The concept of "decreased" in the Bible often relates to the idea of diminishing, reducing, or becoming less in number, size, or significance. This theme can be seen in various contexts, including spiritual humility, the decline of nations or individuals, and the natural order of creation.

Spiritual Humility and Decrease

One of the most notable references to the idea of decreasing in the Bible is found in the words of John the Baptist. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist speaks of his own ministry in relation to that of Jesus Christ, saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). This statement reflects a profound spiritual truth about humility and the recognition of Christ's supremacy. John acknowledges that his role is to prepare the way for Jesus, and as Jesus' ministry grows, John's own prominence must diminish. This principle of decreasing oneself to elevate Christ is a cornerstone of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the need for believers to humble themselves and prioritize the glory of God over personal ambition.

Decrease in Nations and Peoples

The Bible also addresses the decrease of nations and peoples as a consequence of divine judgment or natural decline. In the Old Testament, the prophets often warned Israel and other nations of impending decrease due to their disobedience and idolatry. For example, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the decrease of the nation of Moab: "Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard" (Isaiah 15:5). This decrease is portrayed as a result of God's judgment upon the nation for its sins.

Similarly, the book of Jeremiah contains prophecies about the decrease of Babylon: "Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt of jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant" (Jeremiah 51:37). These passages illustrate the biblical theme that nations and empires that rise in pride and oppose God's will are subject to decrease and eventual downfall.

Natural Order and Decrease

In the natural world, the concept of decrease is evident in the cycles of creation. The Bible acknowledges the changing seasons and the natural order established by God. In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the cyclical nature of life: "A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever" (Ecclesiastes 1:4). This passage highlights the transient nature of human life and the continual process of decrease and renewal within creation.

Decrease in Personal Life

On a personal level, the Bible encourages believers to embrace decrease in terms of self-denial and sacrificial living. Jesus teaches His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, implying a decrease in self-centeredness and an increase in devotion to God (Matthew 16:24). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, writing, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). This decrease of self is seen as essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

In summary, the theme of decrease in the Bible encompasses spiritual humility, the decline of nations, the natural order, and personal self-denial. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing God's will and glory above all else.(imp. & p. p.) of Decrease.2637. chaser -- to lack, need, be lacking, decrease
... root Definition to lack, need, be lacking, decrease NASB Word Usage become empty
(1), decreased (2), depriving (1), empty (1), have...lack (1), lack (2 ...
/hebrew/2637.htm - 6k

Sanctification and Justification (Continued).
... This gives us a deeper insight into the profound significance of the cross, and
why it is that our righteousness can not be increased nor decreased, altho it ...
/.../the work of the holy spirit/iv sanctification and justification continued.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... As he and his Squire advanced into the enchanted district the light of day decreased;
darker and darker it grew, till they could with difficulty grope their ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... in such a manner that we recognise them at once as the "enemies of the cross of
Christ." I do fear that the evil, instead of having decreased, has multiplied ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

But that which Gave Rise to Public and Universal Calamity...
... Meanwhile the number of animals decreased, and men died; nevertheless taxes were
paid even for the dead, so that no one could either live or cease to live ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxiii but that which.htm

Peter the Preacher.
... God's love for men has not decreased. He is still interested in the human race,
and the promise, as Peter put it, is "to all that are afar off.""Acts 2:39. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiii peter the preacher.htm

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.
... best to abide some time there, as the heavy rains had made Clyde impassable for
him except by boat, (and that being broken) until the water decreased; and that ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 3.htm

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial ...
... Only one fourth of it fell upon "good ground" and even there the fruitage varied
and decreased in its yield from a hundred-fold to thirty-fold (see vs.23). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the teaching of matthew.htm

'Clear Shining after Rain'
... And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month,
on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/clear shining after rain.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... In general, the services were the same every day, except that the number of bullocks
offered decreased daily from thirteen on the first, to seven on the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

On Friendship with the World
... power of God interpose. But in the same proportion as they increased in
this, the life of God in their soul decreased. 4. Is it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 80 on friendship with.htm

Decreased (5 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Decrease. Multi-Version Concordance Decreased (5 Occurrences). ... After
the end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased. (WEB JPS ASV NAS). ...
/d/decreased.htm - 7k

Frost (9 Occurrences)
... Dew forms when the temperature is decreased; and if below freezing, the dew takes
the form of a white film or covering over rocks and leaves. ...
/f/frost.htm - 14k

Fifty (131 Occurrences)
... NIV). Genesis 8:3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the
end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased. (WEB ...
/f/fifty.htm - 39k

Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) of Fall. 2. (a.) Dropped; prostrate; degraded;
ruined; decreased; dead. Multi-Version Concordance Fallen (233 Occurrences). ...
/f/fallen.htm - 38k

Receded (6 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Genesis 8:3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the
end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/receded.htm - 8k

Decrease (4 Occurrences)

/d/decrease.htm - 8k

Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... tribes. They decreased in the wilderness by about two-thirds (Comp. Numbers
1:23; 26:14). Moses pronounces no blessing on this tribe. ...
/s/simeon.htm - 35k

Shades (29 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Psalms 88:10 Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Shall they that are
decreased arise and praise thee? Selah (See JPS BBE DBY RSV). ...
/s/shades.htm - 13k

Steadily (11 Occurrences)
... Genesis 8:3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the end of
one hundred fifty days the waters decreased. (See NAS NIV). ...
/s/steadily.htm - 9k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... When Saul, after Samuel's departure, went out from Gilgal with his 600 men, his
followers having decreased to that number (13:15), against the Philistines at ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

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