Essay
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical studies, the term "essay" does not directly appear in the Scriptures. However, the concept of an essay, as a written discourse or argument on a particular subject, can be related to the various forms of writing found within the Bible. The Bible itself is a compilation of diverse literary genres, including historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistles, and wisdom literature, each of which can be analyzed and discussed in essay form.

Biblical Writing and Essays

The Bible is a rich source of material for essays, offering a wide array of topics for exploration. Essays on biblical subjects often involve exegesis, the critical interpretation of the text, and hermeneutics, the study of the principles of interpretation. These essays may focus on theological themes, historical context, literary analysis, or moral and ethical teachings.

Examples of Essay Topics in the Bible

1. Theological Themes: Essays might explore the nature of God, the concept of salvation, or the role of the Holy Spirit. For instance, an essay could examine the theme of redemption as seen in the life of Jesus Christ, drawing from passages such as John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

2. Historical Context: Essays can delve into the historical and cultural background of biblical events. An example might be an analysis of the Exodus, considering archaeological evidence and historical records alongside the biblical narrative found in the book of Exodus.

3. Literary Analysis: The Bible's literary richness provides ample material for essays. One might analyze the poetic structure of the Psalms or the parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, which illustrates the command to love one's neighbor.

4. Moral and Ethical Teachings: Essays can address the moral and ethical instructions found in the Bible, such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) or the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). These essays might discuss how these teachings apply to contemporary life.

The Role of Essays in Biblical Scholarship

Essays play a crucial role in biblical scholarship and education. They allow scholars, theologians, and students to articulate their understanding of biblical texts, engage with differing interpretations, and contribute to ongoing theological discussions. Through essays, individuals can explore the depth and breadth of biblical teachings, offering insights that enhance both personal faith and communal understanding.

Biblical Examples of Essay-Like Discourse

While the Bible does not contain essays in the modern sense, certain passages resemble essay-like discourse. The epistles of the New Testament, particularly those of Paul, often present structured arguments and theological reflections. For example, the Epistle to the Romans systematically presents the doctrine of justification by faith, as seen in Romans 3:28, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

In summary, while the Bible does not contain essays per se, the practice of writing essays about biblical topics is a valuable tool for exploring and understanding the Scriptures. Through essays, believers and scholars alike can engage deeply with the Word of God, seeking to uncover its truths and apply them to life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything; a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend.

2. (n.) A composition treating of any particular subject; -- usually shorter and less methodical than a formal, finished treatise; as, an essay on the life and writings of Homer; an essay on fossils, or on commerce.

3. (n.) An assay. See Assay.

4. (n.) To exert one's power or faculties upon; to make an effort to perform; to attempt; to endeavor; to make experiment or trial of; to try.

5. (n.) To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. See Assay.

Library

Essay on Faith.
... LETTERS ON THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. ESSAY ON FAITH. Faith may
be defined as fidelity to our own being, so far as such ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay on faith.htm

Introductory Essay.
... Introductory Essay. St. Augustin as an Exegete. By the Rev. David Schley
Schaff. The exegetical writings of Augustin are commentaries ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/introductory essay .htm

Introductory Essay.
... Introductory Essay. By Professor MB Riddle, DD. The treatise of Augustin On
the Harmony of the Evangelists (De Consensu Evangelistarum ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/introductory essay 2.htm

Introductory Essay.
... Introductory Essay. St. Chrysostom as an Exegete. By MB Riddle, DD. The
pre-eminence of Chrysostom as a preacher remains undisputed ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/introductory essay.htm

Introductory Essay.
... writings in connection with the donatist controversy. St. Augustine. Introductory
Essay. By Rev. Chester D. Hartranft, DD. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /introductory essay .htm

The Feeblest Essay in the Volume is the First. ...
... I. The feeblest essay in the volume is the first.? The feeblest essay in
the volume is the first. It is not without grave concern ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/i the feeblest essay in.htm

Introductory Essay on the Manich??an Heresy,
... Introductory Essay on the Manich??an Heresy,. By Albert H. Newman, DD, LL.D. ...
/.../introductory essay on the manichaean.htm

Essay
An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man. <. ...
Essay. THERE are not a few difficulties in the account ...
/.../an essay on the mosaic account of the creation and fall of man/essay.htm

The Third Essay in the Present Volume is by "The Rev. ...
... III. The third Essay in the present volume is by "the Rev.? The third
Essay in the present volume is by "the Rev. Baden Powell ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/iii the third essay in.htm

Essay iv. The Generous Spirit, Who, when Brought among the Tasks ...
... A SAILOR'S FORTUNE. ESSAY IV. the generous spirit, who, when brought Among
the tasks of real life? the generous spirit, who, when ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay iv the generous spirit.htm

Thesaurus
Essay (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything;
a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend. ...
/e/essay.htm - 7k

Offer (403 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To make an attempt; to make an essay or a trial; -- used with at. ... 11. (vt)
Attempt; endeavor; essay; as, he made an offer to catch the ball. Int. ...
/o/offer.htm - 39k

Taste (46 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To become acquainted with by actual trial; to essay; to experience;
to undergo. ... 16. (n.) Essay; trial; experience; experiment. 17. ...
/t/taste.htm - 59k

Proffer (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To essay or attempt of one's own accord; to undertake, or propose to
undertake. ... 4. (n.) Essay; attempt. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/proffer.htm - 7k

Parable (52 Occurrences)
... Jewish and other non-Biblical parables are discussed and illustrated by examples
in Trench's Notes on the Parables of our Lord, introductory essay, chapter iv ...
/p/parable.htm - 38k

Theme (1 Occurrence)
... or argument; a text. 2. (n.) Discourse on a certain subject. 3. (n.) A
composition or essay required of a pupil. 4. (n.) A noun ...
/t/theme.htm - 7k

Try (84 Occurrences)
... conclusions. 9. (vt) To experience; to have or gain knowledge of by experience.
10. (vt) To essay; to attempt; to endeavor. 11. (vi ...
/t/try.htm - 31k

Touch (82 Occurrences)
... 33. (n.) A hint; a suggestion; slight notice. 34. (n.) A slight and brief essay.
35. (n.) A touchstone; hence, stone of the sort used for touchstone. 36. ...
/t/touch.htm - 35k

Esrom (2 Occurrences)

/e/esrom.htm - 7k

Envoy (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An explanatory or commendatory postscript to a poem, essay, or book; --
also in the French from, l'envoi. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/e/envoy.htm - 8k

Resources
What impact did John Locke have on the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about work? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prolegomena? | GotQuestions.org

Essay: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Essay (1 Occurrence)

Job 4:2
If a word were essayed to thee, wouldest thou be grieved? But who can refrain from speaking?
(Root in DBY WBS)

Subtopics

Essay

Related Terms

Essay (1 Occurrence)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Essaying (1 Occurrence)

Bithynia (2 Occurrences)

Arrived (129 Occurrences)

Philippians (2 Occurrences)

Refrain (33 Occurrences)

Wouldest (66 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Esrom: An Ancestor of Jesus
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