Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "reverenced" refers to the deep respect, honor, and veneration given to someone or something deemed worthy of such regard. In a biblical context, reverence is often directed towards God, His name, His commandments, and His holy places. It involves an attitude of awe and humility before the divine.
Biblical Usage:The concept of reverence is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the appropriate response of humanity towards God. Reverence is not merely an outward expression but a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's majesty, holiness, and authority.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, reverence is frequently associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). The Hebrew word often translated as "reverence" is "yare," which conveys a sense of awe and respect. For instance,
Leviticus 19:30 states, "You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD." This command underscores the importance of honoring God's appointed times and places.
The reverence for God's name is also a significant theme. The Third Commandment instructs, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (
Exodus 20:7), highlighting the sacredness of God's name and the reverence it demands.
New Testament References:In the New Testament, reverence continues to be a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God.
Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage calls for a worship that is characterized by reverence, acknowledging God's holiness and power.
The Apostle Peter also speaks to the reverence due to God, instructing believers to "conduct yourselves with reverence during your stay as foreigners" (
1 Peter 1:17). This reverence is a reflection of the believer's recognition of God's impartial judgment and the redemption provided through Christ.
Reverence in Worship and Conduct:Reverence is not limited to personal attitudes but extends to corporate worship and daily conduct. The Psalms frequently call for reverent worship, as seen in
Psalm 95:6 : "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." This physical posture of bowing and kneeling is an outward expression of inward reverence.
In the life of the believer, reverence is manifested through obedience to God's commandments and a lifestyle that honors Him.
Romans 12:1 urges believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This sacrificial living is an act of reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of life.
Reverence for Authority:The Bible also teaches reverence for earthly authorities as an extension of reverence for God.
Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage highlights the importance of respecting and honoring those in positions of authority, recognizing their role as instituted by God.
Conclusion:Reverence is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing the worship of God, the respect for His commandments, and the honor given to His appointed authorities. It is a reflection of the believer's acknowledgment of God's holiness, majesty, and rightful place as Lord over all creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Reverence.
Library
The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... [We have likewise decreed] that these images are to bereverenced
(proskunein), that is, salutations are to be offered to them....
Of Religion.
... the occasion: let us take away the property of others, either without bloodshed
or even with blood, if there is nothing else besides the laws to bereverenced....
Jesus' Conception of Himself
... His teaching revealed his unhesitating certainty concerning spiritual truth, and
although hereverenced deeply the Jewish scriptures, and knew that his work...
Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the...
... Proclaim her to bereverenced by the angels, to have been desired by the nations,
to have been known beforehand by Patriarchs and Prophets, chosen by God out...
Letter ccii. (AD 419. )
... (ad 419.). (ad419.) To the Bishops Alypius and Augustin, My Lords Truly Holy, and
Deservedly Loved andReverenced, Jerome Sends Greeting in Christ. [2892]. Chap...
If Anyone Shall Dare to Say that the Assumed Man Analephthenta...
... If any one says that the form of a servant should, for its own sake, that is, in
reference to its own nature, bereverenced, and that it is the ruler of all...
Matt. xxi. 33-44.
... Him. But He saith, "They will reverence," declaring what ought to have
been done, that it was their duty to havereverenced Him....
Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is...
... quite evident that there were others amongst the ancients who suffered with equal
zeal for righteousness, but yet have not attained to bereverenced with equal...
Light and Darkness
... and the hungry sheep who had no shepherd were looking all around for help and comfort,
Nicholas, and such as he, were sought after andreverenced as the...
The Clergyman and the Prayer Book.
... [2 Thessalonians 3:1.] Those men were learned in the past, and theyreverenced
history and continuity. But theyreverenced still...
Thesaurus
Reverenced (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Reverence. Multi-Version Concordance
Reverenced (4 Occurrences). Hebrews 12:9 Moreover we
...Reverence (42 Occurrences)
... Joshua 4:14 On that day hath Jehovah made Joshua great in the eyes of all Israel,
and they reverence him, as theyreverenced Moses, all days of his life. (YLT)....
Images (158 Occurrences)
... deities worshipped, (3) empowered instruments (amulets, charms, etc.) of object
or objects worshipped, (4) pictures or symbols of deitiesreverenced though not...
Terrible (90 Occurrences)
... ter'-ib'l, ter'-er (yare', "to be feared," "reverenced," arits, "powerful,"
"tyrannical," 'ayom, "aweinspiring," chittith "terror," ballahah, "a worn-out or...
Tradition (13 Occurrences)
... It means, in Jewish theology, the oral teachings of the elders (distinguished ancestors
from Moses on) which werereverenced by the late Jews equally with the...
Terror (137 Occurrences)
... ter'-ib'l, ter'-er (yare', "to be feared," "reverenced," arits, "powerful,"
"tyrannical," 'ayom, "aweinspiring," chittith "terror," ballahah, "a worn-out or...
Reverencing (2 Occurrences)
Revered (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Joshua 4:14 On that day hath Jehovah made Joshua great in the eyes of all
Israel, and they reverence him, as theyreverenced Moses, all days of his life....
Chasteners (1 Occurrence)
... Hebrews 12:9 Moreover we have had the fathers of our flesh as chasteners, and we
reverenced them; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of...
Sparrow (4 Occurrences)
... For these reasons all temple builders were soreverenced that authentic instances
are given of people being put to death, if they disturbed temple nests or...
Resources
Why is "You shall have no other gods before me" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgReverenced: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
