Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "smooth" is often used both literally and metaphorically, conveying various meanings depending on the context. The word appears in descriptions of physical objects, speech, and character traits, each carrying its own theological and moral implications.1. Physical Description: The term "smooth" is used to describe surfaces that are even and free from roughness. In Genesis 27:11, Jacob expresses concern to his mother Rebekah about deceiving his father Isaac, saying, "But my brother Esau is a hairy man, while I am a smooth man." Here, "smooth" refers to the texture of Jacob's skin, contrasting with Esau's hairiness. This physical description plays a crucial role in the narrative of Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing, highlighting themes of deception and identity. 2. Speech and Deception: Smoothness in speech often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit and flattery. In Psalm 55:21, the psalmist laments, "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords." This verse illustrates the danger of smooth words that mask malicious intent, warning believers to be discerning of those who use flattery for manipulation. 3. Moral and Ethical Implications: The Bible frequently warns against those who use smooth words to lead others astray. In Romans 16:18, Paul cautions the church, "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." This admonition underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to adhere to sound doctrine, as smooth talkers may distort the truth for personal gain. 4. Contrast with Righteousness: The concept of smoothness is often juxtaposed with the straightforwardness and integrity expected of the righteous. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Here, smooth, flattering speech is contrasted with the honest and upright communication that characterizes a life of righteousness. 5. Symbolism and Imagery: In prophetic literature, smoothness can symbolize false security and misplaced trust. Isaiah 30:10-11 describes a rebellious people who say to the seers, "Do not see visions," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us the truth. Speak to us pleasant things, prophesy illusions." The desire for smooth, comforting messages rather than the hard truth reflects a rejection of God's guidance and a preference for self-deception. In summary, the biblical use of "smooth" serves as a multifaceted term that can describe physical attributes, speech, and moral character. It often carries a cautionary tone, warning against deception and encouraging believers to seek truth and integrity in their interactions and spiritual lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain.2. (superl.) Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair. 3. (superl.) Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream. 4. (superl.) Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent. 5. (superl.) Bland; mild; smoothing. 6. (superl.) Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless. 7. (adv.) Smoothly. 8. (n.) The act of making smooth; a stroke which smoothes. 9. (n.) That which is smooth; the smooth part of anything. 10. (v.) To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron. 11. (v.) To free from obstruction; to make easy. 12. (v.) To free from harshness; to make flowing. 13. (v.) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault. 14. (v.) To give a smooth or calm appearance to. 15. (v.) To ease; to regulate. 16. (v. i.) To flatter; to use blandishment. Greek 3006. leios -- smooth ... smooth. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: leios Phonetic Spelling: (li'-os) Short Definition: smooth, level Definition: smooth, level, plain. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3006.htm - 6k 5542. chrestologia -- smooth speech 5586. psephos -- a small smooth stone, a pebble 3582. xestes -- a sextarius (about a pint), a pitcher (of wood or ... 5259. hupo -- by, under 1813. exaleipho -- to wipe out, erase, obliterate 858. aphelotes -- simplicity 3756. ou, ouk, ouch -- not, no Strong's Hebrew 2512. challuq -- smooth... smooth. Transliteration: challuq Phonetic Spelling: (khal-look') Short Definition: smooth. Word Origin from chalaq Definition smooth NASB Word Usage smooth (1). ... /hebrew/2512.htm - 6k 3474. yashar -- to be smooth, straight, or right 2509. chalaq -- smooth 2511. challaq -- smooth 2513b. chelqah -- smooth part, smoothness, flattery 4452. malats -- probably to be smooth or slippery 4803. marat -- to make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish 2510. Chalaq -- "smooth," a mountain South of the Dead Sea 8205. shephi -- bareness, a smooth or bare height 6245a. ashath -- to be smooth or shiny Library Against Men who Embellish Themselves. Of the Sparkling Stone, and of the New Name Written in the Book of ... The Song of Two Cities The victory of Unarmed Faith The Two Sons. Practical Hints for Speakers Transcriber's Note What Yokes are For On Sleep. Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of this Superstitious ... Thesaurus Smooth (39 Occurrences)... 1. (superl.) Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth... /s/smooth.htm - 18k Smooth-skinned (2 Occurrences) Smooth-sounding (1 Occurrence) Sleek (7 Occurrences) Glossy (2 Occurrences) Table (125 Occurrences) Polish (1 Occurrence) Halak (2 Occurrences) Lizard (3 Occurrences) File (1 Occurrence) Resources Why did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.org What is false doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Smooth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Smooth (39 Occurrences)Luke 3:5 Romans 16:18 Genesis 27:11 Genesis 27:16 Joshua 11:17 Joshua 12:7 1 Samuel 17:40 2 Samuel 22:33 Job 37:18 Psalms 5:9 Psalms 12:2 Psalms 12:3 Psalms 36:2 Psalms 55:21 Psalms 65:10 Proverbs 2:16 Proverbs 6:24 Proverbs 7:5 Proverbs 7:21 Proverbs 11:5 Proverbs 26:23 Proverbs 26:28 Proverbs 28:23 Proverbs 29:5 Song of Songs 5:14 Isaiah 9:10 Isaiah 18:2 Isaiah 26:7 Isaiah 30:10 Isaiah 40:3 Isaiah 41:7 Isaiah 42:16 Isaiah 45:2 Isaiah 45:13 Isaiah 57:6 Jeremiah 23:31 Ezekiel 12:24 Ezekiel 29:18 Daniel 11:32 Subtopics Related Terms |