Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "ray" in a biblical context is not directly mentioned in the scriptures. However, the concept of light, which a ray is a part of, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The word "ray" itself is derived from the Old French "rai," which means a beam or line of light. Biblical Significance: In the Bible, light is often used metaphorically to represent purity, truth, and the presence of God. A ray, as a part of light, can be seen as a symbol of divine revelation and guidance. The imagery of light is prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating God's holiness and the illumination of His truth to humanity. Scriptural References: 1. Creation and Light: In the account of creation, light is the first thing God creates. Genesis 1:3 states, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This passage underscores the foundational role of light in God's creation, symbolizing order and life emerging from chaos and darkness. 2. God as Light: The Bible frequently describes God Himself as light. In 1 John 1:5 , it is written, "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." This verse highlights the purity and perfection of God, with light representing His unblemished nature. 3. Jesus as the Light of the World: Jesus Christ is referred to as the "light of the world," a title that signifies His role in bringing spiritual illumination and salvation. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." Here, the light is a metaphor for the truth and life that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him. 4. Guidance and Revelation: Light, and by extension rays of light, are often used to symbolize divine guidance and revelation. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the role of God's word in providing direction and clarity in the believer's life. 5. The Transfiguration: During the Transfiguration of Jesus, His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:2). This event is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and glory, with the rays of light symbolizing His heavenly majesty. Theological Implications: The concept of light, and by extension rays of light, is deeply embedded in Christian theology. It represents the presence and action of God in the world, the revelation of His truth, and the moral and spiritual enlightenment that comes from a relationship with Him. Believers are called to walk in the light, reflecting God's holiness and truth in their lives. Practical Application: Christians are encouraged to be "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), living in a way that reflects the light of Christ to the world. This involves embracing truth, righteousness, and love, and rejecting the darkness of sin and ignorance. The imagery of light serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence in the believer's life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To array.2. (v. t.) To mark, stain, or soil; to streak; to defile. 3. (n.) Array; order; arrangement; dress. 4. (n.) One of a number of lines or parts diverging from a common point or center, like the radii of a circle; as, a star of six rays. 5. (n.) A radiating part of a flower or plant; the marginal florets of a compound flower, as an aster or a sunflower; one of the pedicels of an umbel or other circular flower cluster; radius. See Radius. 6. (n.) One of the radiating spines, or cartilages, supporting the fins of fishes. 7. (n.) One of the spheromeres of a radiate, especially one of the arms of a starfish or an ophiuran. 8. (n.) A line of light or heat proceeding from a radiant or reflecting point; a single element of light or heat propagated continuously; as, a solar ray; a polarized ray. 9. (n.) One of the component elements of the total radiation from a body; any definite or limited portion of the spectrum; as, the red ray; the violet ray. 10. (n.) Sight; perception; vision; -- from an old theory of vision, that sight was something which proceeded from the eye to the object seen. 11. (n.) One of a system of diverging lines passing through a point, and regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions. See Half-ray. 12. (n.) To mark with long lines; to streak. 13. (n.) To send forth or shoot out; to cause to shine out; as, to ray smiles. 14. (v. i.) To shine, as with rays. 15. (n.) Any one of numerous elasmobranch fishes of the order Raiae, including the skates, torpedoes, sawfishes, etc. 16. (n.) In a restricted sense, any of the broad, flat, narrow-tailed species, as the skates and sting rays. See Skate. Greek 1506. eilikrines -- judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure ... Word Origin of uncertain origin, perhaps from heile (the sun's ray) and krino Definition judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure NASB Word Usage sincere (2). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1506.htm - 7k 1516. eirenikos -- peaceful 2602. katabole -- a laying down 4551. Sapphire -- Sapphira, a Christian woman 2956. Kurenaios -- of Cyrene 1517. eirenopoieo -- to make peace 5084. teresis -- a watching, hence imprisonment, a keeping 1515. eirene -- one, peace, quietness, rest. 3916. parachrema -- instantly 671. apochresis -- abuse, misuse Strong's Hebrew 7453. rea -- friend, companion, fellowrea or rea. 7452, 7453. rea or rea. 7454 . friend, companion, fellow. Transliteration: rea or rea Phonetic Spelling: (ray'-ah) Short Definition: neighbor. ... /hebrew/7453.htm - 6k 6981. Qore -- "crier," two Levites 7381. reyach -- to smell, perceive odor 3373. yare -- afraid, fearful 3394. yareach -- moon 7382. reach -- a smell 4095. madregah -- steep place, a steep 4828. merea -- friend, companion 7225. reshith -- beginning, chief 7143. Qareach -- "bald one," a man of Judah Library The Ray and the Reflection Though the Son or Word of God Emanates from the Father, He is Not ... Letter R But Having Asserted that Our Religion is Supported by the Writings ... Introduction. Geo. H. Stewart visits a Doomed Criminal. Of the Christian Religion, and of the Union of Jesus with the ... Jesus Confined in the Subterranean Prison. The First Order of Production Maintained by the Heretics is ... To My Fellow Presbyter, Timothy, Dionysius the Presbyter. Thesaurus Ray (2 Occurrences)... A line of light or heat proceeding from a radiant or reflecting point; a single element of light or heat propagated continuously; as, a solar ray; a polarized ... /r/ray.htm - 8k Beam (17 Occurrences) Sting (5 Occurrences) Vanishing (3 Occurrences) Gale (8 Occurrences) Gleam (5 Occurrences) Incident (5 Occurrences) Terrific (1 Occurrence) Ring (33 Occurrences) Rawboned (1 Occurrence) Resources Is the 'Way of the Master' evangelism method biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the idea of Mars colonization? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org Ray: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ray (2 Occurrences)Acts 27:20 Amos 5:20 Subtopics Related Terms |