Topical Bible: Prosperity

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Overview:
Prosperity in the biblical context often refers to a state of flourishing, success, or well-being, particularly in relation to material wealth, health, and spiritual fulfillment. It is a theme that appears throughout the Scriptures, with varying emphasis on its significance and the means by which it is attained.

Old Testament Insights:
In the Old Testament, prosperity is frequently associated with God's blessings upon His people. It is often depicted as a reward for obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28:1-6 , God promises Israel that if they diligently obey His voice and keep His commandments, they will be blessed in the city and the country, in their offspring, and in their produce.

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, also addresses prosperity. Proverbs 3:9-10 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This suggests a direct correlation between honoring God and experiencing material abundance.

New Testament Perspectives:
In the New Testament, the concept of prosperity takes on a more spiritual dimension. While material wealth is not dismissed, there is a greater emphasis on spiritual richness and eternal rewards. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 , "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , instructing the wealthy not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. He encourages them to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share, thus laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.

Theological Considerations:
Theologically, prosperity is often viewed as a sign of God's favor, yet it is not an absolute indicator of one's spiritual standing. The Bible warns against equating material wealth with divine approval. In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus illustrates the folly of relying on earthly riches without being "rich toward God."

Moreover, the prosperity gospel, a modern interpretation that equates faith with financial success, is not universally accepted within conservative Christian circles. Critics argue that it overlooks the biblical teachings on suffering, sacrifice, and the transient nature of earthly wealth.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to seek prosperity in a holistic sense, valuing spiritual growth and eternal rewards above temporal gains. The pursuit of prosperity should be aligned with godly principles, including stewardship, generosity, and a heart oriented toward God's kingdom. As stated in 3 John 1:2 , "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

Conclusion:
While prosperity is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, it ultimately points to a life that is blessed by God, characterized by both material and spiritual abundance, and lived in accordance with His will.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(n.) The state of being prosperous; advance or gain in anything good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; attainment of the object desired; good fortune; success; as, commercial prosperity; national prosperity.

Greek

2142. euporia -- prosperity, plenty
... prosperity, plenty. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: euporia Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-por-ee'-ah) Short Definition: wealth, gain Definition: wealth ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2142.htm - 6k

5094. timiotes -- preciousness, worth
... wealth, prosperity. From timios; expensiveness, ie (by implication) magnificence --
costliness. see GREEK timios. (timiotetos) -- 1 Occurrence. 5093, 5094. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5094.htm - 7k

4991. soteria -- deliverance, salvation
... Transliteration: soteria Phonetic Spelling: (so-tay-ree'-ah) Short Definition:
deliverance, salvation Definition: welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4991.htm - 7k

4052. perisseuo -- to be over and above, to abound
... have an abundance (3), have more than enough (1), having abundance (1), increasing
(1), lavished (1), left over (4), leftover (1), live in prosperity (1), make ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4052.htm - 9k

842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient
... fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in "low times" (suffering)
as in "high times" (temporal prosperity). See 841 (). 842 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/842.htm - 7k

1515. eirene -- one, peace, quietness, rest.
... Probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively);
by implication, prosperity -- one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1515.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

3574. kosharah -- prosperity
... 3573, 3574. kosharah. 3575 . prosperity. Transliteration: kosharah Phonetic
Spelling: (ko-shaw-raw') Short Definition: prosperity. ...
/hebrew/3574.htm - 6k

7959. shalu -- ease, prosperity
... 7958, 7959. shalu. 7960 . ease, prosperity. Transliteration: shalu Phonetic
Spelling: (sheh'-lev) Short Definition: prosperity. ...
/hebrew/7959.htm - 6k

7963. shelevah -- ease, prosperity
... 7962, 7963. shelevah. 7964 . ease, prosperity. Transliteration: shelevah
Phonetic Spelling: (shel-ay-vaw') Short Definition: prosperity. ...
/hebrew/7963.htm - 6k

8001. shelam -- welfare, prosperity
... welfare, prosperity. Transliteration: shelam Phonetic Spelling: (shel-awm') Short
Definition: peace. ... (Aramaic) corresponding to shalowm; prosperity -- peace. ...
/hebrew/8001.htm - 6k

7962. shalvah -- quietness, ease
... Word Origin from shalah Definition quietness, ease NASB Word Usage complacency
(1), ease (2), prosperity (2), quietness (1), time of tranquility (2). ...
/hebrew/7962.htm - 6k

7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
... 1), greet* (5), greeted* (1), health (1), how (1), Peace (2), peace (153), peaceably
(1), peaceful (2), peacefully (3), perfect peace (1), prosperity (3), rose ...
/hebrew/7965.htm - 6k

3444. yeshuah -- salvation
... Word Origin from yasha Definition salvation NASB Word Usage deeds of deliverance
(1), deliverance (6), help (4), prosperity (1), salvation (61), save (1 ...
/hebrew/3444.htm - 6k

6664. tsedeq -- rightness, righteousness
... From tsadaq; the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or
(figuratively) prosperity -- X even, (X that which is altogether) just(-ice), (( ...
/hebrew/6664.htm - 6k

