Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of "selling" is often associated with transactions, exchanges, and the moral implications of such actions. The act of selling is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both literal and metaphorical meanings.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, selling is frequently mentioned in the context of trade and commerce, which were integral to the ancient Near Eastern economy. For example, in
Genesis 25:33, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a meal, illustrating a momentous decision with lasting consequences: "But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob" . This transaction highlights the spiritual and familial implications of selling something of great value for immediate gratification.
The Mosaic Law also addresses the concept of selling, particularly in relation to property and servitude.
Leviticus 25:23-24 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me. Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land" . This underscores the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God, and any sale should consider the provision for redemption, reflecting a divine order and care for the community.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, selling is often discussed in the context of wealth and discipleship. Jesus addresses the moral and spiritual dimensions of selling and wealth in several passages. In
Matthew 19:21, Jesus advises the rich young ruler, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" . This directive emphasizes the call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions and to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
The early Christian community also practiced the selling of possessions for communal benefit, as seen in
Acts 4:34-35: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need" . This practice reflects the early church's commitment to mutual support and the sharing of resources.
Metaphorical and Spiritual ImplicationsBeyond literal transactions, the Bible uses the concept of selling metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. In
Revelation 3:18, Jesus counsels the church in Laodicea, "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 exposed; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see" . Here, the act of buying and selling is used to illustrate the acquisition of spiritual riches and insight, contrasting worldly wealth with eternal values.
The Bible also warns against the selling of one's integrity or soul for worldly gain. In
Matthew 16:26, Jesus poses the rhetorical question, "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" . This underscores the eternal significance of one's spiritual state over temporal success or possessions.
ConclusionThe concept of selling in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from practical economic transactions to profound spiritual lessons. It serves as a reminder of the values and priorities that should guide believers in their interactions and decisions, emphasizing the importance of integrity, community, and eternal perspective.
Greek
4453. poleo -- to exchange or barter, to sell... Word Origin a prim. word Definition to exchange or barter, to sell NASB Word
Usage dealers (1), sell (7), selling (8),
sells (1), sold (5).
...Strong's Hebrew
4376. makar -- to sell... Word Usage certainly sell (1), destruction (1), make (1), merchants (1), offer
yourselves for sale (1), sell (23), seller (3), selling (1),
sells (8), sold (40
...7666. shabar -- to buy grain
... Word Origin denominative verb from sheber Definition to buy grain NASB Word Usage
bought (1), buy (12), buy grain (2), sell (3),sells (1), sold (2). buy, sell....
Library
Sells Out at Alexandria. Moves to Crittenden. Preaches There and...
... PART I."AUTOBIOGRAPHY. CHAPTER XII.Sells Out at Alexandria. Moves to Crittenden....
Visits Mount Byrd.Sells Out at Alexandria. Moves to Crittenden....
Organizes a Church at Deland. Health Improves. Relapses. Starts...
... Relapses. Starts Home. Resignation.Sells His Interest in the Guide. Begins Writing
again.... Resignation.Sells His Interest in the Guide. Begins Writing again....
Whether, in Trading, it is Lawful to Sell a Thing at a Higher...
... This is especially the case where a mansells something at a higher price
without its undergoing any change. For if hesells at...
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel
... Gratitude. CHAPTER XII.Sells Out at Alexandria. Moves to Crittenden.... Starts Home.
Resignation.Sells His Interest in the Guide. Begins Writing again....
The Field and the Treasure Interpreted.
... to the field, and separately as to the treasure hidden in it, and in what way the
man who has found this hidden treasure goes away with joy andsells all that...
Of the Places of Burial.
... the Glosses, to bury men of the same family here and there, scatteringly, and by
themselves, but altogether in one cave: whence, if any onesells his neighbour...
Talking in Salesmanship
... in the art of salesmanship. One man says much, andsells little; another
says little, andsells much. The reason for the superior...
Whether the Seller is Bound to State the Defects of the Thing Sold...
... nothing off the price on that account"-danger, if this defect either hinder the
use of the goods or render it hurtful, for instance, if a mansells a lame...
John Chapter ii. 21-Dec
... Therefore, my brethren, just as you see them that sell, common chapmen, each
cries up what hesells: how many stalls they have set up!...
Of Removing Tithes.
... If a man breeds or buys barren unprofitable cattle andsells them, he shall pay
for the agistment; but, if he depastures his land with his cattle, used in...
Thesaurus
Sells (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sells (14 Occurrences).
... In his joy, he goes and
sells all that he has, and buys that field. (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV).
...Sell (58 Occurrences)
... (vi) To be sold; as, cornsells at a good price.... Exodus 21:7 "If a mansells his
daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do....
Sold (92 Occurrences)
... which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes andsells all that he has,
and buys that field. (See NIV). Matthew 13:46 who having...
Redeem (56 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:25 "'If your brother becomes poor, andsells some of his possessions,
then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his...
Countrymen (60 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:25 "'If your brother becomes poor, andsells some of his possessions,
then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his...
Countryman (19 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:25 "'If your brother becomes poor, andsells some of his possessions,
then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his...
Grown (77 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:39 "'If your brother has grown poor among you, andsells himself
to you; you shall not make him to serve as a slave. (WEB)....
Selvedge (2 Occurrences)
Selling (23 Occurrences)
Becomes (138 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:25 "'If your brother becomes poor, andsells some of his possessions,
then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his...
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian work where alcohol and tobacco are sold? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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Bible Encyclopedia •
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