Topical Encyclopedia The concept of equality in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, moral, and social dimensions. While the term "equally" may not frequently appear in the text, the principles of equality are woven throughout Scripture, reflecting God's character and His intentions for human relationships.Spiritual Equality In the New Testament, spiritual equality is emphasized through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the spiritual unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic, social, and gender distinctions. The apostle Paul reiterates this theme in Colossians 3:11 : "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all." Moral and Ethical Equality The Bible also addresses moral and ethical equality, particularly in the context of justice and fairness. Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the importance of impartiality and fairness in judgment, reflecting God's just nature. James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism within the Christian community: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" This passage calls believers to treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity. Social and Economic Equality While the Bible acknowledges social and economic differences, it also advocates for the equitable treatment of all people. The early church exemplified this principle in Acts 4:32-35 , where believers shared their possessions to ensure that "there was no needy one among them." This communal approach reflects a commitment to meeting the needs of all members equally. The Old Testament law also provided for the protection and support of the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 declares, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." Equality in Marriage The Bible presents a vision of equality within marriage, where both husband and wife are called to mutual love and respect. Ephesians 5:21 instructs believers to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." While the subsequent verses outline distinct roles for husbands and wives, the overarching principle is one of mutual submission and sacrificial love, as exemplified by Christ's relationship with the church. Conclusion The biblical concept of equality is rooted in the inherent worth and dignity of every person as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth informs the call for spiritual, moral, and social equality, challenging believers to reflect God's justice, love, and impartiality in their relationships and communities. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (adv.) In an equal manner or degree in equal shares or proportion; with equal and impartial justice; without difference; alike; evenly; justly; as, equally taxed, furnished, etc.Greek 2472. isotimos -- held in equal honor ... held in equal honor. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: isotimos Phonetic Spelling: (ee-sot'-ee-mos) Short Definition: equally privileged, equal ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2472.htm - 7k 2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded 3414. mna -- a mina (Gr. monetary unit) 3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ... 5147. tribos -- a beaten track, a path 3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct 5207. huios -- a son 2481. isos -- perhaps 3668. homoios -- likewise, in like manner 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness Strong's Hebrew 7947. shalab -- to be bound or joined... equally distant, set in order. A primitive root; to space off; intensive (evenly) to make equidistant -- equally distant, set in order. 7946, 7947. ... /hebrew/7947.htm - 6k 5973. im -- with 1614. gophrith -- brimstone 5704. ad -- as far as, even to, up to, until, while Library Whether all Will be Equally Impassible? Whether Original Sin is Equally in All? That it must be Ascribed Equally to Christ and the Holy Ghost that ... The Holy Spirit is Life Equally with the Father and the Son... Whether all are Equally Bound to have Explicit Faith? Whether all Men Equally are Required to have Explicit Faith St. John, in the Apocalypse, Equally Explicit in Asserting the ... Whether God Loves all Things Equally? Whether God Loves all Things Equally How Pride is Equally Destructive of all virtues. Thesaurus Equally (21 Occurrences)... equal manner or degree in equal shares or proportion; with equal and impartial justice; without difference; alike; evenly; justly; as, equally taxed, furnished ... /e/equally.htm - 12k Zion (169 Occurrences) Johannine Tradition (13 Occurrences) Middle (169 Occurrences) Shalman (1 Occurrence) Sphere (3 Occurrences) Korah (51 Occurrences) Caesar's (10 Occurrences) Adoption (5 Occurrences) Resources Are men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.orgComplementarianism vs. egalitarianism'which view is biblically correct? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about classism? | GotQuestions.org Equally: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Equally (21 Occurrences)Matthew 23:26 Romans 4:18 1 Corinthians 10:24 1 Corinthians 14:15 1 Corinthians 15:44 Galatians 5:6 Galatians 5:14 1 John 5:15 Revelation 18:7 Exodus 21:35 Exodus 36:22 Leviticus 7:10 Deuteronomy 1:17 Deuteronomy 4:19 Deuteronomy 18:8 Proverbs 17:15 Proverbs 20:12 Proverbs 29:13 Ecclesiastes 11:6 Ezekiel 42:11 Ezekiel 47:14 Subtopics Related Terms |