Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical study, the term "refer" is often used to denote the act of directing attention to a particular passage, concept, or theme within the Scriptures. This can involve cross-referencing related verses, examining the original languages, or exploring theological implications. The practice of referring is essential for a comprehensive understanding of biblical texts, as it allows for the integration of various scriptural insights and the harmonization of seemingly disparate passages.
Biblical Cross-ReferencingCross-referencing is a critical tool in biblical study, enabling readers to connect different parts of Scripture that address similar themes or events. For instance, the New Testament frequently refers back to the Old Testament to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy or to provide deeper insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ. An example of this is found in
Matthew 1:22-23 , which refers to the prophecy in
Isaiah 7:14: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."
Theological ImplicationsReferring to various passages can also illuminate theological concepts. For example, the doctrine of the Trinity, while not explicitly named in Scripture, is supported by referring to multiple passages that highlight the distinct persons of the Godhead. In
Matthew 28:19 , Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This verse, when referred alongside others such as
John 1:1-14 and
Acts 5:3-4, provides a foundation for understanding the triune nature of God.
Original LanguagesReferring to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts can provide clarity and depth to biblical interpretation. For instance, the Hebrew word "hesed," often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love," appears frequently in the Old Testament and is pivotal in understanding God's covenantal relationship with His people. By referring to various occurrences of "hesed," such as in
Psalm 136:1 , "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever," one can appreciate the richness of God's enduring love and faithfulness.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, referring to Scripture is vital for personal edification and spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to refer to the Bible for guidance, comfort, and instruction.
Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse underscores the importance of continually referring to God's Word as a source of wisdom and direction in the believer's life.
ConclusionThe practice of referring within biblical study is indispensable for a holistic understanding of Scripture. By cross-referencing passages, exploring theological themes, and examining original languages, believers can gain a deeper appreciation of God's revelation and apply its truths to their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To direct to another place for information.
2. (v. t.) Hence: To send or direct away; to send or direct elsewhere, as for treatment, aid, information, decision, etc.; to make over, or pass over, to another; as, to refer a student to an author; to refer a beggar to an officer; to refer a bill to a committee; a court refers a matter of fact to a commissioner for investigation, or refers a question of law to a superior tribunal.
3. (v. t.) To place in or under by a mental or rational process; to assign to, as a class, a cause, source, a motive, reason, or ground of explanation; as, he referred the phenomena to electrical disturbances.
4. (v. i.) To have recourse; to apply; to appeal; to betake one's self; as, to refer to a dictionary.
5. (v. i.) To have relation or reference; to relate; to point; as, the figure refers to a footnote.
6. (v. i.) To carry the mind or thought; to direct attention; as, the preacher referred to the late election.
7. (v. i.) To direct inquiry for information or a guarantee of any kind, as in respect to one's integrity, capacity, pecuniary ability, and the like; as, I referred to his employer for the truth of his story.
Greek
32. aggelos -- a messenger, angel... For example, 32 () in Rev 1:20 can
refer to heavenly angels or key leaders (perhaps
pastors) of the seven churches. [32 () can
refer to "a messenger" (cf.
...3551. nomos -- that which is assigned, hence usage, law
... 3551 ("law") then canrefer to "the ," or "" as a general principle (or ).
The particular sense(s) of 3551 () is determined by the ....
3671. homologia -- an agreement, confession
... 3671 ("common confession") canrefer to the about and -- and to proclaim it! See
also 3670 (). [The cognate verb, 3670 , also means "to say the about."....
350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate
... Accordingly, 350 () is often used in its sense in the ancient world. It can even
refer to "examination by torture" (see Field, , 120f, ).]....
1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge
... which intensifies 2919 , "to judge") -- properly, investigate (judge) -- literally,
judging "back-and-forth" which can either (positively)refer to close...
2205. zelos -- to have warmth of feeling for or against, to be...
... love, zeal" () -- ie (). It canrefer to ", for what is good or bad" (J.
Thayer).]. emulation, jealousy, zeal. From zeo; properly...
3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement...
... The core-meaning of 3874 ("personal urging") is shaped by the individual context,
so it canrefer to: exhortation, warning, encouragement (comfort), etc....
3622. oikonomia -- stewardship, administration
... resources). [A "dispensation" can alsorefer to a special period of
(management). But this is a (not primary) meaning of 3622 ().]....
