Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "scorch" in the Bible typically refers to the act of burning or drying up, often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or physical desolation. It is associated with intense heat and the damaging effects of the sun or fire. The concept of scorching is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing judgment, testing, and purification. Biblical References: 1. Parable of the Sower: In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus uses the imagery of scorching to describe the fate of seeds that fall on rocky ground. These seeds sprout quickly but wither under the sun because they lack deep roots. This is a metaphor for those who receive the word of God with joy but fall away when faced with trials or persecution. "But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." (Matthew 13:6) 2. Judgment and Desolation: Scorching is often used to depict divine judgment and the resulting desolation. In prophetic literature, the scorching heat is a symbol of God's wrath and the consequences of disobedience. "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish." (Deuteronomy 28:22) 3. Testing and Purification: The process of scorching can also symbolize the testing and purification of faith. Just as fire refines gold, spiritual trials can purify and strengthen a believer's faith. "For you, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver." (Psalm 66:10) 4. End Times Imagery: In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, scorching heat is part of the plagues that befall the earth as a sign of the end times. This serves as a warning and a call to repentance. "The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given power to scorch the people with fire." (Revelation 16:8) Theological Implications: · Judgment and Repentance: The imagery of scorching serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. It underscores the seriousness of divine judgment and the urgency of turning back to God. · Faith and Perseverance: The metaphor of scorching in the Parable of the Sower highlights the importance of deep spiritual roots. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a strong foundation in their faith to withstand trials and remain steadfast. · Purification and Growth: Scorching, as a form of testing, is seen as a necessary process for spiritual growth. It refines and purifies believers, drawing them closer to God and strengthening their faith. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the sun's intense heat was a familiar and powerful force. The agricultural societies of biblical times were acutely aware of the effects of scorching heat on crops and land. This cultural backdrop made the metaphor of scorching a vivid and relatable image for biblical audiences, effectively conveying messages of warning, judgment, and spiritual truth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To burn superficially; to parch, or shrivel, the surface of, by heat; to subject to so much heat as changes color and texture without consuming; as, to scorch linen.2. (v. t.) To affect painfully with heat, or as with heat; to dry up with heat; to affect as by heat. 3. (v. t.) To burn; to destroy by, or as by, fire. 4. (v. i.) To be burnt on the surface; to be parched; to be dried up. 5. (v. i.) To burn or be burnt. Greek 2739. kaumatizo -- to burn up ... to burn up. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kaumatizo Phonetic Spelling: (kow-mat-id'-zo) Short Definition: I burn, scorch Definition: I burn, scorch. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2739.htm - 6k 128. Aithiops -- Ethiopian Strong's Hebrew 7710. shadaph -- to scorch, blight... shadaph. 7711 . to scorch, blight. Transliteration: shadaph Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-daf') Short Definition: scorched. ... A primitive root; to scorch -- blast. ... /hebrew/7710.htm - 5k 3554. kavah -- to burn, scorch, brand 2760. charak -- perhaps to scorch, parch 6866a. tsarab -- to burn, scorch 2215. zarab -- to burn, scorch 6866. tsarab -- to burn, scorch 2761. charak -- to singe 7033. qalah -- to roast, parch 5467. Sedom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea Library Under the Apple Tree. "I Sat Down under his Shadow with Great ... The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church. Argument: Man Ought Indeed to Know Himself, but this Knowledge ... "It is the King's Chapel. " Amos vii. 13 The Love of the Brethren Meditations for the Sick. (On the Mysteries. Ii. ) The Fourth vial. Phial the Fourth, on the Sun of the Bestial Heaven. Pursues the Same Matter. Thesaurus Scorch (2 Occurrences)... superficially; to parch, or shrivel, the surface of, by heat; to subject to so much heat as changes color and texture without consuming; as, to scorch linen. ... /s/scorch.htm - 7k Scorched (21 Occurrences) Scope (3 Occurrences) Vial (12 Occurrences) Pour (137 Occurrences) Burn (206 Occurrences) Sear Overflow (43 Occurrences) Bowl (44 Occurrences) Allowed (64 Occurrences) Resources What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgScorch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scorch (2 Occurrences)Revelation 16:8 Isaiah 43:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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