Topical Encyclopedia
The term "seemly" refers to that which is appropriate, fitting, or proper in behavior, appearance, or action. In the context of biblical teachings, it often pertains to conduct that aligns with God's standards and the moral and ethical expectations set forth in Scripture. The concept of seemliness is closely related to the virtues of modesty, decency, and orderliness, which are emphasized throughout the Bible.
Biblical References and Context1.
Propriety in Worship and Conduct: The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of seemliness in the context of worship and personal conduct. In
1 Corinthians 14:40, Paul instructs, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This verse underscores the importance of conducting oneself in a way that is fitting and respectful, particularly in communal worship settings.
2.
Modesty and Decency: Seemliness is often associated with modesty, especially in the context of dress and behavior. In
1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul writes, "Likewise, the women are to adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Here, the emphasis is on inner beauty and good works as the true adornments of a believer, rather than external appearances.
3.
Order in the Church: The early church was instructed to maintain order and seemliness in its gatherings. In
1 Corinthians 11:13-14, Paul discusses the cultural norms of head coverings, stating, "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him?" While the specific cultural practices may vary, the underlying principle is the maintenance of decorum and respect within the church community.
4.
Respect and Honor: Seemliness extends to the way individuals treat one another, emphasizing respect and honor.
Romans 12:10 encourages believers to "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to honor others reflects a seemly attitude that values and respects the dignity of each person.
5.
Speech and Communication: The Bible also addresses seemliness in speech.
Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse highlights the importance of speaking in a manner that is both respectful and edifying, reflecting the character of Christ.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of seemliness in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is a God of order, beauty, and righteousness. Believers are called to reflect these attributes in their lives, demonstrating a commitment to living in a way that is pleasing to God and edifying to others. Seemliness is not merely about outward appearances but is a reflection of the heart's alignment with God's will and purposes.
In summary, seemliness in the biblical sense encompasses a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that are fitting and appropriate for those who seek to live according to God's standards. It involves a commitment to modesty, order, respect, and graciousness, all of which contribute to a life that honors God and serves as a witness to others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) Suited to the object, occasion, purpose, or character; suitable; fit; becoming; comely; decorous.
2. (superl.) In a decent or suitable manner; becomingly.
Greek
1933. epieikes --seemly, equitable, yielding...seemly, equitable, yielding. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: epieikes
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-i-kace') Short Definition: gentle, mild, forbearing
...2158. euschemon -- comely
... Adjective Transliteration: euschemon Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-skhay'-mone) Short
Definition: comely, honorable Definition: (a) comely,seemly, decorous, (b) of...
Strong's Hebrew
5000. naveh -- comely,seemly... 4999, 5000. naveh. 5001 . comely,
seemly. Transliteration: naveh Phonetic Spelling:
(naw-veh') Short Definition: lovely.
... becometh, comely,
seemly.
...8232. shephar -- to be fair orseemly
... 8231b, 8232. shephar. 8233 . to be fair orseemly. Transliteration: shephar
Phonetic Spelling: (shef-ar') Short Definition: good....
Library
What the True andSeemly Manner of Praising; the Father
... Discourse VII."Procilla. Chapter I."What the True andSeemly Manner of Praising;
The Father. Greater Than the Son, Not in Substance...
What isSeemly is Often Found in the Sacred Writings Long Before...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter X. What isseemly is often
found in the sacred writings long before it appears in?...
What isSeemly Should Always Shine Forth in Our Life. ...
... Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XLVII. What isseemly should always shine
forth in our life.? What isseemly should always shine forth in our life....
How that by virtue of this Word a Man is Governed Full Wisely, and...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE FOUR AND FIFTIETH CHAPTER How that by Virtue of this word a man
is governed full wisely, and made fullseemly as well in body as in soul....
A Twofold Division of what isSeemly is Given. ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XLVI. A twofold division of what
isseemly is given.? A twofold division of what isseemly is given....
On what is Noble and virtuous, and what the Difference Between...
... no light thing in every matter to preserve due measure and to bring about order,
wherein that is plainly conspicuous which we call "decorum," or what isseemly...
On what is Useful: not that which is Advantageous...
... In the first book we made our division in such a way as to set in the first place
what is virtuous and what isseemly; for all duties are derived from these....
That a Man Shall not Take Ensample of Saint Martin and of Saint...
... The tree and the cup I call this visible miracle, and allseemly bodily observances,
that is according and not letting the work of the spirit....
Psalm CXLVII.
... In another place it is said, "Praise is notseemly in the mouth of a sinner." [5904]
If then in the mouth of a sinner praise is notseemly, neither is it...
How virtuous and Useful was that which Elisha Did. ...
... For it wasseemly to spare an enemy, and to grant his life to an adversary
when indeed he could have taken it, had he not spared it. 88....
Thesaurus
Seemly (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Seemly (10 Occurrences). Romans
... evil. Take thought
for what is right and
seemly in every one's esteem. (WEY).
...Seemliness (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of beingseemly: comeliness;
propriety. Multi-Version Concordance Seemliness (2 Occurrences)....
Unseemly (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Notseemly; unbecoming; indecent. 2. (adv.) In
an unseemly manner. Multi-Version Concordance Unseemly (9 Occurrences)....
One's (59 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Romans 12:17 Pay back to no man evil for evil. Take thought
for what is right andseemly in every one's esteem. (WEY)....
Luxury (8 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 19:10 Delicate living is notseemly for a fool; Much less for a servant
to have rule over princes. (See JPS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Lacking (53 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 12:24 and ourseemly things have no need; but God did temper the body
together, to the lacking part having given more abundant honour, (YLT)....
Everybody (15 Occurrences)
... WEY). Romans 12:17 Pay back to no man evil for evil. Take thought for what
is right andseemly in every one's esteem. (See NIV). 1...
Esteem (25 Occurrences)
... See NAS). Romans 12:17 Pay back to no man evil for evil. Take thought for
what is right andseemly in every one's esteem. (WEY). 1...
Decorous (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Suitable to a character, or to the time, place, and
occasion; marked with decorum; becoming; proper;seemly; befitting; as, a...
Disapproved (11 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:28 And, according as they did not approve of having God in knowledge, God
gave them up to a disapproved mind, to do the things notseemly; (YLT)....
Resources
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