The term "ghostlike" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of ghostly or spirit-like appearances can be explored through various biblical narratives and teachings. In Scripture, the appearance of spirits or ghostlike figures often evokes fear, wonder, or a call to discernment.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "ruach" is often translated as "spirit" and can refer to the spirit of a person or the Spirit of God. The notion of ghostlike appearances is subtly present in the account of the Witch of Endor, where King Saul seeks to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 28:13-14 , the medium describes seeing "a spirit coming up out of the earth," and Saul perceives it as Samuel. This narrative highlights the biblical prohibition against necromancy and consulting the dead, as outlined in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , which warns against practices that are detestable to the Lord.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "pneuma" is used for "spirit." The disciples' encounter with Jesus walking on water is a notable instance where they mistake Him for a ghost. In Matthew 14:26 , it states, "When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. 'It is a ghost!' they said, and they cried out in fear." Jesus immediately reassures them, emphasizing His physical presence and divine authority over nature.

Another significant passage is found in Luke 24:37-39 , where the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples. They are initially startled and frightened, thinking they see a spirit. Jesus addresses their fears by inviting them to touch Him and see that He has flesh and bones, distinguishing His resurrected body from a ghostly apparition.

Theological Implications

The Bible consistently affirms the reality of the spiritual realm while cautioning against practices that seek to manipulate or improperly engage with it. The ghostlike appearances in Scripture serve as reminders of the need for discernment and reliance on God's revelation rather than human superstition or fear.

The biblical worldview acknowledges the existence of spirits, both holy and unholy, and emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all spiritual entities. Believers are encouraged to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and to trust in the Holy Spirit, who guides and protects them from deception.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a detailed doctrine on ghosts as understood in popular culture, it offers clear guidance on the nature of spirits and the importance of seeking God's truth. The ghostlike encounters in Scripture ultimately point to the power and presence of God, who transcends human understanding and offers peace in the midst of fear.(a.) Like a ghost; ghastly.

Simon the Cyrenian
... Like ships passing athwart the white ghostlike splendour of moonlight on the sea,
they gleam silvery pure for a moment as they cross its broad belt, and then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/simon the cyrenian.htm

The Man who is Judge
... and dashed with much unbelief. Disembodied spirits wandered ghostlike and spectral
in a shadowy underworld. The belief in the Resurrection ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the man who is judge.htm

Origin of Creeds.
... This text coincides with the testimony of the demoniacs, Marc. I. 26, who, with
ghostlike intuition, perceived the supernatural character of Jesus. ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 2 origin of creeds.htm

A Christlike Judgment of Men
... Is it to be these dim figures of religious reformers that are gliding, ghostlike,
to their doom, being wrapped round and round about by ever thicker and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a christlike judgment of men.htm

The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life
... has no rosy light upon their limbs, their garlands are faded, the sunshine falls
not upon the grey and shrouded shapes, as they steal ghostlike through the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the bitterness and blessedness of.htm

The Secret of Power
... The mists of gathering ages wrap in slowly thickening folds of forgetfulness all
other men and events in history, and make them ghostlike and shadowy; but no ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
... was entreated to leave it. The weird scene over which the moon had shed
her ghostlike light, was past. The unearthly utterances of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxv at gerasa -.htm

Growth
... and controlling power are not being increasingly realised in your lives; that truth
is becoming less and less real, more and more shadowy, and ghostlike to you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/growth.htm

A Leap Year Sermon *
... night, they spoke with him of Jesus, and in the morning, early, when they woke,
they went to him and he was sitting up in bed, all pale and ghostlike, he said ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a leap year sermon .htm

Ghostlike (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Like a ghost; ghastly. Multi-Version
Concordance Ghostlike (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 29:4 And brought ...
/g/ghostlike.htm - 6k

Ghosts (3 Occurrences)

/g/ghosts.htm - 7k

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

/g/ghost.htm - 39k

Ghostlike: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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