Topical Bible: Mean

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, the term "mean" can be understood in several ways, depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to something that is humble or lowly, as well as to actions or attitudes that are unkind or malicious. The Bible provides guidance on both aspects, emphasizing humility and condemning unkindness.

Humility and Lowliness

The concept of being "mean" in the sense of humble or lowly is often seen in the Bible as a virtue. In the Beatitudes, Jesus highlights the blessedness of the poor in spirit, which can be understood as those who are humble and recognize their need for God. Matthew 5:3 states, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This humility is not about self-deprecation but about acknowledging one's dependence on God and valuing others above oneself.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this in Philippians 2:3 , where he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Here, humility is presented as a key Christian virtue, essential for fostering unity and love within the community of believers.

Unkindness and Malice

Conversely, the Bible condemns actions and attitudes that are mean in the sense of being unkind or malicious. Proverbs 11:17 warns, "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." This highlights the biblical principle that kindness leads to blessings, while cruelty results in negative consequences.

The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of kindness and the rejection of malice. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage underscores the call for Christians to embody kindness and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

Mean in Material Terms

In some biblical contexts, "mean" can also refer to material possessions or status. The Bible often contrasts the temporary nature of wealth with the eternal value of spiritual riches. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share."

This passage encourages believers to focus on generosity and good deeds rather than relying on material wealth, which can be seen as "mean" or insignificant in comparison to the riches of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on the concept of "mean" encompass both humility and the rejection of unkindness. Believers are called to live humbly, valuing others and recognizing their dependence on God, while also rejecting malice and embracing kindness and generosity. Through these principles, Christians are encouraged to reflect the love and character of Christ in their daily lives.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. t.) To have in the mind, as a purpose, intention, etc.; to intend; to purpose; to design; as, what do you mean to do ?

2. (v. t.) To signify; to indicate; to import; to denote.

3. (v. i.) To have a purpose or intention.

4. (superl.) Destitute of distinction or eminence; common; low; vulgar; humble.

5. (superl.) Wanting dignity of mind; low-minded; base; destitute of honor; spiritless; as, a mean motive.

6. (superl.) of little value or account; worthy of little or no regard; contemptible; despicable.

7. (superl.) of poor quality; as, mean fare.

8. (superl.) Penurious; stingy; close-fisted; illiberal; as, mean hospitality.

9. (a.) Occupying a middle position; middle; being about midway between extremes.

10. (a.) Intermediate in excellence of any kind.

11. (a.) Average; having an intermediate value between two extremes, or between the several successive values of a variable quantity during one cycle of variation; as, mean distance; mean motion; mean solar day.

12. (n.) That which is mean, or intermediate, between two extremes of place, time, or number; the middle point or place; middle rate or degree; mediocrity; medium; absence of extremes or excess; moderation; measure.

13. (n.) A quantity having an intermediate value between several others, from which it is derived, and of which it expresses the resultant value; usually, unless otherwise specified, it is the simple average, formed by adding the quantities together and dividing by their number, which is called an arithmetical mean. A geometrical mean is the square root of the product of the quantities.

14. (n.) That through which, or by the help of which, an end is attained; something tending to an object desired; intermediate agency or measure; necessary condition or coagent; instrument.

15. (n.) Hence: Resources; property, revenue, or the like, considered as the condition of easy livelihood, or an instrumentality at command for effecting any purpose; disposable force or substance.

16. (n.) A part, whether alto or tenor, intermediate between the soprano and base; a middle part.

17. (n.) Meantime; meanwhile.

