The term "outwardly" in the biblical context often refers to the external appearance or actions of individuals, as opposed to their inner spiritual state or intentions. The Bible frequently contrasts outward appearances with the inward condition of the heart, emphasizing the importance of inner righteousness over mere external compliance with religious norms.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 16:7 · In the selection of David as king, the Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse highlights the divine perspective that values inner character over external attributes.

2. Matthew 23:27-28 · Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Here, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their focus on outward piety while neglecting inner purity.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:12 · Paul writes, "We are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an occasion to boast on our behalf, so that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearances and not in heart." This passage underscores the apostle's concern with sincerity and integrity over superficial appearances.

4. Romans 2:28-29 · Paul explains, "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code." This teaching emphasizes the spiritual transformation that defines true identity in God's covenant community.

Theological Implications:

The biblical emphasis on the distinction between outward appearances and inward reality serves as a call to genuine faith and integrity. It warns against the dangers of hypocrisy and the temptation to prioritize external religious observance over a heartfelt relationship with God. The Scriptures consistently teach that God values the condition of the heart and the authenticity of one's faith above mere ritualistic or superficial displays of religiosity.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives to ensure that their outward actions align with their inner convictions. This involves cultivating a sincere and humble heart before God, seeking to live out one's faith authentically in both private and public spheres. The call to focus on inward transformation rather than outward conformity challenges Christians to pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God that transcends mere appearances.1722. en -- in, on, at, by, with
... 1), circumstances (1), conscious* (1), death* (1), during (7), earnestly* (1), free*
(1), had (1), here* (2), how* (1), means (1), outwardly* (1), over (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1722.htm - 8k

2596. kata -- down, against, according to
... 1), godly* (1), how* (1), inasmuch* (2), individually* (1), just (2), like (4),
more (1), motives (1), natural* (1), off (2), one* (2), outwardly* (1), over (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2596.htm - 9k

1855. exothen -- from without
... and prep; with article: the outside. Word Origin from exo Definition from without
NASB Word Usage external (1), outside (9), outwardly (1), without (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1855.htm - 6k

5318. phaneros -- visible, manifest
... from phaino Definition visible, manifest NASB Word Usage apparent (1), disclosed
(2), evident (6), light (2), obvious (1), outward (1), outwardly* (1), tell (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5318.htm - 6k

4383. prosopon -- the face
... eye, face) Definition the face NASB Word Usage ahead* (2), appearance (5), before*
(2), coming* (1), face (37), faces (5), openly (1), outwardly* (1), partial ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4383.htm - 7k

Of True Love, by which we Arrive at the Knowledge of the Trinity. ...
... God is to Be Sought, Not Outwardly, by Seeking to Do Wonderful Things with the
Angels, But Inwardly, by Imitating the Piety of Good Angels. 10. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 of true love by.htm

Whether Idolatry is a Sin?
... in truth": and Augustine says (Enchiridion iii), that "God is worshipped by faith,
hope and charity." Now a man may happen to worship idols outwardly, and yet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether idolatry is a sin.htm

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which
is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

All Saints' Day
... Thus to follow after Christ outwardly is the highest grade. No man can attain
to this in his own strength; for he will have to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm

On the Feast of St Agatha, or the Holy virgins
... She must diligently guard against pride, vain-glory, the desire to please people
outwardly, either in her person with the adornment of clothes, or with any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon viii on the feast.htm

On the Feast of the Holy virgin, St Catherine
... such men begin to distinguish between Divine Grace and emotional feelings; for notice
how many a man leads a seemingly good life, and is outwardly humble and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxviii on the feast.htm

The Somatic and the Spiritual Gospel.
... In accordance with this we may conclude that, as it is with Him who is a Jew outwardly
and circumcised in the flesh, so it is with the Christian and with ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/9 the somatic and the.htm

How those are to be Admonished who Commit Very Small but Frequent ...
... they are so swallowed up in the very gulph of their own elation as to perpetrate
others that are more grievous, and, while they outwardly master little ills ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxiii how those are.htm

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... of the proud angel he first fell away inwardly by the alienation of his mind from
the face of his Maker, he would not afterwards come to sow strifes outwardly. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiii how sowers of.htm

Whether Faith is Required of Necessity in the Minister of a ...
... his faith be defective in regard to the very sacrament that he confers, although
he believe that no inward effect is caused by the thing done outwardly, yet he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith is required of.htm

Outwardly (7 Occurrences)
...Outwardly (7 Occurrences). ... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear
beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/o/outwardly.htm - 8k

Outward (17 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/o/outward.htm - 13k

Inwardly (12 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (WEB ASV). ...
/i/inwardly.htm - 10k

External (8 Occurrences)
... perceiving mind. 3. (a.) Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal,
as distinguished from mental or moral. 4. (a.) Not ...
/e/external.htm - 9k

Appear (111 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/a/appear.htm - 39k

Hypocrisy (11 Occurrences)
... and iniquity" (compare 23:29; 24:51); but, in general, the meaning is acting a part,
false, deceptive and deceived, formally and outwardly religious and good ...
/h/hypocrisy.htm - 14k

Full (1047 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/f/full.htm - 36k

Unclean (393 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/u/unclean.htm - 39k

Outweigh (2 Occurrences)

/o/outweigh.htm - 7k

Logos
... denotes, on the one hand, the faculty of reason, or the thought inwardly conceived
in the mind; and, on the other hand, the thought outwardly expressed through ...
/l/logos.htm - 38k

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