Topical Encyclopedia
The term "purport" refers to the intended meaning or significance of a statement, action, or text. In the context of biblical studies, understanding the purport of Scripture involves discerning the underlying message or theological intent conveyed by the biblical authors under divine inspiration. This requires careful exegesis and interpretation, taking into account the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of the biblical passages.
Biblical Context and InterpretationThe Bible, as the inspired Word of God, contains a wealth of teachings, narratives, laws, prophecies, and poetry, each with its own purport. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the purport of Scripture in
2 Timothy 2:15 : "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This verse underscores the necessity of rightly dividing the Word to grasp its true meaning and apply it faithfully.
Old Testament ExamplesIn the Old Testament, the purport of the Law given to Israel is to establish a covenant relationship between God and His people, setting them apart as a holy nation. The Ten Commandments, for instance, encapsulate the moral and spiritual principles that guide this relationship (
Exodus 20:1-17). The purport of the prophetic writings often involves calling Israel back to faithfulness and foretelling the coming of the Messiah, as seen in
Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant.
New Testament ExamplesThe New Testament reveals the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The purport of the Gospels is to present the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of salvation.
John 20:31 states, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." This verse highlights the evangelistic and salvific purport of John's Gospel.
The Epistles further elucidate the implications of the Gospel for the life of the believer and the church. For example, the purport of Paul's letter to the Romans is to expound on the righteousness that comes by faith and the transformative power of the Gospel (
Romans 1:16-17).
Theological SignificanceUnderstanding the purport of Scripture is crucial for developing sound theology and doctrine. It involves recognizing the central themes of the Bible, such as the sovereignty of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the redemptive work of Christ, and the call to holiness. The purport of Scripture is not merely informational but transformational, intended to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God and conformity to the image of Christ.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, discerning the purport of Scripture requires prayerful study, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and engagement with the broader Christian community. It involves a commitment to living out the truths of Scripture in daily life, as
James 1:22 exhorts: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." By understanding and applying the purport of Scripture, believers are equipped to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) To intend to show; to present a false appearance; as to purport oneself to be a dignitary.
2. (n.) Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor.
3. (n.) Disguise; covering.
Library
The Preface. --The Plan andPurport of the Whole Epitome, and of...
... The Epitome of the Divine Institutes. Addressed to His Brother Pentadius. The
Preface."The Plan andPurport of the Whole Epitome, And of the. Institutions....
The GeneralPurport of this Work the Heretics, Marcion, Apelles...
... Chapter I."The GeneralPurport of This Work The Heretics, Marcion, Apelles, and
Valentinus, Wishing to Impugn the Doctrine of the Resurrection, Deprive...
ThePurport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject...
... CHAPTER VIII. THEPURPORT OF ANCIENT SCHOLIA, AND NOTES IN MSS. ON THE SUBJECT OF
THESE VERSES, SHEWN TO BE THE REVERSE OF WHAT IS COMMONLY SUPPOSED....
ThePurport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject...
... CHAPTER VIII. THEPURPORT OF ANCIENT SCHOLIA, AND NOTES IN MSS. ON THE SUBJECT OF
THESE VERSES, SHEWN TO BE THE REVERSE OF WHAT IS COMMONLY SUPPOSED....
Of the Gods Peculiar to the Romans, and their Sacred Rites.
... To whatpurport is it, then, O wisest man, to occupy with superfluous
buildings places which may turn out to the service of men?...
Recapitulation of Yesterday's Argument.
... forward, he thus began: "Although I do not remember the words of the discourse which
the young man delivered yesterday, yet I recollect thepurport and the...
Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
... must needs contain matter of very great Importance to his Church; and it must needs
highly concern us all to understand the true Meaning andPurport of them....
Chapter ix.
... a comment on this verse, Christ giving His interpretation of the law, and the
righteousness following upon its observance; showing that thepurport goes beyond...
Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have...
... For this is thepurport of the saying, "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the
least of these, ye did it not to me." [1588] He shows them that they do not...
The Saybrook Platform
... preceded them. Of their possiblepurport two great authorities upon
Congregationalism speak as follows. Dr. Bacon writes:". The...
Thesaurus
Purport (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) To intend to show; to present a false appearance;
as to
purport oneself to be a dignitary.
...Purport (1 Occurrence).
...Tenor (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That course of thought which holds on through a discourse; the general drift
or course of thought;purport; intent; meaning; understanding....
Ucal (1 Occurrence)
... ITHIEL AND UCAL. ('ithi'el we'ukhal): Names of the two men to whom Agur the son
of Jakeh spoke his words (Proverbs 30:1). Thepurport of introducing these...
Ithiel (2 Occurrences)
... ITHIEL AND UCAL. ('ithi'el we'ukhal): Names of the two men to whom Agur the son
of Jakeh spoke his words (Proverbs 30:1). Thepurport of introducing these...
Import (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To be of importance or consequence to; to have a bearing on; to
concern. 4. (vi) To signify; topurport; to be of moment....
Effect (173 Occurrences)
... effect. 6. (n.) Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; --
with to. 7. (n.) Thepurport; the sum and substance. 8...
Purporting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofPurport. Multi-Version
Concordance Purporting (1 Occurrence). 2 Thessalonians 2:2...
Bearing (150 Occurrences)
... influenced by it; hence, relation; connection. 5. (n.)Purport; meaning;
intended significance; aspect. 6. (n.) The act, power, or...
Christianity
... and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures." Of similar
purport are the apostle's words in 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19: "God, who...
Apart (228 Occurrences)
... Used with reference also to Christ's disclosures of His purpose and of thepurport
of His teaching in private to His disciples (Matthew 20:17). Dwight M. Pratt....
Resources
Is seeing spirits / demons an ability God gives to some people? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is evolutionary creationism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgPurport: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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