Topical Encyclopedia
The term "somewhat" is not frequently encountered in the Bible, but it can be understood as an expression of partiality, degree, or extent in various contexts. In biblical literature, the concept of "somewhat" can be related to partial understanding, incomplete actions, or moderate measures. This entry explores the use and implications of "somewhat" in biblical texts and themes.
Partial Understanding and KnowledgeIn the context of human understanding and divine revelation, "somewhat" can reflect the limited comprehension that individuals possess. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the partial nature of human knowledge compared to the fullness of divine wisdom. For instance, in
1 Corinthians 13:9-10 , Paul writes, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away." Here, the "somewhat" aspect of human knowledge is highlighted, pointing to the anticipation of complete understanding in the eschatological future.
Moderation and TemperanceThe concept of "somewhat" can also be associated with moderation and temperance in behavior and judgment. The Bible frequently advocates for balanced living, avoiding extremes. In
Philippians 4:5 , Paul advises, "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near." This call for gentleness can be seen as an encouragement to exercise moderation, a "somewhat" approach, in interactions with others.
Incomplete Actions and EffortsIn the realm of actions and efforts, "somewhat" can denote tasks or endeavors that are not fully completed or are in progress. The Bible often calls believers to perseverance and diligence, recognizing that human efforts may be partial but are to be directed toward God's purposes. In
Galatians 6:9 , Paul exhorts, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse acknowledges the "somewhat" nature of human efforts, encouraging persistence until the task is fully accomplished.
Judgment and DiscernmentThe notion of "somewhat" can also be applied to judgment and discernment, where partiality or incomplete assessment is cautioned against.
James 2:1 warns, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." This admonition against partiality underscores the importance of fair and complete judgment, avoiding "somewhat" biased decisions.
Spiritual Growth and MaturityIn the journey of spiritual growth, believers are often in a state of "somewhat," progressing toward maturity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:13 speaks of this process: "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." The "somewhat" state of spiritual development is recognized as believers strive toward the fullness of Christlikeness.
In summary, while the term "somewhat" may not be explicitly prevalent in biblical texts, its conceptual implications are woven throughout Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the partiality inherent in human understanding, actions, and judgment, while also pointing toward the ultimate completeness found in God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) More or less; a certain quantity or degree; a part, more or less; something.
2. (n.) A person or thing of importance; a somebody.
3. (adv.) In some degree or measure; a little.
Greek
1509. ei meti -- if notsomewhat... if not
somewhat. Transliteration: ei meti Phonetic Spelling: (i may tee) Short
Definition: except.
... From ei me and the neuter of tis; if not
somewhat -- except.
...3641. oligos -- few, little, small
... Of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially
neuter (adverbially)somewhat -- + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little...
4568. saton -- seah, a (Heb.) measure (equiv. to about one and a...
... 4568 -- "a large measure equivalent to nearly three English gallons" (Souter); the
measure for grain, "about a peck and a half orsomewhat less than one-half...
1737. endidusko -- to put on, be clothed with
... with. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: endidusko Phonetic Spelling:
(en-did-oos'-ko) Short Definition: I put on, clothe Definition: (somewhat rare) (...
5175. Trogullion -- Trogyllium, a place in Ionia.
... Neuter Transliteration: Trogullion Phonetic Spelling: (tro-gool'-lee-on) Short
Definition: Trogyllium Definition: Trogyllium, a promontorysomewhat to the...
5100. tis -- a certain one, someone, anyone
... others (1), person (2), several (2), some (104), some men (3), some people (1),
some things (1), somebody (1), someone (27), something (15),somewhat (2), such...
Strong's Hebrew
3972. meumah -- anything... something (1), thing (1), valuable (2). fault, nothing, ought,
somewhat,
any nothing. Apparently a form of m'uwm; properly, a speck
...3544. keheh -- dim, dull, faint
...somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking. From kahah; feeble, obscure --
somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking. see HEBREW kahah....
