Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Excellence, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, often in moral, spiritual, or practical aspects. It is the pursuit of the highest standards in one's actions, character, and service to God and others. The Bible encourages believers to strive for excellence as a reflection of God's own perfect nature. Biblical References 1. Philippians 4:8 · "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This verse highlights the importance of focusing on excellence in thought, which in turn influences actions and character. 2. Daniel 6:3 · "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's excellence in his duties and character set him apart, demonstrating how excellence can lead to positions of influence and responsibility. 3. Colossians 3:23-24 · "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to pursue excellence in their work as a form of worship and service to God. 4. Proverbs 22:29 · "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This proverb underscores the value of excellence in one's craft or profession, suggesting that skill and diligence can lead to recognition and advancement. Theological Implications Excellence is not merely about achieving success or recognition but is deeply rooted in the character of God. As humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), they are called to reflect His attributes, including His excellence. God's works are described as perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4), and His ways are just and true (Psalm 145:17). Therefore, believers are encouraged to emulate these qualities in their own lives. Practical Application 1. Personal Growth: Believers are encouraged to pursue excellence in their spiritual lives through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands. This pursuit leads to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God. 2. Community and Service: Excellence in serving others is a key aspect of Christian living. This includes using one's gifts and talents to benefit the church and community, as well as demonstrating love and compassion in all interactions. 3. Work and Vocation: Christians are called to perform their work with integrity and diligence, viewing their vocations as a platform for glorifying God. This involves striving for high standards, ethical behavior, and a commitment to quality in all endeavors. Excellence in Christ The ultimate model of excellence is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled His mission on earth. His life exemplified obedience, love, and sacrifice, setting a standard for believers to follow. As Christians seek to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), they are called to pursue excellence in all areas of life, reflecting His glory to the world. Topical Bible Verses Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Topicalbible.org 2 Peter 1:3-4 2 Timothy 3:16-17 1 John 3:2 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue.2. (n.) An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue. 3. (n.) A title of honor or respect; -- more common in the form excellency. Greek 5544. chrestotes -- goodness, excellence, uprightness ... goodness, excellence, uprightness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: chrestotes Phonetic Spelling: (khray-stot'-ace) Short Definition: goodness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5544.htm - 7k 703. arete -- moral goodness, ie virtue 5247. huperoche -- a projection, eminence 5236. huperbole -- a throwing beyond, excess, superiority 1851. exoche -- a projection, eminence 1228. diabolos -- slanderous, accusing falsely Strong's Hebrew 4022. meged -- excellence... 4021, 4022. meged. 4023 . excellence. Transliteration: meged Phonetic Spelling: (meh'-ghed) Short Definition: choice. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4022.htm - 6k 4025. Magdiel -- "excellence of God," an Edomite chief 3502. yithrah -- abundance, riches 2428. chayil -- strength, efficiency, wealth, army 3503. Yithro -- Moses' father-in-law 3507. Yithream -- a son of David 1347b. gaon -- exaltation Library Translation of a Memorial to his Excellence the Count D'Ofalia Excellence of Faith. The Difficulty and Excellence of virginity; the Study Of The Excellence of the Christian Philosophy; the Origin of Heresies ... The Excellence of Almsgiving. Whether a Man's Excellence is the Cause of his Being Angry? Whether the Excellence of the Person Sinning Aggravates the Sin? The Excellence of the Abiding Glory of virginity; the Soul The Twenty-Sixth Chapter: the Excellence of a Free Mind, Gained ... Of the Excellence which the Aforesaid Old Man Showed in the System ... Thesaurus Excellence (31 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Excellence (31 Occurrences). Romans 7:16 But if I do that which I do not desire to do, I admit the excellence of the Law, (WEY). ... /e/excellence.htm - 15k Virtue (21 Occurrences) Envy (56 Occurrences) Perfection (30 Occurrences) Goodness (83 Occurrences) Jethro (10 Occurrences) Lebanon's (1 Occurrence) Good (8348 Occurrences) Worthy (92 Occurrences) Imperial (14 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about excellence? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.org What is brotherly kindness? | GotQuestions.org Excellence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Excellence (31 Occurrences)Romans 7:16 1 Corinthians 2:1 1 Corinthians 12:31 2 Corinthians 4:7 Philippians 4:8 1 Peter 2:9 2 Peter 1:3 2 Peter 1:5 Genesis 49:3 Exodus 15:7 Deuteronomy 33:26 Deuteronomy 33:29 Ruth 3:11 Job 4:21 Job 13:11 Job 20:6 Job 37:4 Job 40:10 Psalms 47:4 Psalms 62:4 Psalms 68:34 Ecclesiastes 7:12 Isaiah 4:2 Isaiah 12:5 Isaiah 13:19 Isaiah 35:2 Isaiah 60:15 Ezekiel 24:21 Amos 6:8 Amos 8:7 Nahum 2:2 Subtopics Related Terms |