Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "changeable" in the Bible often contrasts with the unchanging nature of God. While human beings and the created world are subject to change, God remains constant and steadfast. This entry explores the biblical understanding of changeability, highlighting its implications for faith and life.
Divine ImmutabilityThe Bible frequently emphasizes God's unchanging nature. In
Malachi 3:6, the Lord declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse underscores the security and reliability found in God's immutable character. Similarly,
James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." God's constancy provides a foundation for trust and faith, as His promises and purposes remain steadfast.
Human ChangeabilityIn contrast to God's immutability, human beings are inherently changeable. The Bible acknowledges the transient nature of human life and circumstances. In
Psalm 102:26-27, the psalmist reflects on the fleeting nature of creation: "They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You are the same, and Your years will never end." This passage highlights the contrast between the temporal world and the eternal God.
The changeable nature of humanity is also evident in the moral and spiritual realm. The Bible calls for transformation and renewal in the lives of believers.
Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a process of becoming more like Christ, reflecting the dynamic nature of spiritual growth.
Change in CircumstancesThe Bible also addresses the changeable nature of life's circumstances.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 famously speaks to the seasons of life, noting that "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." This passage acknowledges the ebb and flow of life's experiences, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereign timing.
God's Unchanging PromisesDespite the changeable nature of the world and human life, God's promises remain unaltered.
Hebrews 6:17-18 assures believers of the certainty of God's promises: "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged."
ConclusionThe biblical concept of changeability serves as a reminder of the contrast between the mutable nature of creation and the immutable character of God. While human beings and circumstances are subject to change, believers find assurance in the unchanging nature of God's promises and character. This understanding calls for a life of faith, trust, and transformation in alignment with God's eternal purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Capable of change; subject to alteration; mutable; variable; fickle; inconstant; as, a changeable humor.
2. (a.) Appearing different, as in color, in different lights, or under different circumstances; as, changeable silk.
Greek
4731. stereos -- hard, firm... 4731 -- (an adjective) properly, (firm); referring to what is immoveable (will budge);
stable (not
changeable), standing fast without buckling or giving way
...Strong's Hebrew
4254. machalatsah -- robe of state...changeable suit of apparel, change of raiment. From chalats; a mantle (as easily
drawn off) --
changeable suit of apparel, change of raiment. see HEBREW chalats
...Library
Whether the Will of God isChangeable?
... THE WILL OF GOD (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the will of God ischangeable?
Objection 1: It seems that the Will of God ischangeable....
Above hisChangeable Mind, He Discovers the Unchangeable Author of...
... Book VII. Chapter XVII."Above HisChangeable Mind, He Discovers the
Unchangeable Author of Truth. 23. And I marvelled that I now...
What the Author Entreats from God, what from the Reader. In God...
... Book V. Chapter 1."What the Author Entreats from God, What from the Reader.
In God Nothing is to Be Thought Corporeal orChangeable....
Inventors of Useful Arts Unworthy of Deification they Would be the...
... the First to Acknowledge a Creator. The ArtsChangeable from Time to Time,
and Some Become Obsolete. Well, but [1073] certain men...
Whether Despair is a Sin
... 1. It seems that despair is not a sin. Augustine makes it clear that every sin turns
tochangeable good when it turns away from unchangeable good (De Lib....
Whether all Things are Subject to Fate?
... iv) that fate "is a disposition inherent tochangeable things." But all creatures
arechangeable, and God alone is truly unchangeable, as stated above ([955]Q[9...
Proposition ii: There must have Existed from Eternity one...
... all other beings that are or ever were in the universe have received their original;
or else there has been an infinite succession ofchangeable and dependent...
Concerning the Meaning of the Platonists in that Part of...
... They have seen that whatever ischangeable is not the most high God, and therefore
they have transcended every soul and allchangeable spirits in seeking the...
Whether Fate is Unchangeable?
... ii, 7): "If we be moved, what is in us is moved." But fate is a "disposition inherent
tochangeable things," as Boethius says (De Consol. iv)....
Objections Continued. How the Word Has Free Will, yet Without...
... of the Psalter, signifying under the name of heaven and earth, that the nature of
all things originate and created is alterable andchangeable, yet excepting...
Thesaurus
Changeable (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Capable of change; subject to alteration; mutable; variable; fickle;
inconstant; as, a
changeable humor.
...Changeable (1 Occurrence).
...Various (52 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.)Changeable; uncertain; inconstant; variable. 3. (a.) Variegated; diversified;
not monotonous. Multi-Version Concordance Various (52 Occurrences)....
Wimples (1 Occurrence)
... Wimples (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 Thechangeable suits of apparel, and the
mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV WBS)....
Durable (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Able to endure or continue in a particular condition;
lasting; not perishable orchangeable; not wearing out or decaying soon...
Mantles (5 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Isaiah 3:22 Thechangeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and
the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Pins (12 Occurrences)
... gold. (BBE). Isaiah 3:22 Thechangeable suits of apparel, and the mantles,
and the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV WBS). Isaiah...
Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A lizardlike reptile,changeable in appearance,
of the genus Chamaeleo, of several species, found in Africa, Asia, and Europe....
Crisping-pins (1 Occurrence)
... Crisping-pins (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 Thechangeable suits of apparel, and
the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping-pins, (WBS)....
Capricious (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Governed or characterized by caprice; apt to change
suddenly; freakish; whimsical;changeable. Multi-Version Concordance...
Crisping (1 Occurrence)
... Crisping (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 Thechangeable suits of apparel, and the
mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV WBS)....
Resources
How can the Incarnation be reconciled with God's immutability? If God cannot change, then how can He become man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is moral government theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is divine impassibility? | GotQuestions.orgChangeable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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