3004. lego -- to say
... primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, ie (figuratively) relate (in words (usually
of systematic or set discourse; whereas epo and phemi generallyrefer to an...
4151. pneuma -- wind, spirit
... of 4151 (). The Hebrew counterpart () has the same range of meaning as 4151 (),
ie it likewise canrefer to , , or .]. Word Origin...
Library
Whether the Rewards Assigned to the BeatitudesRefer to this Life?
... OF THE BEATITUDES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the rewards assigned to the beatitudes
refer to this life?... Therefore these rewardsrefer to the life to come....
We mustRefer the Fact that Christ is Said to Speak Nothing of...
... Book V. Chapter XI. We mustrefer the fact that Christ is said to speak
nothing of Himself? We mustrefer the fact that Christ...
Note E. Let Me once MoreRefer all Students of Holiness to...
... NOTE E. Let me once morerefer all students of holiness to Marshall on
Sanctification? Let me once morerefer all students of...
However, if we mustRefer Briefly to the Difference Between the...
... Chapter XXVI. However, if we mustrefer briefly to the difference between
the constitution which was given? However, if we must...
In the Same Manner, Therefore, we Maintain that the Other...
... Chapter XI. In the same manner, therefore, we maintain that the other
announcements toorefer to the? In the same manner, therefore...
The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the ProphetsRefer to the...
... Tenth Book. 26. The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the ProphetsRefer
to the Church, and are Still to Be Fulfilled. After all...
But as He Next Introduces the Case of the Favourite of Adrian I...
... Chapter XXXVI. But as he next introduces the case of the favourite of
Adrian Irefer to? But as he next introduces the case of...
As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since YouRefer Me to Your Book; and...
... 32. As to your charge of perjury, since yourefer me to your book; and since I have
made my reply to you and Calpurnius in the previous books, it will be...
That Believers who Differ among Themselves Ought not toRefer to a...
... Third Book. 44. That believers who differ among themselves ought not to
refer to a Gentile judge. In the first Epistle of Paul to...
In Answer to those who Enquire Whether the Holy Mother of God Bore...
... ageneton and geneton, written with one n' [2279] and meaning uncreated and created,
refer to nature: but agenneton and genneton, that is to say, unbegotten and...
Thesaurus
Refer (4 Occurrences)... or direct away; to send or direct elsewhere, as for treatment, aid, information,
decision, etc.; to make over, or pass over, to another; as, to
refer a student
...Fellowship (114 Occurrences)
... The several passages in which these terms are used fall into two groups: those in
which theyrefer to acts of fellowship, and those in which theyrefer to...
Envelop (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (n.) A set of limits for the performance capabilities of some type of
machine, originally used torefer to aircraft. Now also...
Beth-shemesh (19 Occurrences)
... It may be that Ir-shemesh, "city of the sun," and Har-cherec, "mount of the sun,"
refer to Beth-shemesh of Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41-43 1 Kings 4:9...
Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)
... It may be that Ir-shemesh, "city of the sun," and Har-cherec, "mount of the sun,"
refer to Beth-shemesh of Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41-43 1 Kings 4:9...
Beside (326 Occurrences)
... be-sid': Near to, or close to (Psalm 23:2). It is often used torefer to the mental
state, to the derangement of the mind (existemi, Mark 3:21 Acts 26:24 the...
Spirits (129 Occurrences)
... in prison" (tois en phulake pneumasin) denote the generation who were disobedient
in the days of Noah, while the words "spirits" and "in prison"refer to their...
Prison (131 Occurrences)
... in prison" (tois en phulake pneumasin) denote the generation who were disobedient
in the days of Noah, while the words "spirits" and "in prison"refer to their...
Communion (8 Occurrences)
... Even in the passages mentioned above whichrefer to necromancers and wizards, while,
as we shall see, the words indicate that such practitioners professed to...
Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... (1) Wiedemann holds that this mayrefer to a real Ethiopian prince, who, though
unrecorded in the monuments, may have been reigning at the Asa era....
Resources
Since God is not male, should we stop using masculine pronouns to refer to God? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as “father” (Matthew 23:9)? Is it wrong for Catholics to refer to their priests as “father”? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to refer to God as God the mother? | GotQuestions.orgRefer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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