In the context of biblical literature, the concept of "seeming" often pertains to appearances versus reality, highlighting the distinction between what is perceived externally and what is true internally. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where God frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart over outward appearances.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable references to the idea of seeming versus reality is found in 1 Samuel 16:7. When Samuel is sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, God instructs him, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This passage underscores the divine perspective that values inner character over external attributes.

The book of Proverbs also addresses the theme of seeming, particularly in the context of wisdom and folly. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" . This highlights the potential deception of human judgment and the importance of aligning one's understanding with God's truth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently challenges the Pharisees and religious leaders for their focus on outward appearances. In Matthew 23:27-28, He declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" . Here, Jesus condemns the discrepancy between external piety and internal corruption.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of seeming in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, he warns the church about false apostles, stating, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" . This serves as a caution against being deceived by appearances and emphasizes the need for discernment.

Theological Implications

The biblical theme of seeming versus reality carries significant theological implications. It calls believers to cultivate authenticity and integrity, ensuring that their external actions align with their internal convictions. The Scriptures consistently teach that God values the heart and desires truth in the innermost being (Psalm 51:6).

Furthermore, the concept of seeming challenges individuals to seek divine wisdom and guidance, recognizing the limitations of human perception. It encourages a reliance on God's Word and Spirit to discern truth from falsehood, appearance from reality.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the biblical teaching on seeming invites Christians to examine their own lives for areas where they may be prioritizing appearances over genuine faith and obedience. It encourages a focus on spiritual growth and transformation, rather than mere external conformity.

Additionally, this theme serves as a reminder to approach others with grace and understanding, recognizing that outward appearances may not fully reflect the complexities of an individual's heart and circumstances.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Seem.

2. (a.) Having a semblance, whether with or without reality; apparent; specious; befitting; as, seeming friendship; seeming truth.

3. (n.) Appearance; show; semblance; fair appearance; speciousness.

4. (n.) Apprehension; judgment.

2470. isos -- equal
... agree, as much, equal, like. Probably from eido (through the idea of seeming); similar
(in amount and kind) -- + agree, as much, equal, like. see GREEK eido. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2470.htm - 7k

3861. paradoxos -- contrary to opinion or expectation
... strange. From para and doxa (in the sense of seeming); contrary to expectation,
ie Extraordinary ("paradox") -- strange. see GREEK para. see GREEK doxa. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3861.htm - 6k

Proofs that the Union was Without Confusion.
... And if all this did not come to pass in mere phantasy and seeming, then they admit
of neither phantasy nor seeming; then what was seen was truly a body. ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/proofs that the union was.htm

Want of Universality in the Knowledge and Reception of ...
... If the dispensation in question labour under no defects but what apparently belong
to other dispensations, these seeming defects do not justify us in setting ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi want of universality.htm

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace ...
... III. First, They allege, That those places mentioned of making shipwreck of faith,
are only to be understood of seeming faith, and not of a real true faith. ...
/.../proposition ix concerning perseverance and.htm

Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
... Importunity is made up of intensity, perseverance, patience and persistence. The
seeming delay in answering prayer is the ground and the demand of importunity. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vii prayer and importunity continued.htm

Grace and Glory
... It is by the seeming insignificance thereof, by the seeming non-necessity, by the
seeming humbleness of its circumstances, by the seeming smallness of its ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxv grace and glory.htm

Concerning Things Performed in the Muron, and Concerning Things ...
... Wherefore, as becomes their character, they do neither love things, merely seeming
good and just, but those really being such; nor do they look to opinion ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput iv i concerning things.htm

1 John i. 6, 7
... the tests, whether the claim to such a fellowship be true or false,"whether the
Christianity which is professed be a true, or merely a seeming and pretended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john i 6 7.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... at first in amazed silence; but finally made answer, "Yea, I have sinned; but I
entreat thy Holiness to pardon me." Even after this seeming acknowledgment of ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

Christ Alone is Able to Teach Divine Things, and to Redeem Us: He ...
... 2. Vain indeed are those who allege that He appeared in mere seeming. For these
things were not done in appearance only, but in actual reality. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter i christ alone is able.htm

Now those who Take a Superficial and Unreflecting view of Things ...
... nature of beauty, we see, again, that the man of half-grown intelligence, when he
observes an object which is bathed in the glow of a seeming beauty, thinks ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xi now those who.htm

Seeming (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Having a semblance, whether with or without reality; apparent; specious;
befitting; as, seeming friendship; seeming truth. ...Seeming (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/seeming.htm - 7k

Seemeth (36 Occurrences)

/s/seemeth.htm - 18k

Forget (77 Occurrences)
... It is also used of God forgetting or not seeming to care (Psalm 9:12; Psalm
10:11, 12; 13:01; 42:09:00; 77:9 Isaiah 49:15, etc.). ...
/f/forget.htm - 31k

Fettered (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain
animals which bend backward, and appear unfit for walking. ...
/f/fettered.htm - 7k

Forgetful (4 Occurrences)
... It is also used of God forgetting or not seeming to care (Psalm 9:12; Psalm
10:11, 12; 13:01; 42:09:00; 77:9 Isaiah 49:15, etc.). ...
/f/forgetful.htm - 10k

Front (327 Occurrences)
... countenance, or personal presence, as expressive of character or temper, and especially,
of boldness of disposition, sometimes of impudence; seeming; as, a ...
/f/front.htm - 37k

Requesting (49 Occurrences)
... your approval, but we are giving you the chance of taking pride in us, so that you
may be able to give an answer to those whose glory is in seeming, and not in ...
/r/requesting.htm - 21k

Readily (22 Occurrences)
... which is from heaven is first holy, then gentle, readily giving way in argument,
full of peace and mercy and good works, not doubting, not seeming other than ...
/r/readily.htm - 13k

Dissemble (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To disguise or conceal one's true nature; to hide under a false semblance
or seeming; to feign (something) not to be what it really is; to put an ...
/d/dissemble.htm - 7k

Dragon (20 Occurrences)
... dragon; Draco. 4. (n.) A luminous exhalation from marshy grounds, seeming
to move through the air as a winged serpent. 5. (n.) A ...
/d/dragon.htm - 56k

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