Topical Encyclopedia The term "manifold" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of manifold, meaning "many and various," is evident throughout the Scriptures in the diverse ways God reveals Himself, His works, and His wisdom. The manifold nature of God's attributes and actions is a recurring theme that underscores His infinite complexity and the richness of His creation.Manifold Wisdom of God One of the clearest references to the manifold nature of God's wisdom is found in the New Testament. In Ephesians 3:10, the Apostle Paul writes, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" . This passage highlights the diverse and multifaceted wisdom of God, which is displayed through the church to both earthly and heavenly beings. The manifold wisdom encompasses God's plan of salvation, the mystery of the Gospel, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Manifold Grace of God The concept of manifold grace is also present in the Scriptures. In 1 Peter 4:10, believers are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts to serve one another, "as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" . This verse emphasizes the variety of gifts and graces bestowed upon believers, each serving a unique purpose in the body of Christ. The manifold grace of God is a testament to His generosity and the diverse ways He equips His people for service. Manifold Works of God The manifold works of God are evident in creation and His ongoing involvement in the world. Psalm 104:24 declares, "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures" . This psalm celebrates the diversity and abundance of God's creation, reflecting His wisdom and power. The manifold works of God are not only seen in the natural world but also in His providential care and redemptive acts throughout history. Manifold Trials and Joys The Christian life is marked by manifold trials and joys, as believers experience the complexities of living in a fallen world while holding onto the hope of eternal life. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . These manifold trials serve a purpose in refining faith and producing spiritual maturity. Manifold Blessings The manifold blessings of God are a recurring theme in the lives of His people. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience, which include prosperity, protection, and favor. These blessings are manifold, covering various aspects of life and reflecting God's desire to bless His covenant people abundantly. In summary, while the term "manifold" may not appear explicitly in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the diverse and abundant nature of God's wisdom, grace, works, trials, and blessings. These manifold aspects of God's character and actions invite believers to explore the depth and richness of their faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Various in kind or quality; many in number; numerous; multiplied; complicated.2. (a.) Exhibited at divers times or in various ways; -- used to qualify nouns in the singular number. 3. (n.) A copy of a writing made by the manifold process. 4. (n.) A cylindrical pipe fitting, having a number of lateral outlets, for connecting one pipe with several others. 5. (n.) The third stomach of a ruminant animal. 6. (v. t.) To take copies of by the process of manifold writing; as, to manifold a letter. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MANIFOLDman'-i-fold (rabh; poikilos): "Manifold," which occurs only a few times, is in the Old Testament the translation of rabh, "many," "abundant" (Nehemiah 9:19, 27 Amos 5:12, where it is equivalent to "many"), and of rabhabh, "to multiply," "to increase" (Psalm 104:24, "O Yahweh, how manifold are thy works"); poikilos, properly, "many colored," "spotted," "variegated," is translated "manifold": 1 Peter 1:6 margin, "manifold temptations"; 4:10, "manifold grace," suggests variety, diverseness; polupoikilos has this meaning more intensely (Ephesians 3:10, "the manifold wisdom of God"). With this may be compared a fine passage in The Wisdom of Solomon 7:22, where it is said that in Wisdom there is "an understanding spirit, holy, one only (the Revised Version (British and American) "alone in kind," margin "Greek: sole-born"), manifold (polumeres)." In like manner, pollaplasion, "manifold more" (Luke 18:30), indicates the varied elements of the reward of him who is faithful to Christ. In Ecclesiasticus 51:3, we have "manifold afflictions" (pleion). Greek 4182. polupoikilos -- of differing colors ... colors. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: polupoikilos Phonetic Spelling: (pol-oo-poy'-kil-os) Short Definition: much varied, manifold Definition: much ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4182.htm - 7k 4179. pollaplasion -- many times more 4164. poikilos -- many colored Strong's Hebrew 7231. rabab -- to be or become many or much... multiplied (2), multiply (1), numerous (1). increase, be manifold, be more, multiply, ten thousands. A primitive root; properly, to ... /hebrew/7231.htm - 6k Library Manifold Struggles Of the Manifold Meaning of the Holy Scriptures. The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment Practiced against the ... Of the Manifold Grace of Men's Calls. Manifold Dangers are Incurred by Speaking; the Remedy for which ... Heaviness through Manifold Temptations Seventh Sunday after Trinity. O Lord, How Manifold are Thy Works ... Sanctification Manifold; Sacrament of Catechumens. Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech. How God is a Substance Both Simple and Manifold. Thesaurus Manifold (23 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A copy of a writing made by the manifold process. ... 6. (vt) To take copies of by the process of manifold writing; as, to manifold a letter. Int. ... /m/manifold.htm - 15k Mercies (62 Occurrences) Double (49 Occurrences) Member (20 Occurrences) Abandon (31 Occurrences) Sicknesses (15 Occurrences) Powers (43 Occurrences) Manius Forsake (88 Occurrences) Evolution Resources What does it mean that God is omnipresent? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of exousia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are principalities and powers? | GotQuestions.org Manifold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Manifold (23 Occurrences)Matthew 4:24 Mark 1:34 Luke 4:40 Luke 18:30 Ephesians 3:10 2 Timothy 3:6 Hebrews 2:4 Hebrews 13:9 James 1:2 1 Peter 1:6 1 Peter 4:10 Nehemiah 9:19 Nehemiah 9:27 Nehemiah 9:31 Job 11:6 Psalms 18:14 Psalms 104:24 Psalms 105:27 Jeremiah 30:14 Jeremiah 30:15 Daniel 9:18 Hosea 8:12 Amos 5:12 Subtopics Related Terms Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences) Principalities (7 Occurrences) |