Definition and General Understanding:
Marring refers to the act of damaging, disfiguring, or spoiling something. In a biblical context, it often pertains to the physical or spiritual defacement of God's creation, including human beings, objects, or the natural world. The concept of marring can be both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing the corruption or distortion of what was originally created good and perfect by God.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 52:14 : "Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form beyond the sons of men." This verse prophetically describes the suffering servant, traditionally understood as a reference to Jesus Christ, whose physical appearance was marred during His passion and crucifixion. This marring is seen as a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the depth of Christ's sacrifice for humanity's sins.

2. Jeremiah 18:4 : "But the vessel that he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hand; so he made it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make." In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah observes a potter working with clay. The marring of the vessel symbolizes Israel's spiritual corruption and the need for divine intervention and reshaping. It illustrates God's sovereignty and His ability to restore and remake what has been marred by sin.

3. Genesis 1:31 : "And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good." Although this verse does not directly mention marring, it sets the stage for understanding the concept. God's original creation was perfect and unmarred, reflecting His glory and goodness. The entrance of sin into the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3) introduced marring, affecting all of creation and necessitating redemption.

Theological Implications:

· Sin and Marring: Sin is often seen as the primary cause of marring in the biblical narrative. It distorts the image of God in humanity and disrupts the harmony of creation. The fall of man introduced a marred state that affects every aspect of life, from personal relationships to the natural environment.

· Redemption and Restoration: Despite the marring caused by sin, the Bible consistently points to God's plan for redemption and restoration. Through Jesus Christ, believers are promised a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), where the effects of marring are ultimately overcome. The hope of restoration is a central theme in Christian eschatology, where the new heavens and new earth will be free from the blemishes of sin (Revelation 21:1-4).

· Marring and Suffering: The marring of Christ, as described in Isaiah 52:14, is a profound example of how God uses suffering for a greater purpose. Christ's physical and spiritual suffering was necessary for the atonement of sin, demonstrating that God can bring beauty and redemption out of what is marred.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to recognize the marring effects of sin in their own lives and the world around them. Through repentance and faith in Christ, they can experience personal restoration and participate in God's redemptive work. Christians are also encouraged to be stewards of creation, working to restore and preserve the beauty of God's handiwork, reflecting His original intent for a good and unmarred world.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mar.299. amomos -- amomum (a fragrant plant of India)
... not" and 3470 , "blemish") -- properly, unblemished, without spot or blot (blight);
(figuratively) morally, spiritually blameless, from the marring effects of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/299.htm - 7k7455. roa -- badness, evil
... From ra'a'; badness (as marring), physically or morally -- X be so bad, badness,
(X be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness, sorrow, wickedness. see HEBREW ra'a'. ...
/hebrew/7455.htm - 6k

Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... had in it nothing which evoked admiration; even as the prophet said, "When we shall
see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." The marring was not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/jesus the great object of.htm

Resignation
... If these tears and groans of anguish are tokens of a weakness that we would conceal
from our convictions,"that we would overlook, as marring the dignity and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/resignation.htm

The Mote and the Beam
... New Testament, we are meant to care so much for the other man, that we are willing
to do all we can to remove from his eye the mote which is marring his vision ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 7 the mote and.htm

Jesus Choosing his Friends.
... We cannot know what it may mean to us, whither it may lead us, what sorrow, care,
or pain it may bring to us, what touches of beauty or of marring it may put ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter v jesus choosing his.htm

Wherefore they who Say that the Marriages of Such are not ...
... Apostle saith, "I joined you unto one husband a chaste virgin to present unto Christ."
[2253] But He knoweth how to make fruitful, without marring of chastity ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 13 wherefore they who.htm

Jesus Christ Man in Truth, not in Semblance. ...
... in His condescension, in assuming and having flesh, in speaking, acting, and suffering,
through the instrumentality of flesh, yet without any marring of His ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter xiv jesus christ man.htm

Of the Circumcision of Christ.
... this rite? Though Thou art free From the law's yoke utterly, Yet man's nature
art Thou wearing, But no sin its beauty marring. For ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/of the circumcision of christ.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... Each has a distinct character and purpose, and none could well be spared from the
New Testament without marring the beauty and completeness of the whole. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 87 the catholic epistles.htm

'The Girdle of Truth'
... We do not need to go far to find a slight tinge of unreality marring the Christian
life: we have only to scrutinise our own experiences to detect some tendency ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the girdle of truth.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... Of the first class, I see none which can be dispensed with, without so marring the
character of a man as to render him an unfit associate for an intelligent ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

Marring (1 Occurrence)
...Marring (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any one is marring the Sanctuary of
God, him will God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are. ...
/m/marring.htm - 6k

Marrow (5 Occurrences)

/m/marrow.htm - 9k

Nail (9 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 21:12), the captive woman "shall shave her head, and pare her nails."
The latter was probably intended to prevent her from marring her beauty by ...
/n/nail.htm - 14k

Mar (7 Occurrences)
... Mar (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any one is marring the Sanctuary of God,
him will God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are. ...
/m/mar.htm - 9k

Marrieth (4 Occurrences)

/m/marrieth.htm - 7k

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)
... (WEY YLT). 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any one is marring the Sanctuary of God, him will
God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are. (WEY YLT). ...
/s/sanctuary.htm - 63k

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