Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the word "device" often refers to a plan, scheme, or invention, typically with a connotation of human ingenuity or cunning. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of human intention and creativity.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word most commonly translated as "device" is "מַחֲשָׁבָה" (machashabah), which can mean thought, plan, or invention. This term is often used to describe the plans of both God and humans. For instance, in Job 5:12, it is written, "He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success." Here, "schemes" is synonymous with devices, indicating human plans that are often in opposition to God's will. Proverbs frequently addresses the concept of devices, particularly in the context of wisdom and folly. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over human devices, suggesting that while humans may devise many plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that stands. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἐπιβουλή" (epiboulē) is sometimes translated as "device," particularly in the context of plots or schemes. For example, in Acts 9:24, it is noted, "But Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him." Here, the term refers to a malicious plan against Saul (Paul), highlighting the negative connotation of human devices when used for evil purposes. Moral and Ethical Implications The Bible often contrasts human devices with divine wisdom, emphasizing the limitations and potential folly of relying solely on human understanding. In Isaiah 29:15, the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, 'Who sees us? Who will know?'" This passage illustrates the futility of devising plans that are contrary to God's will, as nothing is hidden from Him. Conversely, when human devices align with divine wisdom, they can be instruments of good. The construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple involved human creativity and craftsmanship, yet these endeavors were guided by divine instruction, demonstrating how human devices can serve God's purposes when submitted to His guidance. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of devices in the Bible serves as a reminder of the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty. While humans are capable of devising plans, the ultimate outcome is determined by God's will. This underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and aligning one's plans with God's purposes. In summary, the biblical concept of "device" encompasses the spectrum of human planning and ingenuity, with a strong emphasis on the need for alignment with God's will. Whether in the context of individual lives or broader historical events, the Bible consistently teaches that while human devices may be many, it is the counsel of the Lord that ultimately prevails. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.2. (n.) Power of devising; invention; contrivance. 3. (n.) An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance. 4. (n.) Improperly, an heraldic bearing. 5. (n.) Anything fancifully conceived. 6. (n.) A spectacle or show. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DEVICEde-vis': "A scheme," "invention," "plot." In the Old Testament it stands for six Hebrew words, of which the most common is machashebheth (from chashabh, "to think," "contrive"). In the New Testament it occurs only twice, once for Greek enthumesis (Acts 17:29), and once for noema (2 Corinthians 2:11). Sometimes the word means simply that which is planned or invented, without any evil implication, as in 2 Chronicles 2:14 Acts 17:29 (of artistic work or invention), and Ecclesiastes 9:10 (in the general sense of reasoning or contriving). But more frequently it is used in an evil sense, of a wicked purpose or plot, "Let us devise devices against Jeremiah" (Jeremiah 18:18); "For we are not ignorant of his (i.e. Satan's) devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11), etc. Greek 3540. noema -- thought, purpose ... device, mind, thought. From noieo; a perception, ie Purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself -- device, mind, thought. see GREEK noieo. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3540.htm - 7k 3053. logismos -- a reasoning, a thought 3803. pagis -- a trap, snare 1761. enthumesis -- deliberation, pondering, pl. thoughts Strong's Hebrew 2162. zamam -- a plan, device... 2161, 2162. zamam. 2163 . a plan, device. Transliteration: zamam Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-mawm') Short Definition: device. Word Origin ... /hebrew/2162.htm - 6k 4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device 2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness 4156. moetsah -- counsel, plan, principle, device 4284. machashabah -- thought, device 2665. chephes -- a device, plot 2810. chishshabon -- device, invention 1902. higgayon -- resounding music, meditation, musing 2808. cheshbon -- a reckoning, account Library And Then that Further Device of Theirs, if Words Can Express It... Of the Device of a Certain Old Man by which Some Work was Found ... Of Two Ghostly Devices that be Helpful to a Ghostly Beginner in ... The Kingdom Foreshadowed A Home Mission Sermon The Kingdom Forming But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ... The Lapse of Time. Introduction The Kingdom Conquering Thesaurus Device (17 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) Opinion; decision. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DEVICE. ... D. Miall Edwards. Multi-Version Concordance Device (17 Occurrences). ... /d/device.htm - 14k Devise (41 Occurrences) Devised (35 Occurrences) Scheme (10 Occurrences) Union (24 Occurrences) Graving (7 Occurrences) Purchase (25 Occurrences) Banner (20 Occurrences) Curious (18 Occurrences) Stylus (2 Occurrences) Resources GotQuestions.org Mobile Device Apps | GotQuestions.orgWhat is wrong with the allegorical interpretation method? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about zombies? | GotQuestions.org Device: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Device (17 Occurrences)Acts 17:29 Ephesians 4:14 2 Chronicles 2:14 2 Chronicles 26:15 Esther 8:3 Esther 8:5 Esther 9:25 Job 42:2 Psalms 21:11 Psalms 26:10 Psalms 140:8 Proverbs 11:6 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Jeremiah 18:11 Jeremiah 51:11 Lamentations 3:62 Ezekiel 38:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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