18. (n.) A mediator; a go-between.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

MEAN

men: The noun "meaning" (Daniel 8:15 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "I sought to understand"; and 1 Corinthians 14:11) is synonymous with "signification" but in 1 Maccabees 15:4 the King James Version it expresses "purpose" (the Revised Version (British and American) "I am minded to land"). The noun "mean" in Hebrew always occurs in the plural, and is generally used in the sense of "agency," "instrument" (compare 1 Kings 10:29, etc.). the Revised Version (British and American) very frequently changes, King James Version: The Wisdom of Solomon 8:13, "because of her"; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, "in any wise"; Luke 8:36, "how"; Proverbs 6:26, "on account of"; Revelation 13:14, "by reason of" (compare also 2 Thessalonians 3:16 John 9:21). Hebrews 9:15 (the King James Version "that by means of death") translates literally, "that a death having taken place," from ginomai, "to become," "to happen." Acts 18:21 the King James Version, "I must by all means keep this feast," is omitted in the Revised Version (British and American) in harmony with several cursives, the Vulgate, and some other versions

The adjective "mean" is used in the sense of "common," "humble" ('adham, "man"; compare Isaiah 2:9; Isaiah 5:15; Isaiah 31:8 omits "mean"). It is also used in the sense of "obscure" (Proverbs 22:29, chashokh, "obscure"; asemos, literally, "without a mark," "unknown," Acts 21:39). "Mean" is found in expressions like "in the meanwhile" (the King James Version 1 Kings 18:45, the Revised Version (British and American) "little while"; John 4:31 Romans 2:15, the Revised Version (British and American) "one with another"); "in the meantime" (1 Maccabees 11:41 the King James Version; Luke 12:1); and "in the mean season" the King James Version (1 Maccabees 11:14; 15:15). The adverb "meanly" is found (2 Maccabees 15:38) in the sense of "moderately."

The verb "mean" expresses purpose (Isaiah 3:15; Isaiah 10:7 Genesis 50:20, etc.). In some cases the Revised Version (British and American) renders literal translation: Acts 27:2, "was about to sail" (the King James Version "meaning to sail"); compare Acts 21:13 2 Corinthians 8:13. In other instances the idea of "to mean" is "to signify," "to denote" (1 Samuel 4:6 Genesis 21:29 Matthew 9:13, etc.). Luke 15:26 translates literally, "what these things might be." In Exodus 12:26 the sense of "mean ye" is "to have in mind."

A. L. Breslich

Greek

2309. thelo -- to will, wish
... 3), delighting (1), delights (1), desire (14), desired (4), desires (4), desiring
(2), intended (1), intending (1), like (3), maintain (1), mean (1), mean* (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2309.htm - 11k

3004. lego -- to say
... lego Phonetic Spelling: (leg'-o) Short Definition: I say, speak Definition: (denoting
speech in progress), (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3004.htm - 11k

1510. eimi -- I exist, I am
... 1), do (1), done* (1), exist (3), existed (4), existed* (1), falls (1), found (1),
had (8), happen (4), have (2), have come (1), lived (1), mean (1), mean* (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1510.htm - 9k

2008. epitimao -- to honor, to mete out due measure, hence to ...
... 2008 ("to warn by instructing") can mean "rebuke" but its fundamental sense
is " to something from going wrong" (see ). [2008 (literally ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2008.htm - 8k

3560. noutheteo -- to admonish, exhort
... best. [This root () does strictly mean "chastise," though this can be --
ie with needed admonishing, correcting, exhortation, etc.]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3560.htm - 7k

3195. mello -- to be about to
... possibility, or hesitation) -- about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, +
which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3195.htm - 9k

4160. poieo -- to make, do
... any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold,
X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4160.htm - 14k

444. anthropos -- a man, human, mankind
... K. Wuest, "There are two words in Greek which mean 'man,' , which refers to a of
the human reace, and , which is the racial, term, and which has the general ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/444.htm - 8k

2046. ereo -- call, say, speak of, tell.
... ereo Phonetic Spelling: (er-eh'-o) Short Definition: I say, speak Definition: (denoting
speech in progress), (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2046.htm - 7k

5346. phemi -- to declare, say
... Word Origin from a prim. root pha- Definition to declare, say NASB Word Usage claim
(1), mean (1), replied (1), said (57), say (4), says (2), stated (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5346.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

