Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, mirrors were an essential part of daily life, though they differed significantly from the glass mirrors we use today. Ancient mirrors were typically made of polished metals such as bronze, brass, or silver. These metal surfaces were carefully crafted and polished to provide a reflective surface, though the image they produced was not as clear or accurate as modern mirrors.Old Testament References The use of mirrors is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the tabernacle. In Exodus 38:8, we read about the construction of the bronze basin: "He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This passage highlights the sacrificial offering of personal items by the Israelite women for the service of the tabernacle, indicating the value and significance of mirrors in their society. New Testament Symbolism In the New Testament, mirrors are used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, uses the imagery of a mirror to describe the partial understanding of divine mysteries in this life. "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). Here, the mirror symbolizes the limited and imperfect knowledge believers have on earth, which will be made complete in eternity. James also employs the metaphor of a mirror in his epistle to illustrate the importance of not only hearing the Word of God but also acting upon it. "For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1:23-24). This analogy emphasizes the necessity of self-examination and the transformative power of Scripture. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, mirrors were luxury items, often associated with beauty and personal grooming. The reflective quality of mirrors made them a fitting symbol for introspection and self-awareness. The biblical use of mirrors as metaphors for spiritual insight and self-examination reflects this cultural understanding. Theological Implications The biblical references to mirrors underscore the theme of reflection, both in the literal and spiritual sense. Mirrors serve as a reminder of the importance of self-examination in the light of God's Word. They also point to the hope of believers for a future where they will see and understand God's truth fully and clearly. The metaphorical use of mirrors in Scripture encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God, striving for a clearer reflection of His image in their lives. Smith's Bible Dictionary Mirror(Exodus 38:8; Job 37:18) The Hebrew women on coming out of Egypt probably brought with them mirrors like those which were used by the Egyptians, and were made of a mixed metal, chiefly copper, wrought with admirable skill, and susceptible of a bright lustre. (1 Chronicles 13:12) ATS Bible Dictionary MirrorSee LOOKING GLASS. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A looking-glass or a speculum; any glass or polished substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of light.2. (n.) That which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen; hence, a pattern; an exemplar. 3. (n.) See Speculum. 4. (v. t.) To reflect, as in a mirror. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIRRORmir'er. Greek 2734. katoptrizo -- to reflect as a mirror ... to reflect as a mirror. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katoptrizo Phonetic Spelling: (kat-op-trid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I mirror, reflect ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2734.htm - 6k 2072. esoptron -- a mirror (ie an object for looking into) 1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize 1504. eikon -- an image, ie lit. statue, fig. representation Strong's Hebrew 7209. rei -- a mirror... a mirror. Transliteration: rei Phonetic Spelling: (reh-ee') Short Definition: mirror. Word Origin from raah Definition a mirror NASB Word Usage mirror (1). ... /hebrew/7209.htm - 6k 4759b. marah -- a mirror 4759. mar'ah -- vision 1549. gillayon -- a table, tablet Library 'A Mirror for Magistrates' Herein is a Mirror to be Blamed, --If Its Clearness is Darkened ... Sleep, the Mirror of Death, as Introductory to the Consideration ... A Mirror Held up to God's Face. Whether those who See the Essence of God See all in God? Whether Christ is Entire under Every Part of the Species of the ... Whether an Angle Knows God by his Own Natural Principles? Whether the Prophets See the Very Essence of God? The Formula of Sanctification The Beatific vision. (Continued. ) Thesaurus Mirror (4 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) See Speculum. 4. (vt) To reflect, as in a mirror. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MIRROR. mir'er. See LOOKING-GLASS. Multi-Version Concordance ... /m/mirror.htm - 8k Glass (12 Occurrences) Dark (234 Occurrences) Sayings (134 Occurrences) Beholding (45 Occurrences) Reflect (6 Occurrences) Stone (290 Occurrences) Image (126 Occurrences) Looking-glass (1 Occurrence) Face (780 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about self-deception? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Mandela Effect? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-image? | GotQuestions.org Mirror: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mirror (4 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 13:12 2 Corinthians 3:18 James 1:23 Job 37:18 Subtopics Mirror: Given by the Iraelitish Women to be Melted for the Laver of the Tabernacle Related Terms |
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