The term "poor-looking" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various passages that describe individuals who are humble in appearance or lacking in material wealth. The Bible often contrasts outward appearances with inner spiritual qualities, emphasizing that God values the heart over external appearances.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel was reminded by God not to judge based on appearance when selecting a king for Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:7 , the Lord says to 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 passage highlights the biblical principle that God values inner character over external looks.

The account of David, who was chosen as king despite being the youngest and seemingly least impressive of Jesse's sons, further illustrates this point. David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy contrast with his later role as a mighty king, demonstrating that God often chooses those who are "poor-looking" by worldly standards to fulfill His purposes.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is described in a manner that suggests humility in appearance. Isaiah 53:2 prophetically describes the Messiah: "He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him." This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who, despite His lack of worldly grandeur, is the Savior of humanity.

The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5, further emphasize the blessedness of those who are poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 states, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This teaching underscores the value of spiritual humility over physical appearance or material wealth.

Biblical Examples

Several biblical figures exemplify the concept of being "poor-looking" yet spiritually rich. For instance, the widow who gave two small coins in Mark 12:41-44 is praised by Jesus for her generosity, despite her poverty. Her outward lack did not diminish her spiritual wealth in the eyes of God.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:10 , acknowledges that some criticized his physical presence as unimpressive: "For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.'" Despite this, Paul's spiritual authority and impact were profound.

Theological Implications

The Bible consistently teaches that God's evaluation of individuals is not based on their outward appearance or material status but on their faithfulness and heart. This principle challenges believers to look beyond the superficial and to value what God values. The emphasis on inner beauty and spiritual richness over external appearances serves as a reminder of the eternal perspective that should guide Christian living.

In summary, while the term "poor-looking" may not be explicitly used in Scripture, the concept is woven throughout biblical narratives and teachings, highlighting the importance of inner character and spiritual wealth over outward appearances.

Chapter xli
... And, lo, seven other cows were coming up after them, thin, very ugly and poor
looking"I never saw such poor specimens in all the land of Egypt"and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Arrival at Benares.
... The first thing I saw on getting to Mr. Smith's house was the chapel crowded with
very poor-looking people, of whom a number were blind and lame. ...
/.../chapter iii arrival at benares.htm

The Suffering Servant-I
... real cry still. Pilate's scornfully wondering question: Art Thou"such
a poor-looking creature"the King of the Jews? is very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the suffering servant-i.htm

The Next Day, and the Next after That, were Passed by the Cardinal ...
... myself unlike anyone else"'and so we two shall have a pleasant evening.' But when
I opened the door there was no one but a priest, and poor- looking even at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/x the next day and.htm

Poor-looking (2 Occurrences)
Poor-looking. Poorest, Poor-looking. Poorly . Multi-Version
Concordance Poor-looking (2 Occurrences). Genesis 41:3 And ...
/p/poor-looking.htm - 6k

Cows (33 Occurrences)
... (BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 41:3 And after them seven other cows came out of
the Nile, poor-looking and thin; and they were by the side of the other cows. ...
/c/cows.htm - 15k

Poorest (9 Occurrences)

/p/poorest.htm - 9k

Poorly (3 Occurrences)

/p/poorly.htm - 7k

Worse (62 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:19 Then after them came seven other cows, very thin and poor-looking,
worse than any I ever saw in the land of Egypt; (BBE). ...
/w/worse.htm - 26k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS RSV). Genesis 41:3 And after them seven other cows came out of the Nile,
poor-looking and thin; and they were by the side of the other cows. ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

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