Topical Encyclopedia The concept of accumulation, particularly in the context of wealth and possessions, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on the accumulation of material goods, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over earthly riches.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, the accumulation of wealth is often seen as a blessing from God, yet it comes with responsibilities. For instance, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were blessed with great wealth, which was seen as a sign of God's favor (Genesis 13:2; 26:12-14; 30:43). However, the accumulation of wealth was not to be pursued at the expense of righteousness or justice. The Law given to Israel included provisions to prevent the excessive accumulation of wealth by individuals, such as the Year of Jubilee, which ensured the redistribution of land and the release of debts (Leviticus 25:10). Proverbs offers wisdom on the subject, warning against the pursuit of wealth for its own sake: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself" (Proverbs 23:4). The book also highlights the fleeting nature of riches: "Riches can disappear in the blink of an eye; they sprout wings and fly off into the sky like an eagle" (Proverbs 23:5). New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of accumulation directly. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20). This teaching underscores the transient nature of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual riches. The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) further illustrates the folly of hoarding wealth without regard for one's spiritual state. The rich man in the parable accumulates great wealth but is called a fool because he is not "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of accumulation in his letters. He warns Timothy about the dangers of desiring wealth: "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" (1 Timothy 6:10). Paul advises believers to be content with what they have and to focus on godliness, which is "great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Spiritual Accumulation While the Bible cautions against the accumulation of material wealth, it encourages the accumulation of spiritual treasures. Believers are urged to grow in virtues such as faith, hope, and love, which have eternal significance. The Apostle Peter exhorts Christians to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love" (2 Peter 1:5-7). In summary, the biblical perspective on accumulation emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual wealth over material riches, recognizing that true treasure is found in a life devoted to God and His purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To collect or bring together; to amass; as, to accumulate a sum of money.2. (v. i.) To grow or increase in quantity or number; to increase greatly. 3. (a.) Collected; accumulated. Greek 1865. epathroizo -- to assemble besides ... accumulate. From epi and athroizo (to assemble); to accumulate -- gather thick together. see GREEK epi. (epathroizomenon) -- 1 Occurrence. 1864, 1865. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1865.htm - 6k 2002. episoreuo -- to heap together 3786. ophelos -- advantage, help 4871. sunalizo -- to assemble with Strong's Hebrew 6237. asar -- to take the tenth of, tithe... With ashar); to accumulate; but used only as denominative from eser; to tithe, ie To take or give a tenth -- X surely, give (take) the tenth, (have, take) tithe ... /hebrew/6237.htm - 6k 3527. kabar -- to be much or many 5595. saphah -- to sweep or snatch away, catch up 8525. telem -- a furrow 6238. ashar -- to be or become rich 5233. nekes -- riches, treasures Library Whether Bishops Sin Mortally if they Distribute not to the Poor ... Christian Stewardship. Different views in Regard to Marriage Held by Heretics, Letter iv. Personal Habits. Making Haste to be Rich. The Christian's Fellow Man Preparations for the Invasion of Greece. The Christian Business World The Hatred Felt by the Heathen against the Christians is Unjust ... Impressive Phrases Thesaurus Accumulate (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To collect or bring together; to amass; as, to accumulate a sum of money. ...Accumulate (2 Occurrences). ... /a/accumulate.htm - 7k Groin (4 Occurrences) Gather (251 Occurrences) Fret (9 Occurrences) Exaggerate (1 Occurrence) Drift (1 Occurrence) Pile (16 Occurrences) Collect (24 Occurrences) Amass (1 Occurrence) Accumulated (4 Occurrences) Resources What is Iglesia ni Cristo? | GotQuestions.orgHow old was Adam when he died? | GotQuestions.org What are the most common things people think are in the Bible that are not actually in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Accumulate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Accumulate (2 Occurrences)2 Timothy 4:3 Deuteronomy 17:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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