2896. towb -- pleasant, agreeable, good
... ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry,
X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet ...
/hebrew/2896.htm - 6k

3232. Yimnah -- "good fortune," two Israelites
... From yaman; prosperity (as betokened by the right hand); Jimnah, the name of two
Israelites; also (with the article) of the posterity of one of them -- Imna ...
/hebrew/3232.htm - 6k

Library

Pride of Prosperity
... From Strength to Weakness Chapter 3 Pride of Prosperity. While Solomon exalted ...
17, 18. In the midst of prosperity lurks danger. Throughout ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... Prosperity Under Persecution. A Sermon (No.997). ... Ah, sirs! while the men of God flourish
in adversity, the men of this world are ruined by their prosperity. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church. --Ps. cxxii.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN C. For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church."Ps. cxxii. ... James
Montgomery. For the Peace and Prosperity of the Church."Psalm 122.p>. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn c for the peace.htm

Prosperity and Adversity are from the Lord
... ESSAYS ii Prosperity and Adversity are from the Lord. There is one that toileth,
and laboureth, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii prosperity and adversity are.htm

Psalm 67. The Nation's Prosperity and the Church's Increase.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 67. The nation's prosperity and the
church's increase. 1 Shine, mighty God, on Britain shine ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 67 the nations prosperity.htm

Thanksgiving for National Prosperity.
... 885. " Thanksgiving for National Prosperity. 885. LPM Kippis. Thanksgiving
for National Prosperity. 1 How rich thy gifts, Almighty King! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/885 thanksgiving for national.htm

Psalm 67 the Nation's Prosperity, and the Church's Increase.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 67 The nation's prosperity, and the church's increase.
CM The nation's prosperity, and the church's increase. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 67 the nations prosperity.htm

Psalm 73 the Prosperity of Sinners Cursed.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 73 The prosperity of sinners cursed. v.22,3,6,17-20 LM.
The prosperity of sinners cursed. Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 73 the prosperity of.htm

Concerning the Prosperity which God Granted to the Christian ...
... Book V. Chapter 25."Concerning the Prosperity Which God Granted to the
Christian Emperor Constantine. For the good God, lest men ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 25 concerning the prosperity which.htm

Psalm 55 Dangerous Prosperity; Or, Daily Devotions Encouraged
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 55 Dangerous prosperity; or, Daily devotions encouraged.
v.15-17,19,22 SM. Dangerous prosperity; or, Daily devotions encouraged. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 55 dangerous prosperity or.htm

Thesaurus

Prosperity (66 Occurrences)
... successful progress in any business or enterprise; attainment of the object desired;
good fortune; success; as, commercial prosperity; national prosperity. ...
/p/prosperity.htm - 25k

Peace (523 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew word is shalom (both adjective and substantive), meaning, primarily,
"soundness," "health," but coming also to signify "prosperity," well-being in ...
/p/peace.htm - 46k

Succeed (47 Occurrences)
... euodosei ta kallista; The Wisdom of Solomon 13:19, epituchia; Ecclesiasticus
20:9, euodia, the Revised Version (British and American) "prosperity," "There is ...
/s/succeed.htm - 23k

Success (29 Occurrences)
... euodosei ta kallista; The Wisdom of Solomon 13:19, epituchia; Ecclesiasticus
20:9, euodia, the Revised Version (British and American) "prosperity," "There is ...
/s/success.htm - 17k

Negeb (37 Occurrences)
... The, Negeb, together with the "hill-country" and the "Shephelah," was according
to Jeremiah (17:26; 32:44:00; 33:13) to have renewed prosperity after the ...
/n/negeb.htm - 26k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 11:7 and Uriah cometh unto him, and David asketh of the prosperity of Joab,
and of the prosperity of the people, and of the prosperity of the war. ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... King James Version): 1. The Disruption of the Kingdom 2. Underlying Causes of
Disruption 3. Shemaiah Forbids Civil War 4. Rehoboam's Prosperity 5. Shishak's ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

Prosperous (26 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Tending to prosperity; favoring; favorable;
helpful. 2. (a.) Being prospered; advancing in the ...
/p/prosperous.htm - 14k

Leaf (20 Occurrences)
... 13; Dan. 4:12, 14, 21; Mark 11:13; 13:28). The fresh leaf is a symbol of
prosperity (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezek. 47:12); the ...
/l/leaf.htm - 16k

Well-being (19 Occurrences)
... (n.) The state or condition of being well; welfare; happiness; prosperity; as,
virtue is essential to the well-being of men or of society. ...
/w/well-being.htm - 11k

Resources

What does the Bible say about prosperity? | GotQuestions.org

Are all prosperity preachers charlatans and/or false teachers? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | GotQuestions.org

Prosperity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Prosperity (66 Occurrences)

Acts 19:25
He called his workmen together, and others who were engaged in similar trades, and said to them, "You men well know that our prosperity depends on this business of ours;
(WEY NAS)

Philippians 4:12
I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
(See NAS)

James 1:11
The sun rises with his scorching heat and dries up the herbage, so that its flowers drop off and the beauty of its appearance perishes, and in the same way rich men with all their prosperity will fade away.
(WEY)

