Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "sparks" is often used metaphorically to convey ideas related to human life, suffering, and the fleeting nature of existence. The imagery of sparks is employed to illustrate the transient and often tumultuous aspects of human experience.
Job 5:7One of the most notable references to sparks in the Bible is found in the Book of Job. In
Job 5:7 , it is written: "Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." This verse is part of a discourse by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends, who is attempting to explain the nature of human suffering. The comparison of human trouble to sparks flying upward suggests the inevitability and universality of hardship in human life. Just as sparks naturally rise from a fire, so too does trouble arise in the human condition. This metaphor underscores the belief in the fallen nature of the world and the inherent challenges faced by humanity.
Symbolism and InterpretationThe use of sparks as a metaphor in
Job 5:7 can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the brevity and ephemeral nature of life. Sparks are momentary, bright, and quickly extinguished, much like human life, which is described in Scripture as a "vapor" (
James 4:14). This imagery serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly existence and the importance of focusing on eternal matters.
Secondly, the imagery of sparks can be seen as a reflection of the trials and tribulations that are part of the human experience. The upward movement of sparks suggests an inevitable progression of challenges that individuals must face. This aligns with the biblical understanding that suffering is a part of life in a fallen world, yet it also serves a purpose in refining and strengthening one's faith (
Romans 5:3-5).
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the reference to sparks in
Job 5:7 can be understood within the broader context of theodicy and divine sovereignty. The verse implies that trouble is an inherent part of the human condition, yet it also points to the sovereignty of God over all circumstances. While Eliphaz's understanding of suffering is limited, the Book of Job ultimately reveals that God's purposes are beyond human comprehension, and His wisdom surpasses human understanding.
Furthermore, the imagery of sparks can be seen as a call to perseverance and faithfulness amidst trials. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence and to seek His guidance and comfort in times of trouble. The fleeting nature of sparks serves as a reminder to place one's hope in the eternal promises of God rather than in the temporary and often tumultuous experiences of this world.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide an extensive treatment of the concept of sparks, the metaphorical use in
Job 5:7 offers profound insights into the nature of human life and suffering. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly existence and the inevitability of trials, while also pointing to the hope and assurance found in God's eternal purposes.
Strong's Hebrew
3590. kidod -- a spark... 3589, 3590. kidod. 3591 . a spark. Transliteration: kidod Phonetic Spelling:
(kee-dode') Short Definition:
sparks. Word Origin from
...1121. ben -- son
... sons' (1), sons and your grandsons (1), sons and your sons' (1), sons and grandsons
(2), sons of the son (14), sons' (7), sons' sons (2),sparks* (1), those (1...
4422. malat -- to slip away
... ie (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or
rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emitsparks -- deliver (self...
7565. resheph -- flame
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition flame NASB Word Usage bolts of lightning
(1), flaming (1), flashes (2), plague (2),sparks* (1)....
Library
Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About...
... Behold all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about withsparks, walk
in the light of your fire and in thesparks that ye have kindled....
Letter S
... 1824 * Sovereign, Thomas "Received 1827 * Spain, Hartwell "Received 1816, Located
1822 * Spalding, Russell H. "Received 1828 *Sparks, Amos "Received...
Outward Bound
... One kind were little brilliantsparks, hurled helpless to and fro on the surface,
probably Noctilucae; the others (what they may be we could not guess at first...
A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... "Man is born unto trouble, as thesparks fly upward;" if the fuel be a log of
sweet-smelling sandal wood, yet thesparks must rise, and even so the best of...
What Lasts, and what Passes Away.
... Have you seen the rockets rush up into the air, casting a golden light, pouring
forthsparks, and then bursting, this one into a silvery globe of light, that...
Letter Xlvi (Circa AD 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the...
... I have read it, and the letters which I pronounced with my mouth, I felt, as it
were,sparks of fire in my heart, which warmed my heart within me; as coming...
Answers to Prayer.
... Her father came to her, explained their danger, told her to warn her mother and
then to do all she could to put out anysparks that might fall around the...
Vile Ingratitude!
... Let us look back and wonder. Surely our father Adam's wickedness was in us. Our
early childhood began to discover the latentsparks of our sin....
Sin Immeasurable
... As the multitude ofsparks from a furnace, so innumerable are the iniquities
of one day.... A thousandsparks are scattered on every side....
The Serpent Lifted Up
... lost sinners, will turn from with contempt in these "enlightened days." "Behold
all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about withsparks, walk in...
Thesaurus
Sparks (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sparks (4 Occurrences). Job 5:7 but man is born to
trouble, as the
sparks fly upward.
...Sparks of fire leap forth.
...Sparkle (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) To emitsparks; to throw off ignited or incandescent particles; to shine
as if throwing offsparks; to emit flashes of light; to scintillate; to twinkle...
Sparkling (7 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Sparkle. 2. (a.) Emittingsparks; glittering; flashing; brilliant;
lively; as, sparkling wine; sparkling eyes. Multi-Version Concordance...
Kindling (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Lo, all ye kindling a fire, girding onsparks, Walk ye in the light
of your fire, And in thesparks ye have caused to burn, From my hand hath this...
Girding (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Lo, all ye kindling a fire, girding onsparks, Walk ye in the light
of your fire, And in thesparks ye have caused to burn, From my hand hath this...
Encompass (20 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that encompass yourselves withsparks:
walk in the light of your fire, and in thesparks that ye have kindled....
Fly (33 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To float, wave, or rise in the air, assparks or a flag.... (KJV JPS ASV DBY
YLT). Job 5:7 but man is born to trouble, as thesparks fly upward....
Sparrow (4 Occurrences)
Compass (51 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with
sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in thesparks that ye have...
Upwards (18 Occurrences)
... Job 5:7 For man is born to trouble, as thesparks fly upwards. (DBY). Psalms
74:5 They seemed as men that lifted up Axes upon a thicket of trees. (See JPS)....
Resources
In what ways is sin a slippery slope? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to be angry with God? | GotQuestions.orgCan Christians live their best life now? | GotQuestions.orgSparks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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