125. adamdam -- reddish
...somewhat reddish. Reduplicated from 'adam; reddish -- (somewhat) reddish. see
HEBREW 'adam. 124, 125. adamdam. 126 . Strong's Numbers.
7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling
... easy, trifling, vile, etc.) -- abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-)curse,
despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, makesomewhat, move, seem a, set...
1697. dabar -- speech, word
... provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said, sake,
saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),somewhat to say, + song...
Library
Argument: C??cilius,Somewhat Grieved at this Kind of Rebuke which...
... Chapter IV."Argument: C??cilius,Somewhat Grieved at This Kind of Rebuke Which for
His Sake Minucius Had Had to Bear from Octavius, Begs to Argue with...
Meanwhile aSomewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place...
... III. Meanwhile asomewhat embarrassing interview had taken place between
the Archbishop of Rouen and Cardinal? Meanwhile asomewhat...
It isSomewhat the Same Argument which You Use against the Pope...
... It issomewhat the same argument which you use against the pope Anastasius, namely,
that, since you hold the letters of the bishop Siricius, it was impossible...
And in the Holy Ghost. What Has Been Delivered AboveSomewhat at...
... What has been delivered abovesomewhat at large concerning Christ relates to the
mystery of His Incarnation and of His Passion, and, by thus intervening, as...
ChapterThree May be Paraphrased, I Think,Somewhat in this Way...
... CHAPTER III. Chapter three may be paraphrased, I think,somewhat in this
way? Chapter three may be paraphrased, I think,somewhat...
In the Matter of their Origins, as These areSomewhat Obscure and...
... Chapter V. In the matter of their origins, as these aresomewhat obscure
and but little known? In the matter of their origins, as...
A Book of Modern Social Inquiry Has a Shape that isSomewhat...
... Chapter 1 A book of modern social inquiry has a shape that issomewhat
sharply defined.? A book of modern social inquiry has a...
Ought not Christians, Therefore, to Receive not Merely aSomewhat...
... Chapter XXXVIII. Ought not Christians, therefore, to receive not merely a
somewhat milder treatment? Ought not Christians, therefore...
Ep. cxxxix. This Letter is Written at aSomewhat Earlier Date in...
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Ep. CXXXIX. This letter is written
at asomewhat earlier date in reference to the consent he?...
Bear with Me, My God, While I SaySomewhat of My Wit...
... Book I Chapter XVII Bear with me, my God, while I saysomewhat of my wit?
Bear with me, my God, while I saysomewhat of my wit...
Thesaurus
Somewhat (30 Occurrences)...Somewhat (30 Occurrences). Mark 6:36 send them away, that they may go into the country
and villages round about, and buy themselves
somewhat to eat. (ASV).
...Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... Of nearly 25 species which are certainly known to be found in Syria and Palestine,
four are deadly poisonous, five aresomewhat poisonous, and the rest are...
Ignorance (27 Occurrences)
... 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing
be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have donesomewhat against any...
Weights (14 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament we have the fathom (orguia), about 6 feet, and the furlong
(stadion), 600 Greek feet or 606 3/4 English feet, which issomewhat less than...
Knee (12 Occurrences)
... wrist in man. 4. (n.) A piece of timber or metal formed with an anglesomewhat
in the shape of the human knee when bent. 5. (n.) A...
Inadvertence (13 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 4:22 When a prince sinneth and through inadvertence doethsomewhat against
any of all the commandments of Jehovah his God in things which should not...
Measures (50 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament we have the fathom (orguia), about 6 feet, and the furlong
(stadion), 600 Greek feet or 606 3/4 English feet, which issomewhat less than...
Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to besomewhat, (whatsoever they were, it
maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to...
Counselling (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:9 and he saith unto them, 'What are ye counselling, and we answer this
people, who have spoken unto me, saying, Lighten 'somewhat' of the yoke that...
Conference (2 Occurrences)
... Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to besomewhat, (whatsoever they were, it
maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to...
Resources
Is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Eusebius of Caesarea? | GotQuestions.orgSomewhat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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