Topical Encyclopedia
The term "singe" refers to the act of burning something lightly or superficially, often resulting in a scorched or charred appearance. While the specific word "singe" does not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept of burning or being scorched is present in various passages, often symbolizing judgment, purification, or the presence of God.
Biblical Context and Symbolism1.
Judgment and Punishment: In the Bible, fire is frequently associated with divine judgment. The imagery of being singed or scorched can symbolize the consequences of sin and disobedience. For instance, in the prophetic literature, fire is often used to describe God's wrath against nations and individuals who have turned away from His commandments. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment that will come upon the earth, where the wicked will be consumed by fire (
Isaiah 66:15-16).
2.
Purification: Fire also serves as a metaphor for purification and refinement. In the process of refining metals, fire is used to remove impurities, leaving behind pure gold or silver. This imagery is applied to the spiritual lives of believers, where trials and tribulations are seen as a means of purifying faith.
Malachi 3:2-3 describes the Lord as a refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi so that they may offer righteous sacrifices.
3.
The Presence of God: Fire is a powerful symbol of God's presence and holiness. In the Old Testament, God often reveals Himself through fire, as seen in the burning bush encountered by Moses (
Exodus 3:2-4) and the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites by night (
Exodus 13:21-22). These instances highlight the awe-inspiring and consuming nature of God's presence, which can both illuminate and purify.
4.
Protection and Deliverance: The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel illustrates God's power to protect His faithful servants from being harmed by fire. When these three men were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, they emerged unharmed, not even singed by the flames (
Daniel 3:27). This miraculous deliverance underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to save those who trust in Him.
Related Biblical Passages·
Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze." This verse reassures believers of God's protection and presence during trials.
·
1 Corinthians 3:13: "his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man's work." Here, fire is used metaphorically to describe the testing of each person's deeds, revealing their true nature.
·
Revelation 3:18: "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich; white garments, so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." This passage encourages believers to seek spiritual wealth and purity through the refining process of divine fire.
In summary, while the specific act of singeing is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, the broader themes of fire as a symbol of judgment, purification, divine presence, and protection are prevalent throughout the Scriptures. These themes serve to remind believers of God's holiness, justice, and the transformative power of His presence in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To burn slightly or superficially; to burn the surface of; to burn the ends or outside of; as, to singe the hair or the skin.
2. (v. t.) To remove the nap of (cloth), by passing it rapidly over a red-hot bar, or over a flame, preliminary to dyeing it.
3. (v. t.) To remove the hair or down from (a plucked chicken or the like) by passing it over a flame.
4. (n.) A burning of the surface; a slight burn.
Strong's Hebrew
2761. charak -- tosinge... 2760, 2761. charak. 2762 . to
singe. Transliteration: charak Phonetic Spelling:
(khar-ak') Short Definition: singed. Word
...singe. (Aramaic
...Library
The Source and Date of the Earliest Methodist Hymns
... until the present writer discovered, in searching through Knapp's Evangelischer
Liederschatz, that it was a version of Paul Gerhardt's Ichsinge dir mit Herz...
March the Thirtieth the victory of Meekness
... "When He was reviled, He reviled not again." The fire of revenge maysinge or even
scorch... "Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it dosinge yourself."....
John Wesley's Translations from the German
... To Thee with heart and mouth I sing. Ichsinge dir mit Herz und Mund (Gerhardt).
[24] [21]Thee will I love, my strength, my tower....
The Fift Part.
... hand, if it cause to offend; much more to pare the nayles and superfluities: it
consumes the strongest, dearest corruptions; much more will itsinge off such...
Consciousness of Messiahship in the Mind of Jesus. --Jesus among...
... [65] Of the early history of Jesus we have only asinge incident; but that incident
strikingly illustrates the manner in which the consciousness of his Divine...
The Creatures in the Lord's Hands.
... 3:27. Too faint, when he was with them there,. Tosinge their garments or
their hair. At Daniel's feet the lions lay Dan 4:23. Like...
Methodism on the Stage
... crushed in pieces. But, upon inquiry, not asinge person (such was the mercy
of God!) was either killed or dangerously hurt. Two or...
Christ's Prayer Answered.
... may seem to grow, but in some sad hour the surface will split open and the man will
leap back aghast at the blue flames of Gehenna, whichsinge his brows and...
One Antidote for Many Ills
... Have we not been content to live without Emmanuel in our hearts? How long is it
with some of ussinge our morsel was dipped in the honey of fellowship?...
First Impressions
... Ah!' thought Philip, it won't be long before you, my fine ladies, will have eloquence
enough for you. I hope it won'tsinge your gay feathers too severely.'....
Thesaurus
Singe (1 Occurrence)... 1. (vt) To burn slightly or superficially; to burn the surface of; to burn the ends
or outside of; as, to
singe the hair or the skin.
...Singe (1 Occurrence).
...Burn (206 Occurrences)
... by fire or heat; to change destructively some property or properties of, by undue
exposure to fire or heat; to scorch; to scald; to blister; tosinge; to char...
Singer (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, singes. 2. (n.) One
employed tosinge cloth. 3. (n.) A machine for singeing cloth....
Singed (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofSinge. Multi-Version Concordance
Singed (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 15:4 Behold, it is cast...
Sing (147 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgSinge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus