Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "passers-by" refers to individuals who are traveling or moving past a particular location. This concept appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting the transient nature of human life and the interactions between individuals and communities.
Old Testament ReferencesOne notable mention of passers-by is found in the context of judgment and desolation. In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah laments the destruction of Jerusalem, and the city is personified as a woman who calls out to those passing by: "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD has brought on me in the day of His fierce anger" (
Lamentations 1:12). Here, passers-by are witnesses to the suffering and devastation that has befallen the city, serving as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience.
In the wisdom literature, the book of Proverbs uses the imagery of passers-by to convey moral lessons.
Proverbs 7:8-9 describes a young man lacking judgment who "was passing through the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, in the dark of night" . This passage warns against the dangers of temptation and the importance of avoiding situations that lead to sin.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of passers-by is illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells the account of a man who was attacked by robbers and left for dead. Several individuals, including a priest and a Levite, pass by the injured man without offering assistance. It is the Samaritan, a social outcast, who stops to help and shows compassion (
Luke 10:30-37). This parable emphasizes the call to love one's neighbor and to act with mercy and kindness, regardless of societal boundaries.
Another significant mention of passers-by occurs during the crucifixion of Jesus. As He hung on the cross, those who passed by mocked Him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" (
Matthew 27:39-40). This scene highlights the scorn and disbelief of the onlookers, contrasting with the profound sacrifice Jesus was making for humanity's redemption.
Theological ImplicationsThe presence of passers-by in biblical narratives often serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making righteous choices. In a world where individuals frequently encounter various situations and people, the Scriptures encourage believers to be mindful of their actions and to demonstrate love and compassion to all, reflecting the character of Christ.
Passers-by also remind readers of the importance of witnessing and responding to the needs of others. Whether through acts of mercy, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan, or through the acknowledgment of suffering, as seen in Lamentations, the Bible calls believers to be attentive and responsive to the world around them.
Strong's Hebrew
5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on... 48), passed along (1), passed away (2), passed beyond (1), passed over (9), passed
through (6), passed throughout (1), passer-by (2),
passers-
by (1), passes (18
...Library
Of what Kind we are to Reckon the Rest (Requies), and End (Finis)...
... scar, that from thence he might learn that there had been a wound; or wished to
see the window, that through the window he might see thepassers-by: all these...
Whether Intention of the End is the Same Act as the Volition of...
... the will to see the window, has for its end the seeing of the window; and is another
act from the will to see, through the window, thepassersby." But that I...
Psalm CXXIX.
... any work in the field, or in the vineyard, or in harvest, or anything of the sort;
it was not lawful to pass by without a blessing....Who are thepassers by?...
My Dream Message
... And many a time since have I looked out upon thepassers-by or listened to their
merriment, and have said to myself, "I would not exchange places with you; for...
Hebrews xi. 13-16
... our shameful deeds, nor permitting others to do so, but lying exposed to public
shame, to the ridicule, the numberless jests of spectators andpassers-by....
Death of Jesus.
... this inscription. The numerouspassers-by who read it were offended. The
priests... of humanity. Thepassers-by insulted him. He heard...
Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... And he went along the road to Lystra, and stood waiting for him, and kept looking
at thepassers by according to the description of Titus....
Acknowledgment of Her Excellence and Wisdom.
... resemble fountains of the purest water; for they allure by their beauty
passers-by to drink of them, even though these should not be thirsty....
The Resurrection
... Death has become like a tyrant who has been completely conquered by the legitimate
monarch; bound hand and foot thepassers-by sneer at him, hitting him and...
He Restoreth My Soul.
... and Heaven." Then Pleasure, with dimpled cheeks and laughing eyes, and words that
sound like music to the ears, hurries out to greet thepassers-by, and charms...
Thesaurus
Passers-by (9 Occurrences)Passers-
by. Passers,
Passers-
by. Passes . Multi-Version Concordance
Passers-
by (9 Occurrences). Matthew 27:39 And the
passers-
by reviled Him.
...Passers (3 Occurrences)
... regain its saltness? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown
away and trodden on by thepassersby. (WEY). Psalms 129:8...
Shook (33 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shook (33 Occurrences). Matthew 27:39 And the
passers-by reviled Him.... (See NIV). Mark 15:29 And all thepassers-by reviled Him....
Yesterday (13 Occurrences)
... And yesterday My people for an enemy doth raise himself up, From the outer garment
the honourable ornament ye strip off, From the confidentpassersby, Ye who...
Leprosy (51 Occurrences)
... his own virtual death. He had further to warnpassers-by to keep away from
him, by calling out, `Unclean! unclean!' nor could he...
Longer (373 Occurrences)
... saltness? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown away and trodden
on by thepassersby. (WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). Matthew...
Thrown (126 Occurrences)
... its saltness? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown away and
trodden on by thepassersby. (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Matthew...
Tasteless (4 Occurrences)
... regain its saltness? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown
away and trodden on by thepassersby. (WEY NAS). Mark 9:50...
Roughly (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Proverbs 26:10 A master roughly worketh every
one: he both hireth the fool and hirethpassers-by. (DBY)....
Regain (12 Occurrences)
... regain its saltness? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown
away and trodden on by thepassersby. (WEY). Mark 10:51...
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