Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "matter" can refer to both physical substance and the broader concept of issues or concerns. The term is not frequently used in the Scriptures, but its implications are woven throughout biblical teachings, reflecting God's creation, the nature of the universe, and the moral and spiritual concerns of humanity.Creation and Physical Matter The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God brings the universe into existence. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse establishes God as the ultimate source of all matter, emphasizing His sovereignty and power over the physical world. The creation narrative continues to describe how God formed the earth and all living beings, highlighting the intentionality and order in His creation. The material world, as created by God, is declared "good" (Genesis 1:31). This affirmation underscores the inherent value and purpose of physical matter within God's design. The Bible also acknowledges the limitations and temporality of the material world, as seen in passages like 2 Peter 3:10, which speaks of the eventual dissolution of the heavens and the earth. Matter as Concerns or Issues In addition to its physical connotations, "matter" in the Bible often refers to issues, concerns, or disputes that arise among individuals or communities. For example, in Exodus 18:16, Moses describes his role in judging the people: "Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions." Here, "matter" pertains to the legal and moral issues that require discernment and resolution. The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently addresses matters of the heart and mind, urging believers to seek understanding and righteousness. Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This verse highlights the pursuit of wisdom and the importance of discerning God's will in various situations. Spiritual Implications The Bible teaches that while physical matter is part of God's creation, spiritual realities hold greater significance. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 6:19-20, urging His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 4:18, where he writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." The spiritual dimension of "matter" is further explored in the context of faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This passage encourages believers to trust in God's promises and the unseen realities of His kingdom, transcending the limitations of the material world. Conclusion In summary, the concept of "matter" in the Bible encompasses both the physical substance of creation and the broader issues and concerns of life. Through its teachings, Scripture affirms the goodness of God's creation while directing believers to prioritize spiritual truths and eternal values. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That of which anything is composed; constituent substance; material; the material or substantial part of anything; the constituent elements of conception; that into which a notion may be analyzed; the essence; the pith; the embodiment.2. (n.) That of which the sensible universe and all existent bodies are composed; anything which has extension, occupies space, or is perceptible by the senses; body; substance. 3. (n.) That with regard to, or about which, anything takes place or is done; the thing aimed at, treated of, or treated; subject of action, discussion, consideration, feeling, complaint, legal action, or the like; theme. 4. (n.) That which one has to treat, or with which one has to do; concern; affair; business. 5. (n.) Affair worthy of account; thing of consequence; importance; significance; moment; -- chiefly in the phrases what matter ? no matter, and the like. 6. (n.) Inducing cause or occasion, especially of anything disagreeable or distressing; difficulty; trouble. 7. (n.) Amount; quantity; portion; space; -- often indefinite. 8. (n.) Substance excreted from living animal bodies; that which is thrown out or discharged in a tumor, boil, or abscess; pus; purulent substance. 9. (n.) That which is permanent, or is supposed to be given, and in or upon which changes are effected by psychological or physical processes and relations; -- opposed to form. 10. (n.) Written manuscript, or anything to be set in type; copy; also, type set up and ready to be used, or which has been used, in printing. 11. (v. i.) To be of importance; to import; to signify. 12. (v. i.) To form pus or matter, as an abscess; to maturate. 13. (v. t.) To regard as important; to take account of; to care for. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MATTERmat'-er: This word being a very general term may express various ideas. the Revised Version (British and American) therefore frequently changes the reading of the King James Version in order to state more definitely the meaning of the context (compare Exodus 24:14 1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Kings 8:59 2 Samuel 11:19; Esther 3:4 Psalm 35:20; Psalm 64:5 Proverbs 16:20; Proverbs 18:13). dabhar, and the Greek logos, both meaning "word," are very frequently translated by "matter." hule, "wood," is rendered "matter" in James 3:5 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "how much wood is kindled"; compare Sirach 28:10). Job 32:18 translates literally, "words"; also Daniel 4:17, "sentence." diaphero, "to carry in different places," "to differ," is rendered "to make matter" (Galatians 2:6). The meaning is "it makes a difference," "it matters," "it is of importance." Greek 4229. pragma -- a deed, a matter ... a deed, a matter. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pragma Phonetic Spelling: (prag'-mah) Short Definition: a thing done, a matter Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4229.htm - 7k 4487. rhema -- a word, by impl. a matter 1271. dianoia -- the mind, disposition, thought 2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded 2774. kephalaion -- of the head, the main point 92. adikema -- a wrong, injury 5368. phileo -- to love 3056. logos -- a word (as embodying an idea), a statement, a ... 1308. diaphero -- to carry through, carry about, to differ, make a ... 419. anexeraunetos -- unsearchable Strong's Hebrew 2941. taam -- account, to be commanded, commandment, matter... 2940, 2941. taam. 2942 . account, to be commanded, commandment, matter. Transliteration: taam Phonetic Spelling: (tah'-am) Short Definition: account. ... /hebrew/2941.htm - 6k 5931. illah -- matter, affair, occasion 6569. peresh -- fecal matter 4406. millah -- a word, thing 2656. chephets -- delight, pleasure 1697. dabar -- speech, word 6600. pithgam -- a command, word, affair 4592. meat -- a little, fewness, a few 3602. kakah -- thus 1419. gadol -- great Library On the Notion that Matter is Ungenerated. The Image of Matter in the Sun, after which Man is Formed ... The Conclusion of the Matter Whether the Matter of this Sacrament Need be Consecrated by a ... Whether the Soul is Composed of Matter and Form? Whether Almsgiving is a Matter of Precept? Whether Sins are the Proper Matter of this Sacrament? Whether this Sacrament Has any Matter? Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament? Whether God is Composed of Matter and Form? Thesaurus Matter (263 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) Affair worthy of account; thing of consequence; importance; significance; moment; -- chiefly in the phrases what matter ? no matter, and the like. ... /m/matter.htm - 39k Cases (16 Occurrences) Dispute (37 Occurrences) Material (61 Occurrences) Affair (5 Occurrences) Debtor (7 Occurrences) Debt (48 Occurrences) Difficult (31 Occurrences) Pe'or (8 Occurrences) Peor (14 Occurrences) Resources How should Christians view the Black Lives Matter movement? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the concept of mind over matter explain some of the miracles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead? | GotQuestions.org Matter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Matter (263 Occurrences)Matthew 5:32 Matthew 8:33 Matthew 18:16 Matthew 18:19 Matthew 21:25 Matthew 22:16 Matthew 27:4 Mark 1:45 Mark 5:43 Mark 8:32 Mark 9:10 Mark 10:10 Mark 11:31 Luke 8:56 Luke 12:11 Luke 16:10 Luke 19:17 Luke 20:5 Luke 20:14 John 2:4 John 3:25 John 9:41 John 18:36 Acts 2:14 Acts 4:17 Acts 8:21 Acts 10:29 Acts 11:4 Acts 15:2 Acts 15:6 Acts 17:32 Acts 18:14 Acts 18:15 Acts 19:38 Acts 22:26 Acts 22:30 Acts 24:9 Acts 24:22 Acts 25:16 Acts 28:23 Romans 2:29 Romans 4:1 Romans 9:28 Romans 11:7 Romans 14:4 Romans 14:17 Romans 16:2 1 Corinthians 4:3 1 Corinthians 4:20 1 Corinthians 6:1 1 Corinthians 7:26 1 Corinthians 7:36 1 Corinthians 7:37 1 Corinthians 8:10 1 Corinthians 9:11 1 Corinthians 11:22 1 Corinthians 12:18 1 Corinthians 12:20 1 Corinthians 14:15 1 Corinthians 15:34 2 Corinthians 1:24 2 Corinthians 4:17 2 Corinthians 7:11 2 Corinthians 8:10 2 Corinthians 8:14 2 Corinthians 8:19 2 Corinthians 8:20 2 Corinthians 9:3 2 Corinthians 9:5 2 Corinthians 11:6 2 Corinthians 11:12 2 Corinthians 13:1 Galatians 2:6 Galatians 3:18 Galatians 4:18 Galatians 5:10 Philippians 1:18 Philippians 4:15 Colossians 2:16 Colossians 2:23 1 Thessalonians 4:6 2 Timothy 2:18 Hebrews 8:6 Hebrews 9:26 James 3:5 James 3:16 1 Peter 4:16 2 Peter 1:20 Jude 1:5 Genesis 12:17 Genesis 18:14 Genesis 21:11 Genesis 21:17 Genesis 21:25 Genesis 24:9 Genesis 24:50 Genesis 30:15 Genesis 37:11 Genesis 41:32 Genesis 43:18 Subtopics Related Terms |