Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope:The term "lifetime" refers to the duration of an individual's life on earth, encompassing all experiences, actions, and events from birth to death. In the biblical context, a lifetime is often seen as a period of testing, growth, and preparation for eternity. The Bible provides insights into the nature, purpose, and significance of a person's lifetime, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's will.
Biblical Perspective on Lifetime:The Bible frequently addresses the concept of a lifetime, highlighting its brevity and the importance of living wisely. In
Psalm 90:10, Moses reflects on the typical human lifespan: "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away" . This verse underscores the transient nature of life and the need for wisdom in how we spend our days.
Purpose and Meaning:From a biblical standpoint, a lifetime is an opportunity to know God, serve Him, and fulfill His purposes.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 states, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" . This verse encapsulates the essence of a meaningful life, directing individuals to live in reverence and obedience to God.
Stewardship of Time:The Bible encourages believers to be good stewards of their time, recognizing that each moment is a gift from God.
Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" . This passage calls for intentional living, urging Christians to seize opportunities to do good and advance God's kingdom.
Eternal Perspective:A biblical view of a lifetime includes an eternal perspective, understanding that earthly life is a precursor to eternal life. In
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . This perspective encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly concerns.
Examples from Scripture:The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals whose lifetimes were marked by faithfulness and obedience to God. Abraham, known as the father of faith, lived a life characterized by trust in God's promises (Genesis 12-25). King David, despite his flaws, was described as a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). The Apostle Paul dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, enduring hardships for the sake of Christ (Acts 9-28).
Reflection and Application:Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own lifetimes, considering how they can align their lives with God's purposes.
Psalm 90:12 offers a prayerful request: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" . This verse invites individuals to seek God's guidance in making the most of their time on earth, living in a way that honors Him and impacts others for eternity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The time that life continues.
Greek
5349. phthartos -- perishable, corruptible... an adjective, derived from 5351 ) -- perishable, what easily perishes disintegrates
(corrupts) -- like the break-down of the body during our natural
lifetime.
...2222. zoe -- life
... Word Origin from zao Definition life NASB Word Usage alive (1), life (133), living
(1).lifetime. From zao; life (literally or figuratively) -- life(-time)....
2198. zao -- to live
...lifetime, alive, lively. A primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively) --
life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick. (ezesa) -- 1 Occurrence....
Strong's Hebrew
3117. yom -- day... 5), forever* (11), forevermore* (1), full (5), full year (1), future* (1), holiday*
(3), later* (2), length (1), life (12), life* (1),
lifetime (2),
lifetime...3605. kol -- the whole, all
... 4), everywhere (2), everywhere* (2), far (1), farthest (1), forever* (10), full
(2), gaping (1), health* (1), just* (6), life* (1),lifetime* (1), long* (9...
2425b. chayyim -- life
... Word Origin from chayah Definition life NASB Word Usage alive (1), life (124),
life-giving (1),lifetime (4), live (5), live* (1), lived (2), lived* (1), lives...
6440. panim -- face, faces
... 1), honor* (1), honorable* (3), humiliation* (1), insolent* (1), intended (1), kindly
(2), land (1), leading (1), led (1), length* (1),lifetime (1), long (2...
2465. cheled -- duration, world
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition duration, world NASB Word Usage life
(1),lifetime (1), span of life (1), world (3). age, short time, world....
2416. chay -- alive, living
... khah'-ee) Short Definition: age. age, alive, appetite, wild beast, company,
congregation,lifetime, lively, From chayah; alive; hence...
Library
Of the Years of Terah, who Completed hisLifetime in Haran.
... Book XVI. Chapter 14."Of the Years of Terah, Who Completed HisLifetime
in Haran. On Terah's death in Mesopotamia, where he is...
Whether, in Computing Years, we Ought to Follow the Hebrew or the...
... the Hebrew from the Greek and Latin copies of Scripture, and which consists of a
uniform addition and deduction of 100 years in eachlifetime for several...
Chapter xxv
... Chronicles 1:32. That raises the much discussed question whether Abraham had
her as a concubine already during Sarah'slifetime. We may...
The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... I am thoroughly convinced that every prayer offered according to the will of God
shall be answered either in ourlifetime on earth, or after we have entered...
Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency.
... namely, In view of the fact that in the above quotations it is clear that our Lord
taught His disciples to look for His Return in their ownlifetime, how can...
Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
... f. Wiss. Theol.1878) put the book in thelifetime of Ath. without absolutely
pronouncing for him as the author, while Hase (J. Prot....
The Soldier's Morning-Call
... be leavened.' It is a lifelong task till we strip off all the rags of this old self;
and 'being clothed,' are not 'found naked.' It takes alifetime to fathom...
Some Man May Say: "If There be not in the Dead any Care For...
... For this also he says to him; "Son, remember that thou in thylifetime hast received
good things, but Lazarus evil things." He knew then these things which had...
The Alchemy of Influence
... there before. Suppose even that influence prolonged through a month, a year,
alifetime, and what could not lifebecome? Here, even...
Statutes and Regulations of Serampore College
... 1. Article the Third of the Charter granted by his Danish Majesty, having authorised
the first Council of Serampore College in theirlifetime to nominate under...
Thesaurus
Lifetime (28 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The time that life continues. Multi-Version
Concordance
Lifetime (28 Occurrences). Matthew 27:63 "Sir
...Life-time (12 Occurrences)
Life-time.Lifetime, Life-time. Lift . Multi-Version Concordance Life-time
(12 Occurrences).... (YLT).Lifetime, Life-time. Lift . Reference Bible.
During (182 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:63 "Sir," they said, "we recollect that during hislifetime that impostor
pretended that after two days he was to rise to life again. (WEY)....
Generation (150 Occurrences)
... The body of those who are of the same genealogical rank or remove from an ancestor;
the mass of beings living at one period; also, the averagelifetime of man...
Recollect (3 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:63 "Sir," they said, "we recollect that during hislifetime that impostor
pretended that after two days he was to rise to life again. (WEY)....
Dale (2 Occurrences)
... DALE, KING'S. (dal, `emeq hamelekh): (1) "Absalom in hislifetime had taken and
reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the king's dale" (2 Samuel 18:18)....
Age (404 Occurrences)
... 15:15). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The whole duration of a being,
whether animal, vegetable, or other kind;lifetime. 2. (n...
Life (6001 Occurrences)
... (2) It is used to denote the period of one's actual existence, ie "lifetime" (Genesis
23:1; Genesis 25:7; Genesis 47:9 Exodus 6:16, 18, 20, etc.)....
Subject (99 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 7:1 Brethren, do you not know--for I am writing to people acquainted
with the Law--that it is during ourlifetime that we are subject to the Law?...
Zacharias (11 Occurrences)
... temple, and lots were drawn each day to determine who should have this great honour,
an honour which no priest could enjoy more than once during hislifetime....
Resources
How is an eternity in hell a just punishment for only a human lifetime of sin? | GotQuestions.orgHow does the Bible define a good Christian family? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I get married? | GotQuestions.orgLifetime: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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