweethoneyed memory of...
Thesaurus
Honeyed (1 Occurrence)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Honey. 2. (a.) Covered with honey. 3. (a.) Sweet, as,
honeyed words. Multi-Version Concordance
Honeyed (1 Occurrence).
...Honey-comb (9 Occurrences)
Honey-comb. Honeycomb, Honey-comb.Honeyed . Multi-Version Concordance
Honey-comb (9 Occurrences).... (WBS). Honeycomb, Honey-comb.Honeyed . Reference
Dependent (35 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 2:4 And in my preaching there were nohoneyed words of wisdom, but
I was dependent on the power of the Spirit to make it clear to you: (BBE)....
Honor (240 Occurrences)
Resources
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