Deuteronomy 23:6
You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 28:11
Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give you.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 28:47
Because you didn't serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things;
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 30:15
Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil;
(See NAS NIV)

1 Samuel 2:32
You shall see the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in your house forever.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 25:6
And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
(KJV ASV WBS)

2 Samuel 11:7
and Uriah cometh unto him, and David asketh of the prosperity of Joab, and of the prosperity of the people, and of the prosperity of the war.
(YLT)

1 Kings 10:7
However I didn't believe the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it. Behold, the half was not told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Ezra 9:12
now therefore don't give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters to your sons, nor seek their peace or their prosperity forever; that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Nehemiah 1:11
I beseech Thee, O Lord, let, I pray Thee, Thine ear be attentive unto the prayer of Thy servant, and unto the prayer of Thy servants, those delighting to fear Thy Name; and give prosperity, I pray Thee, to Thy servant to-day, and give him for mercies before this man;' and I have been butler to the king.
(YLT)

Nehemiah 2:20
And I return them word, and say to them, 'The God of the heavens -- He doth give prosperity to us, and we His servants rise and have built; and to you there is no portion, and right, and memorial in Jerusalem.'
(YLT)

Job 5:11
Setting up on high those that are low; and mourners are exalted to prosperity.
(DBY)

Job 15:21
A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Job 20:21
There was nothing left that he didn't devour, therefore his prosperity shall not endure.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Job 21:13
They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Job 21:16
Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Job 21:23
One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
(See RSV)

Job 22:21
"Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you.
(See NIV)

Job 30:15
Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.
(See NAS RSV)

Job 36:11
If they listen and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 25:13
His soul shall dwell at ease; And his seed shall inherit the land.
(See JPS DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 30:6
As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Psalms 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause. Yes, let them say continually, "Yahweh be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant!"
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Psalms 37:11
But the meek shall possess the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of prosperity.
(DBY NAS RSV)

Psalms 68:6
God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
(See JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)

Psalms 72:3
The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
(WEB RSV NIV)

Psalms 72:7
In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
(See NIV)

Psalms 73:3
For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 106:5
that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 118:25
Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Psalms 122:7
Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Psalms 122:9
Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will be working for your good.
(See NIV)

Psalms 128:2
You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you.
(See NIV)

Psalms 128:5
May the Lord send you blessing out of Zion: may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Proverbs 3:2
For they will give you increase of days, years of life, and peace.
(See NIV)

Proverbs 8:18
With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.
(WEB RSV NIV)

Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 16:20
He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
(WEB)

Proverbs 17:20
One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
(WEB)

Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
(See JPS NIV)

Ecclesiastes 6:3
If a man has a hundred children, and his life is long so that the days of his years are great in number, but his soul takes no pleasure in good, and he is not honoured at his death; I say that a birth before its time is better than he.
(See NIV)

Ecclesiastes 6:6
And though he goes on living a thousand years twice over and does not see good, are not the two going to the same place?
(See NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Isaiah 10:27
And it hath come to pass, in that day, Turned is his burden from off thy shoulder, And his yoke from off thy neck, And destroyed hath been the yoke, because of prosperity.
(YLT)

Isaiah 24:15
Therefore in prosperity honour ye Jehovah, In isles of the sea, the name of Jehovah, God of Israel.
(YLT)

Isaiah 45:7
I am the giver of light and the maker of the dark; causing blessing, and sending troubles; I am the Lord, who does all these things.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 54:13
And all your builders will be made wise by the Lord; and great will be the peace of your children.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 66:12
For the Lord says, See, I will make her peace like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, and she will take her children in her arms, gently caring for them on her knees.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 2:37
Also from this thou goest out, And thy hands on thy head, For Jehovah hath kicked at thy confidences, And thou dost not give prosperity to them!
(YLT)

Jeremiah 17:6
For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.
(See NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 22:21
I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear. This has been your manner from your youth, that you didn't obey my voice.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 29:7
Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you shall have peace.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 32:42
For thus saith the LORD: Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 33:9
And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
(KJV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 39:16
Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before you in that day.
(See NAS NIV)

Lamentations 3:17
You have removed my soul far off from peace; I forgot prosperity.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV)

Daniel 4:27
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
(See JPS NAS NIV)

Daniel 8:25
And through his cunning shall he cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he will magnify himself in his heart, and by prosperity will corrupt many; and he will stand up against the Prince of princes: but he shall be broken without hand.
(DBY)

Haggai 2:9
'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says Yahweh of Armies;'and in this place will I give peace,' says Yahweh of Armies."
(See RSV)

Zechariah 1:17
"Proclaim further, saying,'Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and Yahweh will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem."'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Zechariah 7:7
Aren't these the words which Yahweh proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and its cities around her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Subtopics

Prosperity

Prosperity: Dangers of

Prosperity: Design of

Prosperity: Evil Effects of

Prosperity: Forgetfulnesss of God In

Prosperity: from God

Prosperity: Pride In

Prosperity: Promised to the Righteous

Prosperity: The Prosperous People Despise the Unfortunate People

Related Terms

Peace (523 Occurrences)