Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sufficed" refers to the state of having enough or being adequately provided for. In the context of the Bible, it often relates to God's provision for His people, ensuring that their needs are met according to His divine wisdom and timing. The concept of sufficiency is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing reliance on God's provision rather than human effort or material wealth.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of sufficiency is frequently associated with God's provision for the Israelites. During their journey through the wilderness, God provided manna from heaven to sustain them. In
Exodus 16:18 , it is written, "When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. They gathered as much as they needed to eat." This passage illustrates the principle that God's provision is perfectly sufficient for each individual's needs.
The theme of sufficiency is also evident in the laws concerning the Sabbath and the sabbatical year, where the Israelites were commanded to rest and trust in God's provision.
Leviticus 25:21-22 states, "I will send My blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that it will yield a crop sufficient for three years. While you are sowing in the eighth year, you will be eating from the previous harvest, until the ninth year’s harvest comes in."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of sufficiency is often linked to spiritual provision and contentment. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the sufficiency found in Christ. In
2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Here, sufficiency is not merely about material needs but about the grace and strength provided by Christ in times of weakness.
Philippians 4:11-13 further underscores this theme: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul's contentment, regardless of his circumstances, reflects a deep trust in the sufficiency of Christ's provision.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of sufficiency challenges believers to trust in God's provision and to find contentment in His will. It calls for a reliance on divine providence rather than human resources. This trust is rooted in the belief that God, as the Creator and Sustainer, knows and provides what is best for His people.
The sufficiency of God's provision is also a call to stewardship, encouraging believers to use their resources wisely and to share with others, reflecting God's generosity. In
2 Corinthians 9:8 , Paul writes, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the biblical principle of sufficiency encourages Christians to live with gratitude and contentment, trusting in God's provision for their daily needs. It also inspires a spirit of generosity, as believers recognize that their sufficiency is not solely for their benefit but also for the blessing of others. This perspective fosters a community of faith that reflects the love and provision of God to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Suffice.
Library
Concerning Felicity, whom the Romans, who Venerate Many Gods, for...
... Felicity, Whom the Romans, Who Venerate Many Gods, for a Long Time Did Not Worship
with Divine Honor, Though She Alone Would HaveSufficed Instead of All....
Blessed be He who Became Beyond Measure Low, that He Might Make us...
... 7. He dwelt in the wide bosoms, of all the creatures;"too narrow to hold, the greatness
of the Firstborn."How thensufficed for it, that bosom of Mary...
Glory to all of Thee from all of Us!
... 2. It is a great marvel that the Son, dwelt wholly in a body;"abode therein wholly
and itsufficed for Him; dwelt therein though not bounded thereby."His...
Wherefore Christ Undertook a Method of Setting us Free So Painful...
... VIII Wherefore Christ undertook a method of setting us free so painful and laborious,
when a word from Him, or an act of His will, would alone havesufficed....
Matt. xx. 29, 30
... Therefore He doth not so much as ask, "Do ye believe?" as He doth with many; for
their cry, and their coming unto Him,sufficed to make their faith manifest....
John who was a Torch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they...
... 8. Let evil customs be cut off: let not the Church possess wealth; that she besufficed
let her possess souls, and if thus she besufficed let it be in...
Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace?
... Objection 2: Further, before the institution of circumcision faith alone
sufficed for justification; hence Gregory says (Moral....
Cont. With Jairus Cont.
... But lest we should suppose that effort was necessary, and His power but justsufficed
to overcome the resistance, none of these supreme miracles is wrought...
Introduction
... The fact that the words were written when Luther was still Prior of Wittenberg,
and before there was any breach with Rome, should havesufficed to secure them...
Chapter i.
... version in the stricter sense [8] had its origin in Babylonia; there, as in Palestine,
the services of the synagogue interpreter (mtvrgtn)sufficed for the...
Thesaurus
Sufficed (4 Occurrences)...Sufficed (4 Occurrences).
... And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched
corn, and she did eat, and was
sufficed, and left. (KJV ASV DBY).
...Suffice (22 Occurrences)
... 21:14 And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which they
had saved alive of the women of Jabeshgilead: and yet so theysufficed them not...
Reserved (28 Occurrences)
... vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers; and he reached her parched corn,
and she ate and wassufficed, and reserved some. (DBY)....
Jabeshgilead (12 Occurrences)
... 21:14 And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which they
had saved alive of the women of Jabeshgilead: and yet so theysufficed them not...
Jabesh-gilead (12 Occurrences)
... 14 And Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the women whom they had
saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead: and yet so theysufficed them not....
Judaeus
... Minor phenomena aside, three principal movements characterized the time: the Pagan
reaction, or reversion to forms of religion that hadsufficed the peoples of...
Gleaned (6 Occurrences)
... up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and
she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she wassufficed...
Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences)
... up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and
she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she wassufficed...
Philo
... Minor phenomena aside, three principal movements characterized the time: the Pagan
reaction, or reversion to forms of religion that hadsufficed the peoples of...
Court (172 Occurrences)
... in length and 75 ft. in breadth hadsufficed for the needs of the people in
their worship. Now an area of 300 ft. in length and 150 ft....
Resources
Trinity Poem | GotQuestions.orgSufficed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
