Topical Encyclopedia The term "lovely" in the Bible is often associated with that which is pleasing, beautiful, and admirable, both in physical appearance and in character. It is a quality that reflects the goodness and grace of God, and it is something that believers are encouraged to pursue and embody in their lives.Biblical References: 1. Philippians 4:8 · One of the most direct references to the concept of "lovely" is found in Philippians 4:8, where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. The verse states: "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." Here, "lovely" is part of a list of virtues that Christians are encouraged to meditate upon, suggesting that what is lovely is aligned with God's will and character. 2. Song of Solomon · The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic book that celebrates love and beauty. While the word "lovely" itself may not appear frequently, the themes of beauty and admiration are prevalent throughout the text. For example, Song of Solomon 1:15 says, "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves." This expression of admiration highlights the loveliness of the beloved, both in physical appearance and in the depth of affection. 3. Psalm 84:1 · The loveliness of God's dwelling place is celebrated in Psalm 84:1: "How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts!" This verse reflects the beauty and desirability of being in the presence of God, emphasizing that what is lovely is often associated with divine presence and holiness. Theological Implications: In the biblical context, loveliness is not merely an aesthetic quality but is deeply connected to moral and spiritual virtues. It is a reflection of God's own beauty and goodness. The pursuit of what is lovely involves aligning one's thoughts and actions with the character of God, seeking to embody His love, grace, and truth in everyday life. Practical Application: Believers are called to cultivate loveliness in their lives by focusing on what is good and admirable. This involves a conscious effort to reject what is base or corrupt and to embrace what is uplifting and pure. In relationships, this means showing kindness, compassion, and love, reflecting the loveliness of Christ to others. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, beauty and loveliness were often associated with divine favor and blessing. The biblical writers used these concepts to convey the idea that what is truly lovely is rooted in God's creation and His redemptive work. The emphasis on loveliness in Scripture serves as a reminder of the ultimate beauty found in God's kingdom and His eternal purposes. In summary, the concept of "lovely" in the Bible encompasses both physical beauty and moral excellence, encouraging believers to focus on and embody these qualities as a reflection of God's own nature. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Having such an appearance as excites, or is fitted to excite, love; beautiful; charming; very pleasing in form, looks, tone, or manner.2. (superl.) Lovable; amiable; having qualities of any kind which excite, or are fitted to excite, love or friendship. 3. (superl.) Loving; tender. 4. (superl.) Very pleasing; -- applied loosely to almost anything which is not grand or merely pretty; as, a lovely view; a lovely valley; a lovely melody. 5. (adv.) In a manner to please, or to excite love. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOVELYluv'-li ('ahabh, 'ahebh; prosphiles): "Lovely" occurs only 4 times. In 2 Samuel 1:23 it is the translation of 'ahebh, "to be loved" ("Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant (the King James Version margin "sweet") in their lives"), where it seems to mean "loving" or "lovable." Two other words are so translated in the Old Testament: machmadch, "desire" a "desirable thing" (Songs 5:16, "He is altogether lovely," that is, "lovable," "to be desired," literally, "all of him lovableness," or "desirableness"); `aghabhim "loves," or "charms" (Ezekiel 33:32, "Thou art unto them as a very lovely song," the King James Version margin "a song of loves," the Revised Version margin "a love-song"; in 33:31 the same word is translated "much love," the King James Version margin "They make loves or jests"); in Philippians 4:8 we have prosphiles, "very lovely," or "lovable," "whatsoever things are lovely." Greek 4375. prosphiles -- pleasing, agreeable ... Phil 4:8). Word Origin from pros and phileo Definition pleasing, agreeable NASB Word Usage lovely (1). lovely. From a presumed compound ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4375.htm - 7k 791. asteios -- of the town, by impl. courteous, elegant 2570. kalos -- beautiful, good Strong's Hebrew 5276. naem -- to be pleasant, delightful, or lovely... naem. 5277 . to be pleasant, delightful, or lovely. Transliteration: naem Phonetic Spelling: (naw-ame') Short Definition: pleasant. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5276.htm - 6k 4261. machmad -- desire, desirable thing 5000. naveh -- comely, seemly 5690. agab -- (sensuous) love 4998. naah -- to be comely or befitting 5273a. naim -- pleasant, delightful 5116. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation 3039. yadid -- beloved Library Christ Altogether Lovely Altogether Lovely Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ... How Lovely God Is. A Lovely Carriage. A Lovely Carriage. Matt. 10:16 What is Meant by "Altogether Lovely" He is "Altogether Lovely" How Christ is "Altogether Lovely" He is Lovely in his Offices Thesaurus Lovely (19 Occurrences)... 4. (superl.) Very pleasing; -- applied loosely to almost anything which is not grand or merely pretty; as, a lovely view; a lovely valley; a lovely melody. ... /l/lovely.htm - 13k Amiable (2 Occurrences) Iddo (14 Occurrences) Loveliness (1 Occurrence) Lover (55 Occurrences) Gracious (106 Occurrences) Instrument (45 Occurrences) Kedar (11 Occurrences) Kedar's (1 Occurrence) Nain (1 Occurrence) Resources Does the Bible prophesy the coming of Muhammad? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org Who was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Lovely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lovely (19 Occurrences)Acts 7:20 Philippians 4:8 Genesis 29:17 1 Samuel 16:12 2 Samuel 1:23 Esther 1:11 Esther 2:7 Psalms 84:1 Psalms 135:3 Proverbs 5:19 Song of Songs 1:5 Song of Songs 1:10 Song of Songs 1:16 Song of Songs 2:14 Song of Songs 4:3 Song of Songs 5:16 Song of Songs 6:4 Isaiah 52:7 Ezekiel 33:32 Subtopics Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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