Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of "portray" involves the depiction or representation of ideas, events, or individuals through various means, such as words, images, or actions. This concept is significant in understanding how biblical narratives and teachings are communicated and internalized by believers.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of portrayal is often linked to the use of imagery and symbolism. The prophets frequently used vivid imagery to convey God's messages to the people of Israel. For example, in
Ezekiel 4:1, the prophet is instructed to portray the siege of Jerusalem on a clay tablet: "Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem." This act of portrayal serves as a visual prophecy, illustrating the impending judgment and siege that Jerusalem would face.
The use of imagery and portrayal is also evident in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where specific designs and symbols were used to represent spiritual truths and divine presence. The cherubim, lampstands, and other elements were not merely decorative but served to portray deeper theological meanings about God's holiness and covenant with His people.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, portrayal takes on a more personal and incarnational dimension with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels portray Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the embodiment of God's Word. In
John 1:14, it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, the portrayal of Jesus is not just in words but in His very being and actions, revealing God's character and plan for salvation.
The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of portrayal in his epistles. In
Galatians 3:1, he writes, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Paul emphasizes that the portrayal of Christ's crucifixion was so vivid and clear in his preaching that it should have been as if the Galatians had witnessed it themselves. This underscores the power of the Gospel message to convey the reality of Christ's sacrifice.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, portrayal in the Bible serves to bridge the gap between the divine and human understanding. Through the use of symbols, narratives, and the incarnation of Christ, God communicates His truths in ways that are accessible and relatable to humanity. This portrayal invites believers to engage with the Scriptures not just intellectually but experientially, allowing the truths of the Bible to shape their lives and faith.
In the broader Christian tradition, the concept of portrayal extends to the use of art, music, and liturgy as means of expressing and experiencing the divine. These forms of portrayal continue to play a vital role in worship and spiritual formation, helping believers to visualize and internalize the truths of their faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To paint or draw the likeness of; as, to portray a king on horseback.
2. (v. t.) Hence, figuratively, to describe in words.
3. (v. t.) To adorn with pictures.
Greek
4270. prographo -- to write before... prog-raf'-o) Short Definition: I write previously Definition: (a) I write previously
(aforetime); I write above (already), (b) I depict or
portray openly, (c
...Strong's Hebrew
2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree... ruler's staff (1), scepter (3). appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver,
note,
portray, print,. A primitive root; properly, to
...Library
Of the First Secondary Power, Imagination by Name; and of the...
... IMAGINATION is a power through the which weportray all images of absent and present
things, and both it and the thing that it worketh in be contained in the...
On the Creation of the World
... of this seventh day after the principle of all matters pertaining to the number
of seven; and as far as I shall be able, I will endeavour toportray the day of...
What is the Divine Gloom?
... But, if the Divine initiations are above such, what would any one say respecting
those still more uninitiated, such as bothportray the Cause exalted above all...
Introduction.
... the infinite love and sacrifice of the Saviour than the enduring labors and tenderness
of a shepherd, so nothing here below could betterportray the multiple...
Preface
... Preface. The aim of this book is to help thoughtful readers of the gospels to discern
more clearly the features of him whom those writings inimitablyportray....
A Knowledge of God
... Let your imagination picture the home of the saved, and remember that it will
be more glorious than your brightest imagination canportray....
Preface
... 1. It is indeed always worth while toportray the illustrious lives of the saints,
that they may serve as a mirror and an example, and give, as it were, a...
The Marvelous Influence of the Bible Declares Its Super-Human...
... Take down from off the walls of our best Art Galleries those pictures whichportray
scenes and incidents in the history of Israel and the life of our Lord and...
Of the Prodigal Son.
... the sequel arrange for the Christian sinner, in the person of the younger son, to
obtain pardon, unless in the person of the elder they firstportray the Jewish...
The Shipwreck of Pilate
... this moment, when Jesus came forth, bleeding from the cruel stripes and wearing
the purple robe and crown of thorns, as the one in which toportray the Man of...
Thesaurus
Portray (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To paint or draw the likeness of; as, to
portray a king on horseback.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Portray (3 Occurrences).
...Represent (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Toportray by pictorial or plastic art; to delineate; as, to represent
a landscape in a picture, a horse in bronze, and the like....
Portrait (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, any graphic or vivid delineation or description of a person; as,
a portrait in words. 3. (vt) Toportray; to draw. Multi-Version Concordance...
Job (60 Occurrences)
... The patriarchal conditions, wherein the family is the social and communal unit,
enable him toportray worship and conduct in their primal elements: religious...
Wings (81 Occurrences)
... Sometimes the wings of a stork are used toportray strong flight, as in the vision
of Zechariah: "Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came...
Worship (332 Occurrences)
... atsabh, "carve," "fabricate," "fashion," is once given "worship," ie "make (an object
of) worship" (Jeremiah 44:19, the American Revised Version margin "portray...
Inscribe (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). Ezekiel 4:1 You also, son of man, take a tile, and lay
it before yourself, andportray on it a city, even Jerusalem: (See NAS)....
Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) Toportray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait
flatters him. 7. (vi) To use flattery or insincere praise....
Fancy (1 Occurrence)
... something without proof. 8. (vi) To love. 9. (vt) To form a conception
of; toportray in the mind; to imagine. 10. (vt) To have...
Trace (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 4:1 Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee,
andportray upon it a city, even Jerusalem: (See JPS)....
Resources
What were the Shammaite and Hillelite interpretations of Jewish Law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus white? | GotQuestions.orgPortray: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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