Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "shortness" can refer to both physical stature and metaphorical brevity, such as the shortness of life or time. The concept of shortness is often used to convey deeper spiritual truths and lessons.
Physical Stature:One of the most notable references to shortness in terms of physical stature is found in the account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho. In
Luke 19:3-4 , it is written: "He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way." Zacchaeus' shortness did not hinder his determination to see Jesus, and his actions led to a transformative encounter with the Lord. This account illustrates that physical limitations do not prevent one from seeking and experiencing the divine.
Shortness of Life:The Bible frequently addresses the brevity of human life, emphasizing the importance of living wisely and righteously. In
Psalm 39:4-5 , David prays, "Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." This passage highlights the transient nature of human existence and encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporal concerns.
Similarly,
James 4:14 states, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and shortness of life, urging Christians to live in accordance with God's will and to make the most of the time they have.
Shortness of Time:The concept of shortness is also applied to time, particularly in the context of eschatology and the urgency of the Gospel message. In
Revelation 12:12 , it is written, "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time." This passage underscores the limited time available for the forces of evil, as well as the urgency for believers to remain vigilant and faithful.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul writes in
1 Corinthians 7:29 , "What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none." Here, Paul emphasizes the shortness of time in the context of the imminent return of Christ, encouraging believers to prioritize their spiritual commitments over worldly attachments.
Spiritual Implications:The theme of shortness in the Bible often serves as a call to spiritual awareness and readiness. Believers are encouraged to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly life and to invest in their relationship with God. The shortness of life and time is a reminder to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things that truly matter in the light of eternity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being short; want of reach or extension; brevity; deficiency; as, the shortness of a journey; the shortness of the days in winter; the shortness of an essay; the shortness of the memory; a shortness of provisions; shortness of breath.
Strong's Hebrew
7115. qotser --shortness...shortness. Transliteration: qotser Phonetic Spelling: (ko'-tser) Short Definition:
despondency.
... From qatsar;
shortness (of spirit), ie Impatience -- anguish.
...Library
TheShortness and Misery of Life.
... Hymns. Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:39. Theshortness and
misery of life. 1 Our days, alas! our mortal days Are short...
TheShortness of Life, and the Goodness of God.
... Hymns. Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:58 Theshortness of life,
and the goodness of God. 1 Time! what an empty vapour 'tis!...
TheShortness of Life.
... LIFE, DEATH AND FUTURITY. 532. " TheShortness of Life. 532. LM J. Taylor.
TheShortness of Life. 1 Like shadows gliding o'er...
Of theShortness of this Word, and How it May not be Come to by...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE FOURTH CHAPTER Of theshortness of this word, and how it
may not be come to by curiosity of wit, nor by imagination....
TheShortness of Life, and the Goodness of God.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 58 Theshortness of life, and the goodness of God. CM Theshortness
of life, and the goodness of God. Time, what an empty vapor 'tis!...
Psalm 90 the Frailty andShortness of Life.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 90 The frailty andshortness of life. v.5,10,12 SM.
The frailty andshortness of life. Lord, what a feeble piece....
TheShortness and Misery of Life.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 39 Theshortness and misery of life. CM Theshortness and misery
of life. Our days, alas! our mortal days. Are short and wretched too;...
Psalm 90:5. 5 10 12. SM The Frailty andShortness of Life.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 90:5. 5 10 12. SM The frailty andshortness
of life. 1 Lord what a feeble piece Is this our mortal frame!...
"For to be Carnally Minded is Death; but to be Spiritually Minded...
... Theshortness and uncertainty of time should constrain us to take the present
opportunity, and not to let it slip over as we do; seeing it is not at all in our...
2 Cor. vi. 1, 2
... For not only from the greatness of the blessings and His loving kindness, but
also from theshortness of the time he urgeth them continually....
Thesaurus
Shortness (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being short; want of reach
or extension; brevity; deficiency; as, the
shortness of a journey; the
...Shortly (21 Occurrences)
Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)
... the rendering of 'erekh 'appayim in the Septuagint, is literally, "long of mind
or soul" (regarded as the seat of the emotions), opposed toshortness of mind...
Extent (15 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price,
and according to theshortness of the years you shall diminish its price...
Decrease (4 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price,
and according to theshortness of the years you shall diminish its price...
Diminish (22 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price,
and according to theshortness of the years you shall diminish its price...
Plague (142 Occurrences)
... The suddenness of its attack, theshortness of its incubation period and the rapidity
of its course give it the characters which of old have been associated...
Crops (48 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price,
and according to theshortness of the years you shall diminish its price...
Selling (23 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:16 According to the length of the years you shall increase its price,
and according to theshortness of the years you shall diminish its price...
Shortsighted (1 Occurrence)
Resources
What is theodicy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus like as a person? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is absolute reality? | GotQuestions.orgShortness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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