Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical literature, the concept of "seeming" often pertains to appearances versus reality, highlighting the distinction between what is perceived externally and what is true internally. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where God frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart over outward appearances.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable references to the idea of seeming versus reality is found in
1 Samuel 16:7. When Samuel is sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, God instructs him, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This passage underscores the divine perspective that values inner character over external attributes.
The book of Proverbs also addresses the theme of seeming, particularly in the context of wisdom and folly.
Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" . This highlights the potential deception of human judgment and the importance of aligning one's understanding with God's truth.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, Jesus frequently challenges the Pharisees and religious leaders for their focus on outward appearances. In
Matthew 23:27-28, He declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" . Here, Jesus condemns the discrepancy between external piety and internal corruption.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of seeming in his letters. In
2 Corinthians 11:14, he warns the church about false apostles, stating, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" . This serves as a caution against being deceived by appearances and emphasizes the need for discernment.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical theme of seeming versus reality carries significant theological implications. It calls believers to cultivate authenticity and integrity, ensuring that their external actions align with their internal convictions. The Scriptures consistently teach that God values the heart and desires truth in the innermost being (
Psalm 51:6).
Furthermore, the concept of seeming challenges individuals to seek divine wisdom and guidance, recognizing the limitations of human perception. It encourages a reliance on God's Word and Spirit to discern truth from falsehood, appearance from reality.
Practical ApplicationsIn practical terms, the biblical teaching on seeming invites Christians to examine their own lives for areas where they may be prioritizing appearances over genuine faith and obedience. It encourages a focus on spiritual growth and transformation, rather than mere external conformity.
Additionally, this theme serves as a reminder to approach others with grace and understanding, recognizing that outward appearances may not fully reflect the complexities of an individual's heart and circumstances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Seem.
2. (a.) Having a semblance, whether with or without reality; apparent; specious; befitting; as, seeming friendship; seeming truth.
3. (n.) Appearance; show; semblance; fair appearance; speciousness.
4. (n.) Apprehension; judgment.
Greek
2470. isos -- equal... agree, as much, equal, like. Probably from eido (through the idea of
seeming); similar
(in amount and kind) -- + agree, as much, equal, like. see GREEK eido.
...3861. paradoxos -- contrary to opinion or expectation
... strange. From para and doxa (in the sense ofseeming); contrary to expectation,
ie Extraordinary ("paradox") -- strange. see GREEK para. see GREEK doxa....
Library
Proofs that the Union was Without Confusion.
... And if all this did not come to pass in mere phantasy andseeming, then they admit
of neither phantasy norseeming; then what was seen was truly a body....
Want of Universality in the Knowledge and Reception of...
... If the dispensation in question labour under no defects but what apparently belong
to other dispensations, theseseeming defects do not justify us in setting...
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace...
... III. First, They allege, That those places mentioned of making shipwreck of faith,
are only to be understood ofseeming faith, and not of a real true faith....
Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
... Importunity is made up of intensity, perseverance, patience and persistence. The
seeming delay in answering prayer is the ground and the demand of importunity....
Grace and Glory
... It is by theseeming insignificance thereof, by theseeming non-necessity, by the
seeming humbleness of its circumstances, by theseeming smallness of its...
Concerning Things Performed in the Muron, and Concerning Things...
... Wherefore, as becomes their character, they do neither love things, merelyseeming
good and just, but those really being such; nor do they look to opinion...
1 John i. 6, 7
... the tests, whether the claim to such a fellowship be true or false,"whether the
Christianity which is professed be a true, or merely aseeming and pretended...
The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... at first in amazed silence; but finally made answer, "Yea, I have sinned; but I
entreat thy Holiness to pardon me." Even after thisseeming acknowledgment of...
Christ Alone is Able to Teach Divine Things, and to Redeem Us: He...
... 2. Vain indeed are those who allege that He appeared in mereseeming. For these
things were not done in appearance only, but in actual reality....
Now those who Take a Superficial and Unreflecting view of Things...
... nature of beauty, we see, again, that the man of half-grown intelligence, when he
observes an object which is bathed in the glow of aseeming beauty, thinks...
Thesaurus
Seeming (4 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having a semblance, whether with or without reality; apparent; specious;
befitting; as,
seeming friendship;
seeming truth.
...Seeming (4 Occurrences).
...Seemeth (36 Occurrences)
Forget (77 Occurrences)
... It is also used of God forgetting or notseeming to care (Psalm 9:12; Psalm
10:11, 12; 13:01; 42:09:00; 77:9 Isaiah 49:15, etc.)....
Fettered (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain
animals which bend backward, and appear unfit for walking....
Forgetful (4 Occurrences)
... It is also used of God forgetting or notseeming to care (Psalm 9:12; Psalm
10:11, 12; 13:01; 42:09:00; 77:9 Isaiah 49:15, etc.)....
Front (327 Occurrences)
... countenance, or personal presence, as expressive of character or temper, and especially,
of boldness of disposition, sometimes of impudence;seeming; as, a...
Requesting (49 Occurrences)
... your approval, but we are giving you the chance of taking pride in us, so that you
may be able to give an answer to those whose glory is inseeming, and not in...
Readily (22 Occurrences)
... which is from heaven is first holy, then gentle, readily giving way in argument,
full of peace and mercy and good works, not doubting, notseeming other than...
Dissemble (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To disguise or conceal one's true nature; to hide under a false semblance
orseeming; to feign (something) not to be what it really is; to put an...
Dragon (20 Occurrences)
... dragon; Draco. 4. (n.) A luminous exhalation from marshy grounds,seeming
to move through the air as a winged serpent. 5. (n.) A...
Resources
After His resurrection, why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him, but later tell Thomas to touch Him? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians attend weddings of those in other faiths? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? | GotQuestions.orgSeeming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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