1819. damah -- to be like, resemble
... compare, devise, liken, mean, think, use similitudes. A primitive root;
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider ...
/hebrew/1819.htm - 6k

120. adam -- man, mankind
... someone (1). another, hypocrite, common sort, low, man mean, of low degree,
person. From 'adam; ruddy ie A human being (an individual ...
/hebrew/120.htm - 6k

1500. gezelah -- plunder, spoil
... what he has taken (1). gazelle. Feminine of gazel and mean the same: see HEBREW
gazel. 1499, 1500. gezelah. 1501 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1500.htm - 6k

2803. chashab -- to think, account
... of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find
out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon ...
/hebrew/2803.htm - 6k

1269. Birzoth -- a descendant of Asher
... Birzavith. Probably feminine plural from an unused root (apparently mean to pierce);
holes; Birzoth, an Israelite -- Birzavith (from the marg.). 1268, 1269. ...
/hebrew/1269.htm - 6k

7718. shoham -- (a gem) perhaps an onyx
... onyx. From an unused root probably mean to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from
its pale green color) -- onyx. 7717, 7718. shoham. 7719 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7718.htm - 6k

3154. yeza -- sweat
... anything that causes sweat. From an unused root mean to ooze; sweat, ie (by implication)
a sweating dress -- any thing that causeth sweat. 3153, 3154. ...
/hebrew/3154.htm - 5k

3939. laanah -- wormwood
... hemlock, wormwood. From an unused root supposed to mean to curse; wormwood (regarded
as poisonous, and therefore accursed) -- hemlock, wormwood. 3938, 3939. ...
/hebrew/3939.htm - 6k

1933. hava' -- to fall
... Or havah {haw-vaw'}; a primitive root (compare 'avah, hayah) supposed to mean properly,
to breathe; to be (in the sense of existence) -- be, X have. ...
/hebrew/1933.htm - 5k

3946. Laqqum -- a N. border town of Naphtali
... Lakum. From an unused root thought to mean to stop up by a barricade; perhaps
fortification; Lakkum, a place in Palestine -- Lakum. 3945, 3946. Laqqum. 3947 ...
/hebrew/3946.htm - 6k

Library

Whether the Mean is to be Observed in the Same Way in Distributive ...
... OF THE PARTS OF JUSTICE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the mean is to be observed
in the same way in distributive as in commutative justice? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mean is to.htm

Whether the Mean of Moral virtue is the Real Mean, or the Rational ...
... OF THE MEAN OF VIRTUE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the mean of moral virtue is
the real mean, or the rational mean? Objection 1: It would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mean of moral.htm

Whether the Mean of Justice is the Real Mean?
... OF JUSTICE (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the mean of justice is the real mean? Objection
1: It would seem that the mean of justice is not the real mean. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mean of justice.htm

Whether the Intellectual virtues Observe the Mean?
... OF THE MEAN OF VIRTUE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the intellectual virtues observe
the mean? Objection 1: It would seem that the intellectual ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the intellectual virtues observe.htm

Whether the Theological virtues Observe the Mean?
... OF THE MEAN OF VIRTUE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the theological virtues observe the
mean? Objection 1: It would seem that theological virtue observes the mean. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the theological virtues observe.htm

Whether Moral virtues Observe the Mean?
... OF THE MEAN OF VIRTUE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether moral virtues observe the mean? Objection
1: It would seem that moral virtue does not observe the mean. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether moral virtues observe the.htm

Of the Mean of virtue (Four Articles)
... OF THE MEAN OF VIRTUE (FOUR ARTICLES). ... (1) Whether moral virtue observes the mean?
(2) Whether the mean of moral virtue is the real mean or the rational mean? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the mean of virtue.htm

