The term "pourtrayed" is an archaic form of the word "portrayed," which means to depict or represent something visually. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to images or representations, particularly those that are crafted or engraved. The use of this term is primarily found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, but the concept is present in various passages throughout Scripture.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 23:14 : "But she increased her prostitution. When she saw men portrayed on the wall, images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes the idolatrous practices of Jerusalem and Samaria, symbolized by the sisters Oholah and Oholibah. The "men portrayed on the wall" refers to the images of Chaldean men, which were likely part of the allure and temptation leading to spiritual adultery. The portrayal of these figures in vermilion, a bright red pigment, emphasizes the vividness and attractiveness of the idolatrous images.

2. Ezekiel 8:10 : "So I went in and looked, and I saw every form of creeping thing and beast—detestable images—and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed on the walls all around." Here, Ezekiel is given a vision of the abominations being committed in the temple. The portrayal of detestable images and idols on the walls signifies the depth of Israel's idolatry and the corruption of their worship practices. This visual representation of idolatry serves as a stark contrast to the worship of the one true God.

Theological Implications:

The portrayal of images in the Bible often carries a negative connotation, particularly when associated with idolatry. The Second Commandment explicitly forbids the making of graven images for worship (Exodus 20:4-5), highlighting the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, without reliance on physical representations. The use of "pourtrayed" in the context of Ezekiel underscores the seductive nature of idolatry and the ease with which God's people can be led astray by visual enticements.

From a theological perspective, the portrayal of images serves as a reminder of the human tendency to replace the invisible God with tangible, visible substitutes. This tendency is not limited to ancient Israel but is a recurring theme throughout human history. The warnings against idolatry and the portrayal of false gods call believers to remain vigilant in their devotion to God, ensuring that their worship remains pure and untainted by the influences of the surrounding culture.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the portrayal of images was a common practice, often associated with religious and cultural expression. Temples and public spaces were adorned with depictions of deities, kings, and mythological scenes. These images were not merely decorative but served as focal points for worship and veneration. The Israelites, living amidst such cultures, were continually tempted to adopt these practices, leading to repeated calls from the prophets to return to the worship of Yahweh alone.

The portrayal of images in Ezekiel's visions reflects the syncretism that had infiltrated Israelite society, blending the worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous practices of their neighbors. This blending of religious practices was a significant factor in the spiritual decline of Israel and Judah, ultimately leading to their exile.

In summary, the concept of "pourtrayed" in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining a pure and undivided devotion to God. Through the vivid imagery of Ezekiel, believers are reminded of the need to guard their hearts and worship practices against the allure of false representations and to remain faithful to the God who is beyond all human depiction.

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and ...
... went in and saw; and behold every similitude of creeping things, and abomination
of beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, were pourtrayed upon the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what the rulers.htm

For whom and with what Object Written.
... the Living God. His character to a great extent resembles that pourtrayed
in the rest of the work bearing his name. It is shewn ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/for whom and with what 3.htm

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches ...
... if at times, when it shall be expedient for the unlearned people, it happen that
the histories and narratives of Holy Scripture are pourtrayed and represented ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the present teaching.htm

Christ Our Passover
... separate from sinners. Being also the emblem of sacrifice, it most sweetly
pourtrayed our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Search natural ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

The Servant's Obedience
... For he has pourtrayed the majestic figure seated in passive endurance, with eyes
blindfolded but yet wide open behind the bandage, all-seeing, wistful, sad ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants obedience.htm

The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... [We have also decreed] that the brave deeds of the Saints be pourtrayed on tablets
and on the walls, and upon the sacred vessels and vestments, as hath been ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of the synod 2.htm

The Mystery
... of its regimen, and its state, partly in respect of its disposition, was so composed,
that it represented the three monarchies, anciently pourtrayed by these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Footnotes
... Church, he will see how closely the institutions of the Brethren were modelled on
the institutions of the first three centuries as pourtrayed, not only in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hutton/history of the moravian church/footnotes.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... And there may be others of you here present whose characters have been pictured
in this one which I have pourtrayed before you; who are saying, "Surely he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

The Feeblest Essay in the Volume is the First. ...
... the image of a son who remained in his father's house, the favoured descendants
of Abraham are set before us: while the rest of the world is pourtrayed in the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/i the feeblest essay in.htm

Pourtrayed (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pourtrayed (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 8:10 So I
went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things ...
/p/pourtrayed.htm - 7k

Prostitutions (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 And that she increased her prostitutions: for when she saw men pourtrayed
upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion. ...
/p/prostitutions.htm - 8k

Whoredoms (34 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:14 And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed
upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, (KJV ...
/w/whoredoms.htm - 17k

Poverty (25 Occurrences)

/p/poverty.htm - 21k

Pourtray (1 Occurrence)

/p/pourtray.htm - 6k

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