Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "fleeting" in the Bible often refers to the transient and temporary nature of life and worldly pursuits. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the brevity of human existence and the futility of placing ultimate value on earthly things.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 39:4-5 · The psalmist David reflects on the brevity of life, asking God to remind him of his own mortality: "O LORD, make me know my end and the measure of my days, what it is; let me know how fleeting my life is. Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah" . This passage underscores the ephemeral nature of human life, likening it to a mere breath. 2. James 4:14 · The apostle James echoes this sentiment, warning against arrogance in making future plans: "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" . Here, life is compared to a mist, highlighting its temporary and uncertain nature. 3. Ecclesiastes 1:2 · The Preacher in Ecclesiastes famously declares, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" . This verse introduces the book's exploration of the fleeting nature of human endeavors and the ultimate vanity of life without God. 4. 1 Peter 1:24-25 · Peter draws from Isaiah to contrast the fleeting nature of human life with the enduring word of God: "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.' And this is the word that was proclaimed to you" . This passage emphasizes the impermanence of human glory compared to the eternal nature of God's word. Theological Implications: The fleeting nature of life serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for reliance on God. It calls believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures or achievements. The Scriptures encourage a perspective that prioritizes spiritual growth and the pursuit of God's kingdom over worldly success. Practical Applications: 1. Prioritizing Eternal Values · Understanding the fleeting nature of life encourages Christians to invest in relationships, spiritual growth, and service to others, aligning their lives with God's eternal purposes. 2. Humility and Dependence on God · Recognizing life's brevity fosters humility and a dependence on God for guidance and strength, acknowledging that human plans are subject to His will. 3. Contentment and Gratitude · Embracing the transient nature of earthly possessions and achievements can lead to greater contentment and gratitude for the blessings God provides, focusing on the eternal inheritance promised to believers. In summary, the biblical concept of "fleeting" serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective, grounded in faith and trust in God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fleet.2. (a.) Passing swiftly away; not durable; transient; transitory; as, the fleeting hours or moments. Greek 166. aionios -- agelong, eternal ... and therefore: practically eternal, unending; partaking of the character of that which lasts for an age, as contrasted with that which is brief and fleeting. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k 4340. proskairos -- in season, ie temporary 3152. mataios -- vain, useless Strong's Hebrew 1892. hebel -- vapor, breath... root Definition vapor, breath NASB Word Usage breath (5), delusion (2), emptily (1), emptiness (2), fleeting (2), fraud (1), futile (1), futility (13), idols (7 ... /hebrew/1892.htm - 6k 2465. cheled -- duration, world 5086. nadaph -- to drive, drive asunder Library River and Rock Dying Men and the Undying Word The Cry of the Mortal to the Undying The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life The Death of Abraham Of Meditating on the Future Life. Why the Divine Invitation is Refused. Chapter xii. The Rash Builder I Began Then Diligently to Practise that for which I came to Rome. ... Thesaurus Fleeting (9 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fleet. 2. (a.) Passing swiftly away; not durable; transient; transitory; as, the fleeting hours or moments. ...Fleeting (9 Occurrences). ... /f/fleeting.htm - 8k Vapor (6 Occurrences) Fleeth (54 Occurrences) Fashion (24 Occurrences) Transient (3 Occurrences) Transitory (2 Occurrences) Shadow (72 Occurrences) Shade (67 Occurrences) Shadowing (3 Occurrences) Treasures (77 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that life is a vapor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org Is there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.org Fleeting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fleeting (9 Occurrences)Hebrews 11:25 Job 14:2 Psalms 39:4 Psalms 89:47 Psalms 144:4 Proverbs 21:6 Proverbs 31:30 Ecclesiastes 9:9 Ecclesiastes 11:10 Subtopics Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |