Topical Encyclopedia
The term "scoured" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of cleansing or purifying, both in a physical and spiritual sense. While the specific word "scoured" may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the removal of impurities and the preparation for holiness.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Physical Cleansing: In the Old Testament, the concept of cleansing is frequently associated with the purification rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses. These rituals often involved washing and the use of specific materials to ensure that objects, garments, and even people were ceremonially clean. For example, in
Leviticus 14:52, the cleansing of a house from leprosy involves a detailed process to ensure it is purified.
2.
Spiritual Purification: The idea of being scoured or cleansed spiritually is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In
Psalm 51:7, David cries out, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." This plea for spiritual cleansing reflects the deep desire for inner purity and forgiveness from sin.
3.
Metaphorical Cleansing: The prophets often used the imagery of cleansing to call the people of Israel to repentance and renewal. In
Isaiah 1:16, the prophet exhorts, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!" This metaphorical use of cleansing underscores the need for moral and spiritual renewal.
4.
New Testament Application: In the New Testament, the concept of being scoured or cleansed is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In
John 15:3, Jesus tells His disciples, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." Here, the cleansing power of Christ's word is emphasized as a means of spiritual purification.
5.
The Role of Baptism: Baptism is a significant New Testament ordinance that symbolizes the cleansing from sin and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In
Acts 22:16, Ananias instructs Paul, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being scoured or cleansed in the Bible carries profound theological implications. It highlights the holiness of God and the necessity for His people to be pure and set apart. The process of cleansing is not merely external but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning believers with God's will and purpose.
The ultimate fulfillment of this cleansing is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who provides the means for true purification through His sacrifice on the cross. As believers are cleansed by His blood, they are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness, continually seeking to be purified from sin and to grow in sanctification.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Scour.
Strong's Hebrew
4838. maraq -- to scour, polish... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to scour, polish NASB Word Usage polish (1),
polished (1), scour (1),
scoured (1). bright, furbish, scour.
...Library
Colossians iii. 7-May
... There is no contradiction; but like as if one, who has cleanscoured a statue that
was filthy, or rather who has recast it, and displayed it bright afresh, [836...
A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection...
... Yea, ye say, it is old heresy newscoured. Nay, I tell you it is old truth, long
rusted with your canker, and now new made bright andscoured....
The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... Awayscoured the Knight and his Squire over the plain till they reached a forest,
in the confines of which they beheld a monstrous wild boar, devouring the...
Zephaniah
... the thought of the black and terrible day of Jehovah was no doubt suggested to
Zephaniah by the formidable bands of roving Scythians whichscoured Western Asia...
"Little Mother"
... The next day Mr. Mayfield, who, with his neighbors,scoured the broad lake of eddying
water that represented the Mississippi, discovered the tub lodged in the...
The Coming of the Pharaoh
... The city's metals were polished, her streets were sprinkled and rolled, her stone
wharvesscoured, her landings painted, her flambeaux new-soaked in pitch....
Hid in Light
... or tent; as an Arab chief might do a fugitive who had eaten of his salt, secreting
him in the recesses of his tent whilst the pursuersscoured the desert in...
The Third Exile, 356-362.
... Towns and villages, deserts and monasteries, the very tombs werescoured by the
Imperial inquisitors in the search for Athanasius; but all in vain; not once do...
"All was Closed, and I Saw no More. " "For the Folly of Feeling a...
... was rede as rust not scoryd afore, with syde lockes hangyng on the thouwonges."
S. de Cressy gives this as: "his hair was red as rust notscoured; afore with...
The Hold Fast
... If it be a lie let it bescoured from creation; but if it he true, it is a matter
concerning which we cannot be neutral or lukewarm, for it demands our soul...
Thesaurus
Scoured (2 Occurrences)...Scoured (2 Occurrences). Mark 6:55 Then they
scoured the whole district, and began
to bring Him the sick on their mats wherever they heard He was. (WEY).
...Scour (2 Occurrences)
Scourge (24 Occurrences)
Offscouring (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) That which isscoured off; hence, refuse; rejected
matter; that which is vile or despised. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Wherever (107 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:55 Then theyscoured the whole district, and began to bring Him the
sick on their mats wherever they heard He was. (WEY NIV)....
Rinsed (6 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and
if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall bescoured, and rinsed in water....
Earthenware (13 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken; and
if it be sodden in a brazen vessel, it shall bescoured, and rinsed in water....
Earthen (19 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and
if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall bescoured, and rinsed in water....
District (59 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 6:55 Then theyscoured the whole district, and began to bring Him
the sick on their mats wherever they heard He was. (WEY)....
Boiled (15 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and
if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall bescoured, and rinsed in water....
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