Topical Encyclopedia
The term "minus" does not appear directly in the Bible; however, it can be conceptually related to themes of loss, subtraction, or deficiency, which are present throughout the Scriptures. In a biblical context, these themes often relate to spiritual, moral, or material aspects of life.
Spiritual Loss and DeficiencyThe Bible frequently addresses the concept of spiritual loss or deficiency, often in the context of sin and separation from God. In
Romans 3:23 , it is stated, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse highlights the universal spiritual deficiency of humanity due to sin, which results in a separation from the divine presence and glory of God.
The parable of the lost sheep in
Luke 15:4-7 illustrates the concept of spiritual loss and the joy of restoration. Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, emphasizing God's desire to restore those who are spiritually deficient or lost.
Moral and Ethical SubtractionThe Bible also addresses moral and ethical subtraction, where individuals or societies fall short of God's standards. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are often depicted as falling into idolatry and moral decay, leading to their downfall and exile. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, frequently called the people to repentance, urging them to return to God's commandments and avoid the moral deficiencies that led to their judgment.
In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of moral integrity and the dangers of hypocrisy. In
Matthew 23:23 , He criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting the "weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness," highlighting the moral subtraction that occurs when external religious observance is prioritized over genuine ethical behavior.
Material Loss and SubtractionMaterial loss is another theme that can be associated with the concept of "minus." The account of Job is a profound example of material and personal loss. Job loses his wealth, health, and family, yet his faith remains steadfast. In
Job 1:21 , he declares, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." This reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty over material gain and loss.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of spiritual riches. In
Matthew 6:19-20 , He advises, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
ConclusionWhile the specific term "minus" is not found in the Bible, the underlying concepts of loss, subtraction, and deficiency are integral to biblical teachings. These themes serve as reminders of the human condition, the need for divine grace, and the call to live according to God's standards.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Less; requiring to be subtracted; negative; as, a minus quantity.
Library
Ages and Periods of Biblical History.
... Gen.1-6. The time covered, BC4004minus 2348 equal 1656 years. 2. The Post-diluvian
Period.... Gen.7-11. Time covered, BC2348minus 1921 equal 427 years....
Cyrus
... agree in reading in illominus invenitur instead of in illum nimius inventur. Norimb
has same with nimius instead ofminus. The reading of T 21 25 a Wolfenb....
Essay on Faith.
... If, then, IMINUS the will be the THESIS, Thou, PLUS will, must be the ANTITHESIS,
but the equation of Thou with I, by means of a free act, negativing the...
Of the Order in which the Accounts of John's Imprisonment and...
... and in Migne's text is, quis autem non putet quiminus in his litteris eruditus
est; for which some give, quis autem non putet nisi quiminus, etc....
No Addition Can be Made to the Nature of God.
... Similarly, any addition of finite being to the Infinite Being is no increase. God
plus the universe is no larger an infinite than Godminus the universe....
Reasonable Rapture
... that had everything but God, and at the other end a man that had nothing but God,
do we live as if we believed that the man that had everythingminus God is a...
The History of Cassian's Writings, Mss. , and Editions.
... Adiect?? sunt quarundam obscurarum dictionum interpretationes ordine alphabeti
disposit??: et observationes in loca ambigua etminus tuta....
Articuli Sive Conclusiones Lxvii. H. Zwinglii.
... davon zu wissen versuchen. LIX. Quominus de hisce rebus nobis revelat Deus,
hocminus nobis pervestigand?? sunt. LX. Wenn der Mensch...
The Critical and Historical Movement
... unprovable assumptions. Indeed, they may think it to be but the obstinate
adherence to these assumptionsminus the current morality. It...
section ii.
... Nunquamminus solus quam cum solus [Never less alone than when alone], though it
be the Apothegme of a wise man, is yet true in the mouth of a fool....
Thesaurus
Minus (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Less; requiring to be subtracted; negative; as, a
minus quantity. Multi-Version Concordance
Minus (1 Occurrence).
...Mint (2 Occurrences)
Minute (19 Occurrences)
Less (93 Occurrences)
... of the Apostles. (BBE). 2 Corinthians 11:24 Five times from the Jews I
received forty stripesminus one. (See RSV). 2 Corinthians...
Forty (142 Occurrences)
... NIV). 2 Corinthians 11:24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes
minus one. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)....
Thirty-nine (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Thirty-nine (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:24 Five
times from the Jews I received forty stripesminus one. (See NAS)....
Plus (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) More, required to be added; positive,
as distinguished from negative; -- opposed tominus. 2. (a...
Stripes (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). 2 Corinthians 11:24 Five times from the Jews I
received forty stripesminus one. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
Sign (181 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) A character indicating the relation of quantities, or an operation performed
upon them; as, the sign + (plus); the sign -- (minus); the sign of...
Jesus (10891 Occurrences)
... the meek," and so on; and the other contained in a qualifying clause introduced
by "for." Sometimes one of these magnitudes may be aminus quantity, as in...
Resources
Did the Romans give Jesus 39 lashes? | GotQuestions.orgCan Christians live their best life now? | GotQuestions.orgCan I really do all things through Christ? | GotQuestions.orgMinus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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