The term "ill-formed" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various scriptural references that discuss the idea of being improperly developed or lacking in spiritual maturity. In a biblical context, "ill-formed" can refer to both physical and spiritual states that are not in alignment with God's design or purpose.

Physical Ill-formation

In the physical sense, the Bible acknowledges the reality of physical imperfections and deformities. For instance, in Leviticus 21:17-23, the Lord gives specific instructions regarding the physical qualifications for priests, stating that those with certain physical defects were not to serve in the priestly role. This passage highlights the importance of wholeness and completeness in the service of God, though it should be understood within the cultural and covenantal context of ancient Israel.

Spiritual Ill-formation

Spiritually, the concept of being "ill-formed" can be seen in the lack of spiritual maturity or understanding. The Apostle Paul addresses this in his letters to the early churches. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 , Paul writes, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." Here, Paul uses the metaphor of infancy to describe believers who are not fully developed in their faith, indicating a need for growth and maturity.

Similarly, in Hebrews 5:12-14 , the author admonishes the readers for their lack of progress in understanding: "Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!" This passage underscores the expectation for believers to grow beyond the elementary teachings and become mature in their faith.

Moral and Ethical Ill-formation

The Bible also addresses moral and ethical ill-formation, which can be seen in behaviors and attitudes that deviate from God's standards. In Romans 1:28-32 , Paul describes a society that has turned away from God, resulting in a depraved mind and a host of sinful behaviors. This passage illustrates the consequences of rejecting God's truth, leading to a life that is morally and ethically ill-formed.

Remedy for Ill-formation

The remedy for spiritual and moral ill-formation is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a continual process of growth and renewal, aligning one's life with the will of God.

In Ephesians 4:11-15 , Paul speaks of the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church: "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage emphasizes the role of the church community in fostering spiritual growth and maturity, moving believers from a state of ill-formation to one of completeness in Christ.

In summary, while the term "ill-formed" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is addressed through discussions of physical imperfections, spiritual immaturity, and moral deviation. The biblical response to ill-formation is a call to growth, maturity, and transformation through the power of God.

The Conflict.
... At first they were ill-formed and imperfect, but subsequently they elaborated and
developed." This has the genuine ring of the language of modern unbelievers. ...
/.../the conflict.htm

And Yet, that I May not Seem to have no Opinion on Subjects of ...
... And what if, measuring by our own advantages all things which take place,
we blame the results of nature through ill-formed judgments? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/8 and yet that i.htm

It is God's Grace which Specially Distinguishes one Man from ...
... from cattle, be attributed to nature; let that grace also by which, among men
themselves, the handsome are made to differ from the ill-formed, or the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 it is gods grace.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... These are all more precious than gold; these make even the beautiful yet more
comely; these make even the ill formed to be well formed. ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

The Philosophers
... Not that there is no rivalry between them in a race, but that is of no consequence;
for, when in the stable, the heaviest and most ill-formed does not give up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vi the philosophers.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Ill-formed (1 Occurrence)
Ill-formed. Ill-favoured, Ill-formed. Ill-founded . Multi-Version
Concordance Ill-formed (1 Occurrence). Genesis 41:19 ...
/i/ill-formed.htm - 6k

Ill-favoured (4 Occurrences)
Ill-favoured. Ill-favored, Ill-favoured. Ill-formed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS). Ill-favored, Ill-favoured. Ill-formed . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-favoured.htm - 7k

Informed (39 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Inform. 2. (a.) Unformed or ill-formed;
deformed; shapeless. Multi-Version Concordance Informed (39 Occurrences). ...
/i/informed.htm - 17k

Ill-founded (2 Occurrences)
Ill-founded. Ill-formed, Ill-founded. Ill-gotten . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS). Ill-formed, Ill-founded. Ill-gotten . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-founded.htm - 6k

Form (153 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:19 And behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor, and very
ill-formed, and lean-fleshed such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ...
/f/form.htm - 45k

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