Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of trading encompasses various aspects of economic exchange, commerce, and the moral implications associated with these activities. The practice of trading is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the economic realities of ancient societies and providing spiritual lessons for believers.
Old Testament ContextTrading in the Old Testament is often depicted as a common and necessary part of life. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, engaged in trade and commerce as part of their livelihoods. For instance,
Genesis 23:16 describes Abraham purchasing a field from Ephron the Hittite, indicating a form of trade: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard current among the merchants" .
The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the ethics of trade, emphasizing honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight" . This highlights the importance of fairness and truthfulness in business dealings.
The prophets also spoke against unethical trading practices. In
Amos 8:5, the prophet condemns those who exploit the poor through deceitful trade: "saying, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat? We can reduce the ephah, increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales'" .
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, trading continues to be a part of daily life, and Jesus uses it in His parables to teach spiritual truths. The Parable of the Talents in
Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the concept of stewardship and the responsible use of resources. The servants who traded with their master's money and earned more were commended, while the one who did nothing was rebuked.
The early church also engaged in trade, as seen in
Acts 16:14, where Lydia, a seller of purple goods, is mentioned: "One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message" . Lydia's trade provided her with the means to support the ministry and offer hospitality to Paul and his companions.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible consistently emphasizes the moral and spiritual dimensions of trading. Believers are called to conduct their business with integrity, fairness, and a concern for others. The pursuit of wealth through trade should not overshadow one's commitment to God and ethical principles. In
1 Timothy 6:10, Paul warns, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows" .
Furthermore, trading is seen as an opportunity to serve others and glorify God.
Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" .
In summary, trading in the Bible is portrayed as a legitimate and necessary activity, provided it is conducted with honesty and integrity. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths and a means to support the work of the Kingdom of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Trade.
2. (a.) Professional; practiced.
Greek
2038b. ergazomai -- to work, labor... does (3), doing (1), doing...work (1), done (2), make...living (1), perform (4),
performed (1), performing (1), practice (1), produces (1),
traded (1), work (9
...Strong's Hebrew
7402. rakal -- probably to go about... Word Origin a prim. root Definition probably to go about NASB Word Usage merchant
(2), merchants (3),
traded (4), traders (8). spice merchant.
...5414. nathan -- to give, put, set
... 1), strike (1), submitted* (1), supplies (1), surely be given (1), surely give
(2), take (2), taken (1), takes (1), to pay (1), took (1),traded (1), turned (6...
Library
Ezekiel's Discourse
... Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches;
with silver, iron, tin, and lead, theytraded for thy wares....
The Entrusted Talents.
... his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went andtraded with
the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise...
The Parable of the Talents
... Then the man that had five talents went andtraded with them, and did so well that
in time the profits amounted to five talents more, making ten altogether....
The Power of Little Things.
... we have. We read: "He that had received the five talents went andtraded with
the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise...
Traders for the Master
... journey.16. Then he that had received the five talents went andtraded with
the same, and made them other five talents.17. And likewise...
Prior Hugh
... influence. This good merchant hadtraded so as to gain both justice and mercy,
but he tackled the king once more, with twinkling eye....
The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks
... on his journey. Straightway he that received the five talents went andtraded
with them, and made other five talents. In like manner...
Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... must be wise, modest, God-fearing, truthful, not greedy of filthy lucre, given to
hospitality, kindly, not a gambler, nor a usurer, nor one whotraded in the...
First Day. Compassion.
... Property and wealth are talents to betraded on and laid out for the good of
others"sacred trusts, not selfishly to be enjoyed, but generously to be employed...
Simon Cephas Said unto Him, Our Lord, is it to us that Thou Hast...
... forthwith. [2976] He [Arabic, p.164] then that received the five talents
went andtraded with them, and gained [26] other five....
Thesaurus
Traded (16 Occurrences)...Traded (16 Occurrences). Matthew 25:16 Immediately he who received the five talents
went and
traded with them, and made another five talents.
...Exchanged (22 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:23 andtraded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an
image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping...
Wares (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:12 Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds
of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, theytraded for your wares....
Traffickers (9 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your traffickers; theytraded
the persons of men and vessels of brass for your merchandise....
Merchandise (34 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your traffickers;
theytraded the persons of men and vessels of brass for your merchandise....
Paid (86 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:12 Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds
of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, theytraded for your wares....
Vedan (1 Occurrence)
... ve'-dan (wedhan): A place-name occurring only in Ezekiel 27:19, "Vedan and Javan
traded with yarn for thy wares." the King James Version, taking the syllable...
Uzal (3 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) reads, "Vedan and Javantraded with yarn
for thy wares." Here an obscure verbal form, me'uzzal, is taken to mean...
Javan (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your traffickers; theytraded
the persons of men and vessels of brass for your merchandise....
Fairs (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:12 Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of
riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, theytraded in thy fairs. (KJV WBS)....
Resources
Are atheists more intelligent than believers? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgTraded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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