Topical Encyclopedia
The term "marred" in the Bible often refers to something that has been damaged, disfigured, or spoiled. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe physical objects, people, and spiritual conditions. The concept of being marred is significant in understanding the effects of sin, the nature of human frailty, and the transformative power of God.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "marred" is "shachath," which means to destroy, corrupt, or ruin. One notable instance is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet uses the imagery of a potter and clay to convey God's sovereignty and the consequences of Israel's disobedience:
·
Jeremiah 18:4 : "But the vessel he was shaping from the clay became marred in his hand; so he formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best for him to do."
This passage illustrates the idea that, although the clay (representing Israel) was marred, the potter (God) has the authority and ability to reshape it according to His will. The marred vessel symbolizes the spiritual and moral corruption of the people, yet it also highlights God's redemptive power to restore and renew.
New Testament Usage
In the New Testament, the concept of being marred is less frequently mentioned, but it is profoundly illustrated in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The prophecy in Isaiah, which is often associated with the Messiah, speaks of a figure who is marred beyond human likeness:
·Isaiah 52:14 : "Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness."
This prophecy is understood by Christians to refer to the physical and emotional suffering of Jesus during His passion. The marred appearance of Christ underscores the depth of His sacrifice and the extent of His love for humanity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of redemption and the ugliness of sin that necessitated such a sacrifice.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the concept of being marred is closely tied to the doctrine of sin and redemption. Humanity, created in the image of God, became marred through sin, resulting in spiritual death and separation from God. However, through the redemptive work of Christ, believers are offered the opportunity to be restored and transformed into the likeness of Christ.
The imagery of being marred also speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a believer. Just as the potter reshapes the marred clay, God works in the lives of His people to mold them into vessels of honor, fit for His purposes. This process involves the removal of impurities and the refining of character, ultimately leading to spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.
In summary, the biblical concept of being marred serves as a powerful metaphor for the effects of sin and the hope of redemption. It highlights the brokenness of humanity and the transformative power of God's grace, offering a message of hope and restoration to all who turn to Him in faith.Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(imp. & p. p.) of Mar.Strong's Hebrew
4893. mishchath -- corruption (ceremonial)
... corruption,marred Or moshchath {mosh-khawth'}; from shachath; disfigurement --
corruption,marred. see HEBREW shachath. 4892, 4893. mishchath. 4893a ....
4893b. mishchath -- disfigurement (of face)
... 4893a, 4893b. mishchath. 4894 . disfigurement (of face). Transliteration:
mishchath Short Definition:marred. Word Origin from shachath...
Library
The Evil Spirit HasMarred the Purity of the Soul from the Very...
... Chapter XXXIX."The Evil Spirit HasMarred the Purity of the Soul from the
Very Birth. All these endowments of the soul which are...
Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... As many were astonied at Thee; His visage was somarred more than any man, and His
form more than the sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings...
General Consistency of the Apostle.
... 862] "who likewise, for the consecrating and purifying (of) that temple, wrote the
law pertaining to the temple-keepers: "If any shall havemarred the temple...
The Christian Man
... one should maliciously deluge this masterpiece with ink, smash it into fragments
with a huge hammer, and then ask as he looked upon themarred and blackened...
The Best Beloved
... I suppose that, by-and-by, when our Lord had entered upon his active life, and
encountered its struggles, his youthful beauty wasmarred with lines of sadness...
There is a Presumption in Favor of the Bible
... Creation is now under the curse; it is imperfect, because it has beenmarred by
sin; therefore, an imperfect creation cannot be a perfect medium for revealing...
Chapter five
... Rachel was beautiful. But her consciousness of her remarkable loveliness had always
marred her singing with those who had the deepest spiritual feeling....
His Humiliation Predicted.
... As many were astonished at Thee, somarred shall Thy form be before men, and so
hidden from them Thy glory; so shall many nations wonder, and the kings shall...
The King in his Beauty
... A later prophet, speaking of the same Person, said: 'His visage was somarred,
more than any man, and His form than the sons of men.......
Blessed is He who Atoned Your Sins, that Ye Might Receive his Body...
... 12. In the river Jeremiah buried"the linen girdle that wasmarred;"and [the People]
waxed old and decayed."...The peoples that were decayed andmarred...
Thesaurus
Marred (7 Occurrences)...Marred (7 Occurrences). Exodus 21:26 And if a man strike the eye of his bondman
or the eye of his handmaid, and it be
marred, he shall let him go for his eye.
...Visage (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was somarred more than any
man, and his form more than the sons of men: (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
Vowing (4 Occurrences)
... Malachi 1:14 And cursed 'is' a deceiver, who hath in his drove a male, And is vowing,
and is sacrificing amarred thing to the Lord, For a great king 'am' I...
Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)
... thy house" (Luke 19:5). The offer thus frankly made by Jesus was accepted eagerly
and gladly by Zaccheus; and the murmurings of the crowdmarred the happiness...
Newness (2 Occurrences)
... main, that kainos denotes new in respect of quality, "the new as set over against
that which has seen service, the outworn, the effete, ormarred through age...
Unlike (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 52:14 Like as many were astonished at thee (his visage was so
marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), (See JPS BBE)...
Waistcloth (9 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:7 Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and took the belt from the
place where I had hid it; and behold, the belt wasmarred, it was profitable...
Whensoever (13 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 18:4 And when the vessel that he made of the clay wasmarred in the hand
of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter...
Waistband (15 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:7 Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and took the belt from the
place where I had hid it; and behold, the belt wasmarred, it was profitable...
Remade (1 Occurrence)
... Jeremiah 18:4 When the vessel that he made of the clay wasmarred in the hand of
the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to...
Resources
Why is Jesus referred to as a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53:3? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is life so hard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about child sexual abuse? | GotQuestions.orgMarred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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