The term "dimly" is often used in Scripture to describe a state of partial understanding or limited perception, both physically and spiritually. It conveys the idea of seeing or understanding something imperfectly or indistinctly, often in contrast to the clarity and fullness of knowledge that is promised in the future.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 13:12 : "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." In this passage, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of seeing "dimly" in a mirror to describe our current, incomplete understanding of divine truths. Mirrors in the ancient world were made of polished metal and provided a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrors. This imagery highlights the contrast between our present limited knowledge and the perfect understanding we will have in eternity.

2. Job 4:16 : "It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice." Here, Eliphaz recounts a vision that he perceives dimly, unable to fully discern the form before him. This reflects the broader theme in the Book of Job of human limitations in comprehending the divine and the mysteries of God's purposes.

Theological Implications:

The concept of seeing "dimly" underscores the limitations of human understanding in the present age. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the partial nature of our knowledge due to sin and human finitude. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to live by faith, trusting in God's promises despite not fully understanding His ways.

The promise of seeing "face to face" and knowing "fully" in the future points to the eschatological hope of believers. It anticipates the time when Christ returns, and the redeemed will experience the fullness of God's presence and truth. This future hope encourages believers to persevere in faith and to seek a deeper relationship with God, even amidst the limitations of the present.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to humility, recognizing that their understanding is limited and that they must rely on God's wisdom and revelation. This humility should lead to a posture of learning and growth, as well as a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and discernment.

Furthermore, the acknowledgment of seeing "dimly" should foster a sense of anticipation and longing for the return of Christ, when all things will be made clear. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness in preparation for the day when they will see their Savior face to face.(adv.) In an obscure manner; with imperfect sight.3467. muopazo -- to be shortsighted
... to be shortsighted. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: muopazo Phonetic Spelling:
(moo-ope-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I blink, see dimly Definition: I am short ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3467.htm - 6k

1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize
... This knowing (, "") the verbal idea and hence is defined by the individual context. :
1 Cor 13:12: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1921.htm - 10k

135. ainigma -- a riddle
... enigma. Word Origin from ainissomai (to speak in riddles) Definition a
riddle NASB Word Usage dimly (1). obscure saying, riddle. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/135.htm - 6k

3544. keheh -- dim, dull, faint
... Word Origin from kahah Definition dim, dull, faint NASB Word Usage dim
(3), dimly (1), faded (3), faint (1), fainting (1). somewhat ...
/hebrew/3544.htm - 6k

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ...
... The word translated 'fail' is the same as that rendered in the previous verse 'smoking,'
or 'dimly burning'; and the word 'discouraged' is the same as that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/christ the arrester of incipient.htm

Job's Sure Knowledge
... unfounded accusations; he is positive that there must be a Vindicator for him somewhere,
and he appeals to that last dread tribunal, which he dimly sees in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/jobs sure knowledge.htm

Not with Outward Show
... His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh
revelation. ... How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 55 not with outward.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... If the eye opens dimly upon the commandment, it opens dimly upon the Sovereign;
if it perceives eternal right and law with clear and celestial vision, it then ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

The Poets
... With glorious clonds encompassed round,. Whom angels dimly see,. Will the Unsearchable
be found,. ... Who sitt'st above these heavens. To us invisible, or dimly seen ...
/.../the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/chapter iii the poets.htm

The Death of Jesus
... Nay, we feel that never before can the verse have attained its fullest meaning,
a meaning which no experience of David could more than dimly shadow forth ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 33-41 the death of.htm

Victory Found
... I saw then, though dimly, that I was nearing the goal for which I had been
aiming all my life. ... I had begun to see light, but dimly. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/x victory found.htm

The Baptist's Testimony.
... a shining light." He was one of those men who give new thoughts to their generation,
and help men to see clearly what otherwise they might only dimly have seen ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iii the baptists testimony.htm

Christ's Friends
... is it not beautiful and wonderful that He should look with such eyes of beaming
love on that handful of poor, ignorant fishermen, who knew Him so dimly, and say ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs friends.htm

Balaam
... And then, beyond all, after all the Canaanites and other Syrian races have been
destroyed, he sees, dimly and afar off, another destruction still. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Dimly (2 Occurrences)
...Dimly (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly,
but then face to face. ... He won't quench a dimly burning wick. ...
/d/dimly.htm - 7k

Dimly-lighted (1 Occurrence)
Dimly-lighted. Dimly, Dimly-lighted. Dimmed . Multi-Version
Concordance Dimly-lighted (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter 1:19 And ...
/d/dimly-lighted.htm - 6k

Dim (22 Occurrences)
... Dim (22 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly,
but then face to face. ... He won't quench a dimly burning wick. ...
/d/dim.htm - 13k

Quench (14 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:3 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick.
He will faithfully bring justice. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/q/quench.htm - 12k

Wick (10 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 42:3 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning
wick. He will faithfully bring justice. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wick.htm - 9k

Flax (11 Occurrences)
... and American). "A dimly burning wick will he not quench" (Isaiah 42:3);
"They are quenched as a wick" (Isaiah 43:17). The thought ...
/f/flax.htm - 13k

Transfiguration
... The disciples were drowsy and at first but dimly conscious of the wonder in progress
before their eyes. From the brightness came the sound of voices. ...
/t/transfiguration.htm - 17k

Reflection (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reflection (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. ...
/r/reflection.htm - 8k

Diminution (1 Occurrence)

/d/diminution.htm - 7k

Darkly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) With imperfect light, clearness, or
knowledge; obscurely; dimly; blindly; uncertainly. 2. (adv ...
/d/darkly.htm - 7k

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