Topical Encyclopedia
The term "appropriate" in a biblical context often refers to actions, behaviors, or attitudes that align with God's will and the teachings of Scripture. It encompasses the idea of fittingness, suitability, and propriety in the life of a believer. The Bible provides numerous guidelines on what is considered appropriate for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God.
Appropriate Speech and ConductThe Bible emphasizes the importance of appropriate speech and conduct. In
Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs believers, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse highlights the need for speech that edifies and encourages others, avoiding language that is harmful or destructive.
Similarly,
Colossians 3:17 states, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This passage underscores the principle that all actions and words should be appropriate and reflect the character of Christ.
Appropriate Dress and ModestyThe Bible also addresses the concept of appropriate dress and modesty. In
1 Timothy 2:9-10 , Paul writes, "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." This instruction is not limited to women but serves as a broader principle for all believers to dress in a manner that reflects modesty and godliness.
Appropriate WorshipWorship is another area where appropriateness is emphasized.
John 4:24 declares, "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." Appropriate worship involves sincerity, truthfulness, and a heart aligned with God's Spirit. It is not merely about external rituals but about an authentic relationship with God.
Appropriate RelationshipsThe Bible provides guidance on maintaining appropriate relationships. In
1 Corinthians 15:33 , Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This verse advises believers to choose their associations wisely, as relationships can significantly influence one's character and spiritual walk.
Appropriate Use of ResourcesStewardship of resources is another area where appropriateness is key. In
1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul instructs the wealthy "not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." This passage highlights the appropriate use of resources for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
Appropriate Response to AuthorityThe Bible also speaks to the appropriate response to authority.
Romans 13:1 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This verse calls for respect and submission to authority, recognizing it as part of God's ordained order.
In summary, the concept of "appropriate" in the Bible encompasses a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that align with God's will and reflect His character. Believers are called to live lives marked by appropriateness in speech, conduct, dress, worship, relationships, resource management, and response to authority, all of which contribute to a life that honors God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Suitable for a particular use; fit; proper; as, appropriate language or attire. Hence: Belonging peculiarly; peculiar; suitable;
2. (v. t.) To take to one's self in exclusion of others; to claim or use as by an exclusive right; as, let no man appropriate the use of a common benefit.
3. (v. t.) To set apart for, or assign to, a particular person or use, in exclusion of all others; -- with to or for; as, a spot of ground is appropriated for a garden; to appropriate money for the increase of the navy.
4. (v. t.) To make suitable; to suit.
5. (v. t.) To annex, as a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property.
6. (n.) A property; attribute.
Greek
1860. epaggelia -- a summons, a promise... 1860 (a feminine noun comprised of 1909 , "appropriately " and , "announce") --
a which literally "announces what is fitting" (apt,
appropriate).
...1893. epei -- when, because
... composed of 1909, ", fitting" and 1487 , "if, which assumes the premise is ") --
properly, aptly if, introducing something to be , ie asappropriate to what is...
1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, for subsistence
... 1967 (from 1909 , ", fitting" and 3776 , "being, substance") -- properly, aptly
substantive,appropriate to what is "coming on" (happening), ie (apt) for the...
1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize
... Both uses of 1921 () work in conjunction with the Greek adverb, 2531 ("to the extent
of)." The "appropriate (apt)" knowledge matches the envisioned "contact...
1933. epieikes -- seemly, equitable, yielding
... gentle, moderation, patient. From epi and eiko;appropriate, ie (by implication)
mild -- gentle, moderation, patient. see GREEK epi. see GREEK eiko....
1598. ekpeirazo -- to test thoroughly, tempt
... tempt") -- properly, test , ie with the of testing to an (unwarranted) degree;
"hyper-test," going to improper measures which exceedappropriate boundaries and...
1867. epaineo -- to praise
... Cognate: 1867 (from 1909 , ", fitting" which intensifies 134 , "to praise") -- to
praise in a fitting (apt) manner, ie asappropriate (adequate) to the...
2111. euthetos -- well-placed, ie ready for use
... useful, suitable. From eu and a derivative of tithemi; well placed, ie (figuratively)
appropriate -- fit, meet. see GREEK eu. see GREEK tithemi....
4793. sugkrino -- to combine, compare
... From sun and krino; to judge of one thing in connection with another, ie Combine
(spiritual ideas withappropriate expressions) or collate (one person with...
2271. hesuchia -- stillness
... quiet, stillness") -- quietness, implying calm; for the believer, 2271 () is used
of their which includes an inner tranquility that supportsappropriate action...
Strong's Hebrew
1903. hagin -- perhapsappropriate, suitable.... 1902, 1903. hagin. 1904 . perhaps
appropriate, suitable.
... Word Origin from an
unused word Definition perhaps
appropriate, suitable. directly
...3303. yapheh -- fair, beautiful
... Word Origin from yaphah Definition fair, beautiful NASB Word Usageappropriate
(1), beautiful (28), beautiful one (2), fair (1), fitting (1), handsome (4...
Library
Whether the Rite of this Sacrament isAppropriate?
... CONFIRMATION (Q ) Whether the rite of this sacrament isappropriate? Objection
1: It seems that the rite of this sacrament is notappropriate....
Whether the Institution of this Sacrament wasAppropriate?
... OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the institution
of this sacrament wasappropriate? Objection 1: It seems...
Our Present Sacred Writings were Soon Distinguished byAppropriate...
... PART I. SECTION IV. Our present Sacred Writings were soon distinguished
byappropriate names and titles of respect.? Our present...
Whether Isidore's Division of Human Laws isAppropriate?
... OF HUMAN LAW (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether Isidore's division of human laws isappropriate?...
Therefore this division of human laws is notappropriate....
Whether Isidore's Description of the Quality of Positive Law is...
... OF HUMAN LAW (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether Isidore's description of the quality
of positive law isappropriate? Objection 1: It would...
Whatever Has Been Rightly Said by the Heathen, we mustAppropriate...
... Book II. Chapter 40."Whatever Has Been Rightly Said by the Heathen, We
MustAppropriate to Our Uses. 60. Moreover, if those who...
That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even...
... theologians ought, when they have come to the bodily representation of creatures
altogether without body, to represent and display them byappropriate and, as...
External Form of the New Testament.
... itself in any general division. 2. The order of these main divisions is
natural andappropriate. The gospel, as was remarked at...
Concerning the Same.
... rest. Or rather those names are mostappropriate to Him which are derived
from what is most precious and most akin to Himself. That...
1 Cor. xv. 35, 36
... And see how he uses expressionsappropriate to the purpose he had in view: thus,
"it is not quickened," saith he, "except it die." Leaving, you see, the terms...
Thesaurus
Appropriate (19 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Suitable for a particular use; fit; proper;
as,
appropriate language or attire.
...Appropriate (19 Occurrences).
...Fitting (29 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Fit;appropriate; suitable; proper.... Luke 15:32 But it wasappropriate to
celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again....
Improper (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Not proper; notappropriate; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or
end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an...
Innocents (2 Occurrences)
... in Numbers 24:7 Psalm 72:15 Isaiah 60:6, and numerous references to the ingathering
of the Gentiles there are such beautiful andappropriate passages to link...
Function (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Theappropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable
organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of...
Toss (13 Occurrences)
... Toss (13 Occurrences). Matthew 15:26 But he answered, "It is notappropriate to
take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." (See NIV)....
Dogs (30 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:26 But he answered, "It is notappropriate to take the children's bread
and throw it to the dogs." (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Devour (118 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To seize upon and destroy orappropriate greedily, selfishly, or wantonly;
to consume; to swallow up; to use up; to waste; to annihilate....
Massacre (1 Occurrence)
... in Numbers 24:7 Psalm 72:15 Isaiah 60:6, and numerous references to the ingathering
of the Gentiles there are such beautiful andappropriate passages to link...
Praetorian (2 Occurrences)
... and in this alone can it be safely affirmed that the apostle would hear the word
praetorium used daily," and that this sense is in all respectsappropriate....
Resources
Is Christian country music appropriate? | GotQuestions.orgIs Christian rap music appropriate? | GotQuestions.orgIs Christian rock music appropriate? | GotQuestions.orgAppropriate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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