The term "compacted" in the context of the Bible often refers to the idea of being closely and firmly joined together, suggesting unity, strength, and cohesion. This concept is particularly relevant in the discussion of the body of Christ and the unity of believers.

Biblical References:

1. Ephesians 4:16 : "From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each part according to its measure." This verse highlights the idea of the body of Christ being compacted, or held together, by the contributions of each member. The imagery of the body emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among believers, with each part playing a vital role in the growth and edification of the church.

2. Colossians 2:19 : "He has lost connection to the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." Here, the concept of being "knit together" parallels the idea of being compacted. The emphasis is on the necessity of remaining connected to Christ, the Head, to ensure the unity and growth of the body.

Theological Implications:

The notion of being compacted is significant in understanding the nature of the church as a unified entity. It underscores the belief that the church is not merely a collection of individuals but a cohesive body that functions effectively when its members are united in purpose and love. This unity is not just organizational but spiritual, rooted in the believers' connection to Christ and to one another.

Practical Applications:

1. Unity in Diversity: The concept of being compacted encourages believers to appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has unique gifts and roles, and when these are exercised in harmony, the church is strengthened and able to fulfill its mission.

2. Interdependence: The imagery of the body being compacted serves as a reminder of the interdependence of believers. Just as the physical body relies on each part to function properly, the spiritual body of Christ relies on the active participation and cooperation of its members.

3. Love as the Binding Force: Love is often described as the force that binds the body of Christ together. The call to love one another is central to maintaining the unity and compactness of the church, as love fosters an environment where each member can thrive and contribute to the common good.

Historical Context:

In the early church, the concept of being compacted was vital for survival and growth. The early Christians faced external pressures and persecution, which necessitated a strong sense of community and mutual support. The apostolic teachings, as seen in the letters of Paul, emphasized the importance of unity and being compacted as a means of withstanding challenges and advancing the gospel.

Conclusion:

The biblical concept of being compacted serves as a powerful metaphor for the unity and strength of the church. It calls believers to a higher standard of cooperation, love, and mutual support, reflecting the divine design for the body of Christ.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Compact.

2. (a.) Compact; pressed close; concentrated; firmly united.

COMPACT; COMPACTED

kom-pakt', kom-pakt'-ed (chabhar, "to be joined"; sumbibazo, "to raise up together"): "Compact" appears as translation of chabhar in Psalm 122:3, "Jerus. a city that is compact together" (well built, its breaches restored, walls complete, and separate from all around it); and "compacted" (sumbibazo) occurs in the King James Version Ephesians 4:16, "fitly joined together and compacted," the Revised Version (British and American) "fitly framed and knit together." In the Revised Version (British and American) "compacted" is also the translation of sunistemi, "to set together" (2 Peter 3:5), "an earth compacted out of water and amidst (margin, through) water," which suggests the idea of water as the primary material (compare Genesis 1:2).

W. L. Walker

The World and Offences. Various Meanings of World.
... I think, then, that the world is not this compacted whole of heaven and earth according
to the Divine Scriptures, but only the place which is round about the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/20 the world and offences.htm

Texts Explained; Sixthly, the Context of Proverbs viii. 22 Vz. 22 ...
... buildeth thereupon [2724] .' And it must be that the foundation should be such as
the things built on it, that they may admit of being well compacted together. ...
/.../chapter xxii texts explained sixthly the.htm

Be Established in Faith and Unity.
... in the Son, and in the Father, and in the Spirit; in the beginning and in the end;
with your most admirable bishop, and the well-compacted spiritual crown of ...
/.../chapter xiii be established in faith.htm

Now as a New Thickness of Darkness, Hardness, or Substantiality...
... first compressing property of nature, became the divine fiat, which increased this
compacting property to such a degree, as created or compacted the darkened ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-33 now as a new.htm

Of the Perfect Man, that Is, Christ; and of his Body, that Is, the ...
... the truth in love, may grow up in Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ:
from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 of the perfect man.htm

Organically One.
... XXX. Organically One. "From whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted,
maketh increase unto the edifying of itself in love." "Ephesians 4:16. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxx organically one.htm

Argument. --That the Same Divine Majesty is Again Confirmed in ...
... is invested must also likewise be He who is divested; whereas, as man, He is invested
with and divested of, as it were, a certain tunic of the compacted body. ...
/.../chapter xxi argument that the same.htm

The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ...
... For we see that it revolves and moves by necessity and is compacted of many
parts, being thence called the ordered universe (Kosmos). ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/the apology of aristides as.htm

The Lord and the Leper
... He was a leper; I will not stay just now to describe what horrors are compacted
into that single word; but he believed that Jesus could cleanse him, and his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the lord and the leper.htm

Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ...
... things divine, imitates. It is out of truth that falsehood is built; out
of religion that superstition is compacted. Hence you are ...
/.../chapter xvi instances from scripture of.htm

Compacted (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Compact. 2. (a.) Compact; pressed close; concentrated; firmly
united. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMPACT; COMPACTED. ...
/c/compacted.htm - 8k

Compact (6 Occurrences)
... system. 7. (n.) An agreement between parties; a covenant or contract. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMPACT; COMPACTED. kom-pakt ...
/c/compact.htm - 10k

Fitly (4 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the ...
/f/fitly.htm - 9k

Edifying (9 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the ...
/e/edifying.htm - 9k

Effectual (8 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the ...
/e/effectual.htm - 11k

Massive (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Consisting of a large mass; compacted;
weighty; heavy; bulky. 2. (a.) In mass; not necessarily ...
/m/massive.htm - 7k

Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the ...
/m/maketh.htm - 34k

Companied (2 Occurrences)

/c/companied.htm - 7k

Crag (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A partially compacted bed of gravel mixed with shells, of the Tertiary age.
3. (n.) The neck or throat. 4. (n.) The neck piece or scrag of mutton. Int. ...
/c/crag.htm - 9k

Compressed (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Compress. 2. (a.) Pressed together; compacted; reduced in volume
by pressure. 3. (a.) Flattened lengthwise. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/compressed.htm - 7k

Should a Christian go to a chiropractor / seek chiropractic treatment? | GotQuestions.org

Compacted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus