Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the word "standard" often refers to a banner, ensign, or flag used for rallying troops, signaling, or representing a tribe or group. The concept of a standard is rich with symbolic meaning throughout the Scriptures, serving as a physical representation of identity, unity, and divine guidance.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the term "standard" is frequently associated with the organization and movement of the Israelite tribes, particularly during their wilderness journey. Each tribe had its own standard, which helped maintain order and structure among the people. Numbers 2:2 states, "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family." The standards served not only as practical tools for organization but also as symbols of the tribes' unique identities and their covenant relationship with God. The standards were likely adorned with emblems or symbols that represented each tribe's heritage and divine calling. Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery Beyond their practical use, standards carry significant symbolic and prophetic meaning in the Bible. In Isaiah 11:10 , the prophet speaks of a future time when a "root of Jesse" will stand as a banner for the peoples: "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious." This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, with the "Root of Jesse" referring to Jesus Christ, who would draw all nations to Himself. Similarly, in Isaiah 49:22 , God declares, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders.'" Here, the standard or banner symbolizes God's call to the nations and His promise of restoration and inclusion for His people. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "standard" in the same military or tribal sense as the Old Testament, the concept of a standard as a rallying point or symbol of faith remains relevant. Jesus Christ Himself is seen as the ultimate standard or banner for believers, drawing people from all nations to the truth of the Gospel. In John 12:32 , Jesus says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." This statement can be understood as a reference to His crucifixion, where He becomes the ultimate standard of salvation and hope for humanity. Conclusion The biblical concept of a standard encompasses both practical and profound spiritual dimensions. It serves as a reminder of God's order, identity, and promises to His people, ultimately pointing to the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus Christ. Through the imagery of standards, believers are called to rally around the truth of the Gospel and find their identity and unity in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A flag; colors; a banner; especially, a national or other ensign.2. (n.) That which is established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality; esp., the original specimen weight or measure sanctioned by government, as the standard pound, gallon, or yard. 3. (n.) That which is established as a rule or model by authority, custom, or general consent; criterion; test. 4. (n.) The proportion of weights of fine metal and alloy established by authority. 5. (n.) A tree of natural size supported by its own stem, and not dwarfed by grafting on the stock of a smaller species nor trained upon a wall or trellis. 6. (n.) The upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corolla. 7. (n.) An upright support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing. 8. (n.) An inverted knee timber placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, with its vertical branch turned upward from that which lies horizontally. 9. (n.) The sheth of a plow. 10. (n.) A large drinking cup. 11. (a.) Being, affording, or according with, a standard for comparison and judgment; as, standard time; standard weights and measures; a standard authority as to nautical terms; standard gold or silver. 12. (a.) Hence: Having a recognized and permanent value; as, standard works in history; standard authors. 13. (a.) Not supported by, or fastened to, a wall; as, standard fruit trees. 14. (a.) Not of the dwarf kind; as, a standard pear tree. Greek 2583. kanon -- a rule, standard ... a rule, standard. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kanon Phonetic Spelling: (kan-ohn') Short Definition: rule, regulation, province Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2583.htm - 7k 3358. metron -- a measure 1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent 3007. leipo -- to leave, leave behind 1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous 1341. dikaiokrisia -- righteous judgment 4715. stater -- a stater (a coin) 5296. hupotuposis -- an outline, sketch, fig. an example 433. aneko -- to be fit, be proper 3354. metreo -- to measure, measure out Strong's Hebrew 5251. nes -- a standard, ensign, signal, sign... 5250, 5251. nes. 5252 . a standard, ensign, signal, sign. Transliteration: nes Phonetic Spelling: (nace) Short Definition: standard. ... /hebrew/5251.htm - 6k 1714. degel -- a standard, banner 1713b. dagal -- to carry or set up a standard or banner 5127. nus -- to flee, escape 5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on 8447. tor -- a plait, turn 4060a. middah -- measure, measurement, stature, size, a garment 4941. mishpat -- judgment 4060. middah -- measure, measurement, stature, size, a garment 4971. mathkoneth -- measurement, tally, proportion Library A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans Now ... The Making of the Standard of the Cross. It is the Ultimate Standard for Regulating Conduct. October the Twenty-Second the True Standard of Greatness Standard Expositions of the Roman Catholic System. We must Observe a Right Standard Between Too Great Mildness and ... Called to Reach a Higher Standard Prayer and a Definite Religious Standard Conclusion by the Editor. Tokens of Love from Many. Keeps Writing. ... The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living Thesaurus Standard (42 Occurrences)... for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality; esp., the original specimen weight or measure sanctioned by government, as the standard pound, gallon ... /s/standard.htm - 21k Standard-bearer (1 Occurrence) Sojourner (81 Occurrences) Kindness (295 Occurrences) Kine (24 Occurrences) Sect (10 Occurrences) Skill (26 Occurrences) Shew (226 Occurrences) Skilful (38 Occurrences) Show (1340 Occurrences) Resources What is the American Standard Version (ASV)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the English Standard Version (ESV)? | GotQuestions.org What is the New American Standard Bible (NASB)? | GotQuestions.org Standard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Standard (42 Occurrences)Matthew 7:2 Mark 4:24 Luke 6:38 Acts 22:12 Romans 6:17 2 Corinthians 8:8 Ephesians 3:19 Philippians 3:16 2 Timothy 1:13 Genesis 23:16 Leviticus 24:22 Numbers 1:52 Numbers 2:2 Numbers 2:3 Numbers 2:10 Numbers 2:17 Numbers 2:18 Numbers 2:25 Numbers 2:31 Numbers 10:14 Numbers 10:18 Numbers 10:22 Numbers 10:25 Numbers 21:8 Numbers 21:9 2 Samuel 14:26 1 Chronicles 17:17 2 Chronicles 3:3 Isaiah 5:26 Isaiah 10:18 Isaiah 11:12 Isaiah 13:2 Isaiah 18:3 Isaiah 31:9 Isaiah 59:19 Isaiah 62:10 Jeremiah 4:6 Jeremiah 4:21 Jeremiah 50:2 Jeremiah 51:12 Jeremiah 51:27 Ezekiel 45:11 Subtopics Standard: An Ensign Used by Each of the Tribes of Israel in Camping and Marching Standard: Used: To Call Attention to News Standard: Used: To Direct the Route to Cities Which Were Well Defended Related Terms |