Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "qualify" often relates to the idea of being deemed suitable or fit for a particular role, task, or blessing. This notion is deeply intertwined with themes of divine calling, spiritual readiness, and moral integrity.Divine Calling and Qualification The Bible frequently illustrates that God qualifies individuals for His purposes, often choosing those who may seem unqualified by worldly standards. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 , Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence." This passage underscores the principle that God’s criteria for qualification often defy human expectations, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace. Spiritual Readiness The New Testament emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and maturity as qualifications for service in the Kingdom of God. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul advises Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." Here, the qualification involves diligent study and correct teaching of Scripture, highlighting the necessity of preparation and integrity in ministry. Moral and Ethical Qualifications Moral and ethical qualifications are also significant in the biblical narrative. Leaders within the church, such as elders and deacons, are expected to meet specific moral standards. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." These qualifications emphasize character and conduct as essential for those in positions of spiritual authority. Faith as a Qualification Faith itself is a critical qualification for receiving God’s promises. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," recounts numerous instances where faith qualified individuals to receive God’s blessings and fulfill His purposes. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This underscores faith as a fundamental qualification for a relationship with God. Grace and Qualification Ultimately, the Bible teaches that it is by God’s grace that believers are qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints. Colossians 1:12 expresses this truth: "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light." This passage highlights that qualification for eternal life and participation in God’s Kingdom is not based on human merit but on divine grace. In summary, the biblical concept of qualification encompasses divine calling, spiritual readiness, moral integrity, faith, and grace. These elements collectively illustrate how God prepares and empowers individuals for His purposes, often in ways that transcend human understanding and expectations. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make such as is required; to give added or requisite qualities to; to fit, as for a place, office, occupation, or character; to furnish with the knowledge, skill, or other accomplishment necessary for a purpose; to make capable, as of an employment or privilege; to supply with legal power or capacity.2. (v. t.) To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate. 3. (v. t.) To reduce from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to restrain; as, to qualify a statement, claim, or proposition. 4. (v. t.) Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors. 5. (v. t.) To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. 6. (v. i.) To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or employment. 7. (v. i.) To obtain legal power or capacity by taking the oath, or complying with the forms required, on assuming an office. Greek 2427. hikanoo -- to make sufficient ... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hikanoo Phonetic Spelling: (hik-an-o'-o) Short Definition: I make sufficient Definition: I make sufficient, render fit, qualify ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2427.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1961. hayah -- to fall out, come to pass, become, be... marry* (4), marrying* (1), numbered (1), occur (7), occurred (3), occurs (3), own (3), placed (1), possessed* (1), present (1), pressed* (1), qualify (2), ran ... /hebrew/1961.htm - 8k Library Question Lxxxii of Devotion Whether the Just Man Alone May Eat Christ Sacramentally? Whether an Angel Loves Another with Natural Love as He Loves ... Grace for Service. Whether the Four Cardinal virtues Differ from one Another? The Truth of God The Choice of Pursuits. Believe and be Saved Moral Government. Concerning Justification. Thesaurus Qualify (2 Occurrences)... from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to restrain; as, to qualify a statement ... /q/qualify.htm - 8k Qualities (7 Occurrences) Qualified (5 Occurrences) Justify (19 Occurrences) Fit (47 Occurrences) Temper (14 Occurrences) Manifold (23 Occurrences) Mollify Prepare (199 Occurrences) Condition (38 Occurrences) Resources How could David be considered a man after God's own heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a vice? | GotQuestions.org What are the biblical qualifications for apostleship? | GotQuestions.org Qualify: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Qualify (2 Occurrences)Exodus 40:15 Numbers 8:11 Subtopics Related Terms |