Topical Encyclopedia
The term "massive" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of great size, strength, or significance is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often uses imagery and descriptions that convey the idea of something being large or powerful, whether in physical size, spiritual significance, or divine power.
Creation and NatureThe grandeur of God's creation is depicted in massive terms. The heavens and the earth are described as vast and expansive, reflecting God's infinite power and majesty.
Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The sheer size of the universe is a testament to God's creative power.
Structures and CitiesIn the Old Testament, certain structures and cities are described as massive, both in their physical dimensions and their symbolic significance. The Tower of Babel, for instance, was an ambitious project that sought to reach the heavens (
Genesis 11:4). Although the Bible does not provide specific measurements, the narrative suggests a massive undertaking that ultimately led to God's intervention.
Similarly, the city of Jericho is noted for its formidable walls.
Joshua 6:1 describes Jericho as "tightly shut up because of the Israelites," indicating its strong defenses. The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls after the Israelites' obedience to God's command further underscores the theme of divine power overcoming human fortifications.
Divine Power and JudgmentThe Bible frequently uses massive imagery to describe God's power and judgment. In the book of Exodus, the plagues that God sends upon Egypt are described in terms that convey overwhelming force and impact. The parting of the Red Sea in
Exodus 14:21-22 is another example of God's massive power, as He creates a path through the sea for the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army.
The prophetic books often use massive imagery to describe God's judgment. In
Isaiah 13:13 , the prophet declares, "Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts, in the day of His burning anger." Such descriptions emphasize the overwhelming nature of God's righteous judgment.
Spiritual SignificanceThe concept of massive is also applied to spiritual truths and realities. The love of God is described as vast and immeasurable.
Ephesians 3:18-19 speaks of the desire for believers to "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." This passage highlights the immense and incomprehensible nature of God's love for humanity.
The Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of God is portrayed as a massive and all-encompassing reality. Jesus uses parables to describe the Kingdom's growth and influence, such as the parable of the mustard seed in
Matthew 13:31-32 , where the Kingdom is likened to a small seed that grows into a large tree. This imagery conveys the idea of the Kingdom's expansive and transformative power.
ConclusionWhile the specific term "massive" is not used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout the Scriptures in descriptions of God's creation, power, judgment, and love. These themes underscore the vastness and greatness of God's work and His Kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Consisting of a large mass; compacted; weighty; heavy; bulky.
2. (a.) In mass; not necessarily without a crystalline structure, but having no regular form; as, a mineral occurs massive.
Strong's Hebrew
1354. gab -- a back... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a back NASB Word Usage back (1), backs
(1), base (1), defenses (2), eyebrows* (1),
massive* (1), rims (3), shrine (2
...5672. abi -- thickness
... Definition: thick. Word Origin from abah Definition thickness NASB Word
Usagemassive* (1), thick (3), thickness (1). thickness. Or...
Library
Under Ban of the Ritual
... He towered a palm in height over his Egyptian brethren, and hismassive
frame was entirely in keeping with his majestic stature....
St. Gregory the Great.
... Less than a storm avails not to unfold The Cross emblazoned there inmassive
gold: Away with doubts and sadness, tears and sighing!...
Set at Liberty.
... Soon the last straggler would be lost to view, the heavy portcullis fall, and the
massive iron gate swing to, and the first step would be taken towards the...
The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of...
... And across the black valley, and up the slopes of Olivet, lay the dark shadows of
these gigantic walls built ofmassive stones, some of them nearly twenty-four...
The Birth of Saint George.
... and gloomy cavern. The entrance was secured by amassive iron gate studded
over with huge knots and bars of steel. Near it hung...
Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
... It is not only that here and there are solid statements of doctrine, wherein some
massive argument is constructed for the partial unveiling of redemptive glory...
Providence
... Immediately in front of me there was a huge gallery, which looked an exceedingly
massive structure, capable of holding 2000 persons....
"Thy King Cometh"
... From the crest of the hill where Jesus and His followers stood, it had the appearance
of amassive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles....
Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Themassive walls of the cities of old was their chief protection.... Then it was made
in moremassive form and richly carved, with steps ascending to it....
A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... I do not know that in all the compass of poetry there is an idea somassive and
stupendous as this"a mountain heaving, expanding, swelling, growing, till all...
Thesaurus
Massive (4 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) In mass; not necessarily without a crystalline structure, but having no
regular form; as, a mineral occurs
massive.
...Massive (4 Occurrences).
...Phenicia (1 Occurrence)
... "The Biblical account (1 Kings 5:17, 18) is accurately descriptive of themassive
masonry now existing at the south-eastern angle (of the temple area), and...
Omri (16 Occurrences)
... Israel. The first results were the uncovering ofmassive foundation walls
of a large building, including a stairway 80 ft. wide....
Massing (6 Occurrences)
Mast (4 Occurrences)
Overhead (4 Occurrences)
... Overhead (4 Occurrences). Revelation 21:12 It has a wall,massive and high, with
twelve large gates, and in charge of the gates were twelve angels....
Gerasa
... Two paved streets with double colonnades cut through the city at right angles,
fourmassive pedestals still marking the point of intersection....
Gerasenes (3 Occurrences)
... Two paved streets with double colonnades cut through the city at right angles,
fourmassive pedestals still marking the point of intersection....
Gabbatha (1 Occurrence)
... at the Antonia and associates the triple Roman arch near there with the "Ecce Homo"
scene, naturally identifies an extensive area ofmassive Roman pavement...
Inscribed (20 Occurrences)
... RSV). Revelation 21:12 It has a wall,massive and high, with twelve large
gates, and in charge of the gates were twelve angels. And...
Resources
What should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is personal evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mecca in Islam? | GotQuestions.orgMassive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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