Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:In the biblical context, "marks" can refer to physical signs, symbols, or indicators that carry spiritual or moral significance. These marks can be literal or metaphorical, serving as identifiers of divine favor, judgment, or covenant. The concept of marks is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating themes of identity, belonging, and divine interaction with humanity.
Old Testament References:1.
Cain's Mark: One of the earliest mentions of a mark in the Bible is found in
Genesis 4:15, where God places a mark on Cain to protect him after he kills his brother Abel. The mark serves as a sign of divine protection, ensuring that no one would kill Cain as he wandered the earth. The nature of this mark is not specified, but it signifies God's continued involvement in Cain's life despite his sin.
2.
Circumcision as a Covenant Mark: In
Genesis 17:10-11, God establishes circumcision as a physical mark of the covenant between Himself and Abraham's descendants. This mark is a sign of belonging to God's chosen people and a reminder of the promises made to Abraham. It is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.
3.
Marks of Judgment: In
Ezekiel 9:4, God instructs a man clothed in linen to put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve over the abominations committed in Jerusalem. This mark serves as a sign of protection from the impending judgment, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked. It underscores the idea that God recognizes and preserves those who remain faithful to Him.
New Testament References:1.
The Mark of the Beast: In
Revelation 13:16-17, the mark of the beast is described as a sign placed on the right hand or forehead, allowing people to buy or sell. This mark represents allegiance to the beast and opposition to God. It serves as a warning against idolatry and the consequences of turning away from divine truth.
2.
Paul's Marks of Suffering: The Apostle Paul refers to the physical marks on his body as evidence of his suffering for Christ in
Galatians 6:17: "From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." These marks, likely scars from persecution, symbolize his dedication and commitment to the Gospel, reflecting the cost of discipleship.
3.
The Seal of the Holy Spirit: While not a physical mark, the New Testament speaks of believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit as a mark of their salvation and belonging to God.
Ephesians 1:13 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." This spiritual mark signifies God's ownership and the believer's secure position in Christ.
Theological Significance:Marks in the Bible often serve as tangible reminders of spiritual realities. They can denote protection, judgment, covenant, or allegiance, reflecting the individual's relationship with God. Whether through physical signs like circumcision or metaphorical seals like the Holy Spirit, marks underscore the importance of identity and faithfulness in the biblical narrative. They remind believers of the visible and invisible ways God interacts with His people, guiding them toward righteousness and away from sin.
Greek
4742b. stigma -- a tattoo mark or brand... 4742a, 4742b. stigma. 4743 . a tattoo mark or brand. Transliteration:
stigma Short Definition: brand-
marks. Word Origin from stizo
...5092. time -- a valuing, a price
... Word Origin akin to tio (to value, honor) Definition a valuing, a price NASB Word
Usage honor (28), honorable use (1),marks of respect (1), precious value (1...
2557. kakourgos -- a criminal
... William Ramsay noted this term "marks exactly the tone of the Neronian period,
and . . refers expressly to the , for which the Christians were...
4742. stigma -- a bed of leaves or rushes
... [Brand-marks (4742 ), like "tatoos" (Gk ), were burned into the skin of slaves
in NT times -- proving they a particular owner.]. mark, brand...
Strong's Hebrew
3793. kethobeth -- an imprint... 3792, 3793. kethobeth. 3794 . an imprint. Transliteration: kethobeth
Phonetic Spelling: (keth-o'-beth) Short Definition:
marks.
...5349. noqed -- sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender
... Active participle from the same as naqod; a spotter (of sheep or cattle), ie The
owner or tender (who thusmarks them) -- herdman, sheepmaster....
Library
The Scar-Marks of Surrender.
... (Matthew xi. 25-30; Luke x:1, 17, 21-24.) The Scar-marks of Surrender.... The
scar-marks of His surrender were"are"all over His face and form....
Marks of a True Conversion
...Marks of a True Conversion.... I mention thesemarks, because I am apt to believe
they are more adapted to a great many of your capacities....
TheMarks of the Lord Jesus
... TheMarks of the Lord Jesus. Heinrich Suso Philippians 3:10. I would bear in my
body the dying. Of Him who has died for me". Here share, O my Lord, Thy rejection...
On the Head and theMarks of the Church
... DISPUTATION LIII ON THE HEAD AND THEMARKS OF THE CHURCH.... IX. We say that these are
themarks of a church which outwardly conducts herself with propriety....
On the Attributes andMarks of the Church
... Lesson 12 ON THE ATTRIBUTES ANDMARKS OF THE CHURCH. An attribute... itsmarks. It
is easier to see themarks of the Church than its attributes....
Many are theMarks, which the Learned have Given us of the True...
... Address 222: Many are themarks, which the learned have given us of the
TRUE church? Many are themarks, which the learned have...
TheMarks of the True Church, and Wherein it Differs from the...
... Article XXIX TheMarks of the TRUE Church, and Wherein it Differs from the
FALSE Church? TheMarks of the True Church, and Wherein...
Of theMarks of Satisfaction, and the Removal of Past Sins.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XI. Of themarks of satisfaction,
and the removal of past sins. But we know, as we have...
Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost
...Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost. Acts 19:2 " "Have ye received the
Holy Ghost since ye believed?" Two different significations...
Way-Marks in John's Narrative.
... III The Lover Wooing (John i. 19-xii. 50) Way-marks in John's Narrative.
Out of this simple running account several things sift...
Thesaurus
Marks (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Marks (25 Occurrences).
... (See RSV). 2 Corinthians 4:2 Nay,
we have renounced the secrecy which
marks a feeling of shame.
...Way-marks (1 Occurrence)
Way-marks. Waymarks, Way-marks. Ways . Multi-Version Concordance
Way-marks (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 31:21 Set thee up...
Brand-marks (1 Occurrence)
Brand-marks. Brandishing, Brand-marks. Brands . Multi-Version
Concordance Brand-marks (1 Occurrence). Galatians 6:17...
Printed (2 Occurrences)
... The earliest use of printing seems to have been for painting the face or body with
ownership, tribal, trophy, or ceremonialmarks for worship, war, mourning...
Printing
... The earliest use of printing seems to have been for painting the face or body with
ownership, tribal, trophy, or ceremonialmarks for worship, war, mourning...
Print (3 Occurrences)
... The earliest use of printing seems to have been for painting the face or body with
ownership, tribal, trophy, or ceremonialmarks for worship, war, mourning...
Marking (11 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which,marks; the mark ormarks made; arrangement
or disposition ofmarks or coloring; as, the marking of a bird's plumage....
Phenicia (1 Occurrence)
... SingularMarks have been found by recent exploration on the great stones
that form the substructure of the temple. TheseMarks, both...
Scrabble
... a cliff or a tree. 2. (vt) To make irregular, crooked, or unmeaningmarks;
to scribble; to scrawl. 3. (vt) To mark with irregular...
Circumcision (98 Occurrences)
... man. (2) It was a tribal mark. Tattooedmarks frequently answered the purpose,
although they may have been originally charms. The...
Resources
When the Bible is translated into English, how do the translators decide what punctuation to use? | GotQuestions.orgIs the 9Marks series biblically sound? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be above reproach / blameless? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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