In Timotheus, who was no Mean Mythologist, and Also in Others ...
... Book V. 5 In Timotheus, who was no mean mythologist, and also in others equally
well informed? In Timotheus, who was no mean mythologist ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/5 in timotheus who was.htm

I Mean by Charity that Affection of the Mind which Aims at the ...
... Book 3 Chapter 16. I mean by charity that affection of the mind which aims
at the enjoyment? 16. I mean by charity that affection ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 16 i mean by.htm

What Dost Thou Mean by the Providence of God?
... Lord's Day 10 Question 27 What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
What dost thou mean by the providence of God? The almighty ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 27 what dost thou.htm

Thesaurus

Mean (93 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To have in the mind, as a purpose, intention,
etc.; to intend; to purpose; to design; as, what do you mean to do ? ...
/m/mean.htm - 40k

Banking
... (2) But no mean part of his business was the exchanging of foreign money, and even
the money of the country of a non-Phoenician standard, for shekels and half ...
/b/banking.htm - 13k

Praetorian (2 Occurrences)
... This verse would also mean that the gospel had been proclaimed in the same way to
those members of the praetorian guard who were on duty as the bodyguard of ...
/p/praetorian.htm - 15k

Medium (4 Occurrences)
... quantity. Hence, specifically: (a) Middle place or degree; mean. 2. (n.)
See Mean. 3. (n.) The mean or middle term of a syllogism ...
/m/medium.htm - 8k

Bank (28 Occurrences)
... (2) But no mean part of his business was the exchanging of foreign money, and even
the money of the country of a non-Phoenician standard, for shekels and half ...
/b/bank.htm - 26k

Jupiter (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) One of the planets, being the brightest except Venus, and the largest
of them all, its mean diameter being about 85,000 miles. ...
/j/jupiter.htm - 10k

Degree (19 Occurrences)
... de-gre' (ma`alah, "a going up" or "ascent," hence, a staircase or flight of steps;
"rank": tapeinos, "low"): By derivation it should mean "a step down" (Latin ...
/d/degree.htm - 16k

Almost (27 Occurrences)
... ALMOST. ol'-most (en oligo): In Acts 26:28 the Greek en oligo does not mean "almost,"
although scholars have for centuries translated the clause "Almost thou ...
/a/almost.htm - 20k

Answer (2099 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANSWER. an'-ser: In our English Bible the word
"answer" does not always mean a simple reply to a question. ...
/a/answer.htm - 10k

Scroll (70 Occurrences)
... with the corresponding Hebrew form cepher, is the generic word for any whole work
large or small, but as a book form (Isaiah 34:4) it may mean "roll," and ...
/s/scroll.htm - 32k

Resources

What does the Bible say about being mean-spirited? | GotQuestions.org

Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Why are Christians so mean? | GotQuestions.org

Mean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance

Mean (93 Occurrences)

Matthew 12:7
But if you had known what this means,'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 26:70
He denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean."
(WEY RSV)

Mark 1:27
And all were amazed and awe-struck, so they began to ask one another, "What does this mean? Here is a new sort of teaching--and a tone of authority! And even to foul spirits he issues orders and they obey him!"
(WEY)

Mark 6:2
And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and 'what mean' such mighty works wrought by his hands?
(ASV)

Mark 9:10
They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the "rising from the dead" meant.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 14:68
But he denied it, and said, "I don't know--I don't understand--What do you mean?" And then he went out into the outer court. Just then a cock crowed.
(WEY RSV)

Luke 8:9
Then his disciples asked him, "What does this parable mean?"
(WEB WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 12:1
Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV NIV)

Luke 20:17
He looked at them and said, "What then does that mean which is written, "'The Stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstone'?
(WEY NIV)

Luke 22:60
"Man, I don't know what you mean," replied Peter. No sooner had he spoken than a cock crowed.
(WEY)

John 4:31
In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 6:42
They kept asking, "Is not this man Joseph's son? Is he not Jesus, whose father and mother we know? What does he mean by now saying, 'I have come down out of Heaven'?"
(WEY)

John 7:36
What do those words of his mean, 'You will look for me, but will not find me, and where I am you cannot come'?"
(WEY RSV NIV)

John 8:33
"We are descendants of Abraham," they answered, "and have never at any time been in slavery to any one. What do those words of yours mean, 'You shall become free'?"
(WEY)

John 9:27
"I have told you already," he replied, "and you did not listen to me. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also mean to be disciples of his?"
(WEY)

John 10:24
when the Jews gathered round Him and kept asking Him, "How long do you mean to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us so plainly."
(WEY)

John 16:17
Some of His disciples therefore said to one another, "What does this mean which He is telling us, 'A little while and you do not see me, and again a little while and you shall see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?"
(WEY NIV)

John 16:18
So they asked one another repeatedly, "What can that 'little while' mean which He speaks of? We do not understand His words."
(WEY RSV NIV)

Acts 1:16
"Brethren, it was necessary that the Scripture should be fulfilled--the prediction, I mean, which the Holy Spirit uttered by the lips of David, about Judas, who acted as guide to those who arrested Jesus.
(WEY)

Acts 2:12
They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?"
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 7:28
Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'
(WEY NAS)

Acts 10:17
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

Acts 10:37
the story, I mean, which has spread through the length and breadth of Judaea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism which John proclaimed.
(WEY)

Acts 14:17
and yet by His beneficence He has not left His existence unattested--His beneficence, I mean, in sending you rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and joyfulness."
(WEY)

Acts 17:20
For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
(KJV WEY WBS)

Acts 21:39
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
(KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV)

Romans 1:4
but as regards the holiness of His Spirit was decisively proved by His Resurrection to be the Son of God--I mean concerning Jesus Christ our Lord,
(WEY)

Romans 2:15
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
(KJV WBS)

Romans 8:28
Now we know that for those who love God all things are working together for good--for those, I mean, whom with deliberate purpose He has called.
(WEY)

Romans 11:12
Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?
(See RSV NIV)

Romans 11:15
For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?
(See RSV)

Romans 11:25
For there is a truth, brethren, not revealed hitherto, of which I do not wish to leave you in ignorance, for fear you should attribute superior wisdom to yourselves--the truth, I mean, that partial blindness has fallen upon Israel until the great mass of the Gentiles have come in;
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 1:12
Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."
(WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:6
In writing this much, brethren, with special reference to Apollos and myself, I have done so for your sakes, in order to teach you by our example what those words mean, which say, "Nothing beyond what is written!" --so that you may cease to take sides in boastful rivalry, for one teacher against another.
(WEY NIV)

1 Corinthians 5:10
yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world.
(Root in WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 7:29
But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none;
(See RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing, which we bless, does it not mean a joint-participation in the blood of Christ? The loaf of bread which we break, does it not mean a joint-participation in the body of Christ?
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 10:19
Do I mean that a thing sacrificed to an idol is what it claims to be, or that an idol is a real thing?
(WEY NAS NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:29
But now I mean his conscience, not your own. "Why, on what ground," you may object, "is the question of my liberty of action to be decided by a conscience not my own?
(WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 14:16
Otherwise, if you bless God in spirit only, how shall he who is in the position of an ungifted man say the 'Amen' to your giving of thanks, when he does not know what your words mean?
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 15:29
Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren't raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 15:31
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 8:13
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
(KJV WBS RSV)

2 Corinthians 8:20
For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge.
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 10:1
But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, when present am mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;
(DBY)

Galatians 2:17
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? By no means.
(Root in WBS NIV)

Galatians 3:17
I mean that the Covenant which God had already formally made is not abrogated by the Law which was given four hundred and thirty years later--so as to annul the promise.
(WEY RSV NIV)

Galatians 4:1
But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;
(See RSV)

