Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "disappear" in the Bible often relates to the transient nature of life, the sudden removal of individuals, or the vanishing of earthly things in light of eternal truths. While the specific term "disappear" may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is conveyed through various passages and narratives.Transience of Life Scripture frequently emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life and earthly existence. James 4:14 states, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse underscores the temporary nature of human life, likening it to a mist that quickly disappears, reminding believers of the importance of focusing on eternal matters. Sudden Removal The Bible also speaks of individuals who are suddenly taken away or removed from the earth. One notable example is the prophet Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, as described in 2 Kings 2:11 : "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." Elijah's disappearance serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and the reality of divine intervention. Vanishing of Earthly Things The Scriptures also address the impermanence of worldly possessions and achievements. In 1 John 2:17 , it is written, "The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of worldly desires and the enduring nature of those who align themselves with God's will. Eschatological Disappearance In eschatological contexts, the idea of disappearance is linked to the end times and the return of Christ. Matthew 24:40-41 describes a future event where individuals will be taken suddenly: "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left." This passage is often interpreted as referring to the rapture, a time when believers will be caught up to meet the Lord, leaving others behind. Moral and Spiritual Implications The theme of disappearance in the Bible carries moral and spiritual implications, urging believers to live with an awareness of life's brevity and the urgency of spiritual readiness. Hebrews 9:27-28 reminds readers, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." This passage encourages believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In summary, while the term "disappear" may not be explicitly used in every context, the Bible richly explores the themes of transience, sudden removal, and the vanishing of earthly things, all of which serve to direct believers' focus toward eternal truths and the hope of Christ's return. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To cease to appear or to be perceived; to pass from view, gradually or suddenly; to vanish; to be no longer seen; as, darkness disappears at the approach of light; a ship disappears as she sails from port.2. (v. i.) To cease to be or exist; as, the epidemic has disappeared. Greek 853. aphanizo -- to make unseen, ie destroy ... to make unseen, ie destroy. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aphanizo Phonetic Spelling: (af-an-id'-zo) Short Definition: I cause to disappear, I hide ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/853.htm - 6k 854. aphanismos -- a vanishing Strong's Hebrew 6461. pasas -- to disappear, vanish... 6460, 6461. pasas. 6462 . to disappear, vanish. Transliteration: pasas Phonetic Spelling: (paw-sas') Short Definition: disappear. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/6461.htm - 5k 3988. ma'ac -- to reject 656. aphes -- to cease, fail, come to an end 4414. malach -- to tear away, dissipate 622. asaph -- to gather, remove 4127. mug -- to melt 5110. nud -- to move to and fro, wander, flutter, show grief 235. azal -- to go 7673a. shabath -- to cease, desist, rest Library But we Wish to Show that his Instantaneous Bodily Disappearance ... God did not Make Evil, nor is He at all in any Way the Author of ... The Dispensation of the Spirit. Vanished Hopes The Locust-Swarms Sin a Power in Reversed Action. After These Matters, Then, He Thinks that He Can Make us ... Still, in his Examination of the Amount of Justice and Wisdom ... A Funeral Oration. The Divine Dilemma and Its Solution in the Incarnation Thesaurus Disappear (13 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) To cease to be or exist; as, the epidemic has disappeared. Multi-Version Concordance Disappear (13 Occurrences). Matthew ... /d/disappear.htm - 10k Eliminate (3 Occurrences) Vanish (21 Occurrences) Obliterate (1 Occurrence) Wear (56 Occurrences) Idolatry (14 Occurrences) Fade (16 Occurrences) Faint (76 Occurrences) Fugitive (12 Occurrences) Thin (39 Occurrences) Resources What is a jot? What is a tittle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be least in the kingdom of heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.org Disappear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Disappear (13 Occurrences)Matthew 5:18 Luke 16:17 Galatians 3:28 Hebrews 8:13 2 Peter 3:10 Numbers 27:4 Ruth 4:10 Job 6:17 Psalms 12:1 Isaiah 2:18 Isaiah 17:3 Isaiah 29:20 Hosea 4:3 Subtopics Related Terms |