The term "calves of the lips" is a metaphorical expression found in the Bible, signifying worship and the offering of praise to God. This phrase is rooted in the imagery of sacrificial offerings, which were central to the worship practices of ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, calves were often used as sacrifices to atone for sin and to express devotion to God. The metaphorical use of "calves of the lips" extends this concept to the realm of verbal worship, emphasizing the importance of sincere praise and thanksgiving as offerings to the Lord.

The phrase "calves of the lips" is derived from Hosea 14:2, where the prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance and encourages them to return to the Lord with words of confession and praise. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "Take words of repentance with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Forgive all our iniquity and accept what is good, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'" The original Hebrew text uses the term "parim sephateinu," which can be translated as "calves of our lips," highlighting the concept of verbal offerings.

In this context, the "calves of the lips" represent the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving that believers are called to offer to God. This metaphor underscores the idea that true worship is not limited to physical sacrifices but includes heartfelt expressions of adoration and gratitude. The New Testament echoes this theme, as seen in Hebrews 13:15 : "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name."

The use of this metaphor serves as a reminder of the transformative power of worship. Just as the physical sacrifices of calves were intended to draw the worshiper closer to God, so too do the "calves of the lips" invite believers into a deeper relationship with the Creator. This expression encourages Christians to approach God with sincerity and humility, recognizing that their words of praise are a vital component of their spiritual devotion.

In summary, the "calves of the lips" metaphorically signifies the offering of worship through words of praise and thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of verbal expressions of faith as spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God. This concept invites believers to engage in heartfelt worship, acknowledging the significance of their words in their relationship with the Lord.Hosea 14:2
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say to him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Nave's Topical Index

Manner of Covenanting.
... with God, which was typified by the cutting of the calf in twain ... away all iniquity,
and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips."[166 ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Matt. v. 27, 28
... benefits and from the evils, continuing in the metaphor. ... referring the glory to God,
and signifying that thou ... cattle; many, by shutting out the calves, in time ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvii matt v 27.htm

The Mystery
... not less than Israel in the wilderness, with the calf, Baal-peor ... angels also; of
pomps and works, the idolatrous worship, and all ... where the metaphor is the same ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... as really three as one when I worship, being the ... wicked people, he doth it under
this metaphor: "I beheld ... dry land appear." The waters here signifying the world ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... an intensity of deep thought, the lips still smile ... by one of his doubles, received
worship, prophesied, and ... it was their way of signifying their disapprobation. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

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