Galatians 5:16
This then is what I mean. Let your lives be guided by the Spirit, and then you will certainly not indulge the cravings of your lower natures.
(WEY)

Ephesians 3:6
I mean the truth that the Gentiles are joint heirs with us Jews, and that they form one body with us, and have the same interest as we have in the promise which has been made good in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
(WEY)

Ephesians 4:9
(Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?
(YLT NAS RSV)

Ephesians 5:32
That is a great truth hitherto kept secret: I mean the truth concerning Christ and the Church.
(WEY)

Philippians 1:22
But since to live means a longer stay on earth, that implies more labour for me--and not unsuccessful labour; and which I am to choose I cannot tell.
(Root in WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Philemon 1:10
I entreat you on behalf of my own child whose father I have become while in my chains--I mean Onesimus.
(WEY)

Hebrews 5:13
By people who live on milk I mean those who are imperfectly acquainted with the teaching concerning righteousness.
(WEY)

1 John 2:7
My dearly-loved friends, it is no new command that I am now giving you, but an old command which you have had from the very beginning. By the old command I mean the teaching which you have already received.
(WEY)

Genesis 21:29
Abimelech said to Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves mean?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 33:8
Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?" Jacob said, "To find favor in the sight of my lord."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 2:14
He said, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?" Moses was afraid, and said, "Surely this thing is known."
(See RSV)

Exodus 12:26
It will happen, when your children ask you,'What do you mean by this service?'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 13:14
It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying,'What is this?' that you shall tell him,'By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage;
(See RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 6:20
When your son asks you in time to come, saying, "What do the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh our God has commanded you mean?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 29:24
even all the nations shall say, "Why has Yahweh done thus to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Joshua 4:6
that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in time to come, saying,'What do you mean by these stones?'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Joshua 4:21
He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying,'What do these stones mean?'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 1:8
Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why don't you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 4:6
When the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, "What does the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" They understood that the ark of Yahweh had come into the camp.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV)

1 Samuel 4:14
When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, "What does the noise of this tumult mean?" The man hurried, and came and told Eli.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS NIV)

1 Samuel 15:9
And Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep and oxen, and beasts of the second bearing, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not devote them to destruction; but everything that was mean and weak, that they destroyed utterly.
(DBY)

1 Samuel 15:14
Samuel said, "Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

1 Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail; and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful face: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 5:24
It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then Yahweh has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 16:2
The king said to Ziba, What do you mean by these? Ziba said, The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

2 Samuel 17:3
and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace."
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 19:6
in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared this day, that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it would have pleased you well.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 1:41
And it came to the ears of Adonijah and all the guests who were with him, when their meal was ended. And Joab, hearing the sound of the horn, said, What is the reason of this noise as if the town was worked up?
(See RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:45
And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV)

1 Chronicles 14:15
It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."
(See NIV)

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 2:9
And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 3:15
What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 5:15
And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 10:7
However he doesn't mean so, neither does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off not a few nations.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 22:1
The word about the valley of vision. Why have all your people gone up to the house-tops?
(See RSV)

Isaiah 31:8
Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Jeremiah 4:30
And you, when you are made waste, what will you do? Though you are clothed in red, though you make yourself beautiful with ornaments of gold, though you make your eyes wide with paint, it is for nothing that you make yourself fair; your lovers have no more desire for you, they have designs on your life.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 17:12
Say now to the rebellious house, Don't you know what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took its king, and its princes, and brought them to him to Babylon:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 18:2
What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 20:29
Then I said to them, What does the high place where you go mean? So its name is called Bamah to this day.
(WEB JPS ASV)

Ezekiel 24:19
The people said to me, Won't you tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?
(See NAS RSV)

Ezekiel 37:18
When the children of your people shall speak to you, saying, Will you not show us what you mean by these?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jonah 1:6
So the shipmaster came to him, and said to him, "What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God! Maybe your God will notice us, so that we won't perish."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

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