Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Superiority, in a biblical context, refers to the state of being higher in rank, quality, or importance. It is often associated with the divine nature of God, the preeminence of Christ, and the moral and spiritual excellence expected of believers. The concept of superiority is not about human pride or arrogance but about recognizing the rightful place of God and His order in creation. Divine Superiority: The Bible consistently affirms the superiority of God over all creation. God's sovereignty, wisdom, and power are unmatched, as seen in passages like Isaiah 55:8-9 : "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This divine superiority is foundational to understanding God's authority and the reverence due to Him. Christ's Superiority: The New Testament emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 1:3-4 states, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs." Christ's superiority is evident in His role as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, surpassing all angelic beings and any other spiritual entities. Moral and Spiritual Superiority: Believers are called to a life of moral and spiritual superiority, not in a sense of self-exaltation, but in living according to God's standards. Philippians 2:3 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This call to humility and service reflects the true nature of superiority in the Christian life, where greatness is measured by one's likeness to Christ and service to others. Superiority in Wisdom and Understanding: The Bible also speaks of the superiority of divine wisdom over human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the importance of relying on God's superior wisdom rather than human intellect. Superiority in the Kingdom of God: In the Kingdom of God, the concept of superiority is often inverted from worldly standards. Jesus taught that the greatest in the Kingdom are those who serve others. Matthew 20:26-28 records Jesus saying, "It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Conclusion: The biblical concept of superiority is deeply rooted in the character of God, the preeminence of Christ, and the call for believers to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness and love. It challenges human notions of power and status, urging a life of humility, service, and reliance on divine wisdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The quality, state, or condition of being superior; as, superiority of rank; superiority in merit.Greek 5236. huperbole -- a throwing beyond, excess, superiority ... a throwing beyond, excess, superiority. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: huperbole Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-er-bol-ay') Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5236.htm - 7k 5247. huperoche -- a projection, eminence 5242. huperecho -- to hold above, to rise above, to be superior 5309. hupselophroneo -- to be high-minded Strong's Hebrew 3148. yother -- superiority, advantage, excess... 3147, 3148. yother. 3149 . superiority, advantage, excess. Transliteration: yother Phonetic Spelling: (yo-thare') Short Definition: advantage. ... /hebrew/3148.htm - 6k 3499. yether -- remainder, excess, preeminence 4195. mothar -- abundance, preeminence 4928. mishmaath -- an obedient band, body of subjects 4609. ma'alah -- what comes up 4912. mashal -- a proverb, parable Library Superiority of the Scriptures. Superiority of the Christian Doctrine Respecting God. The Stoics; their Superiority in Logic; Fatalists; their Doctrine ... Superiority of Christian Morality. All Acknowledge the Superiority of Unchangeable Wisdom to that ... Other Capricious Features in the System the ??ons Unequal in ... Hebrews i. 1, 2 Question on the Religious State 'A Greater than Jonas' Hebrews v. 3-Jan Thesaurus Superiority (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality, state, or condition of being superior; as, superiority of rank; superiority in merit. ...Superiority (3 Occurrences). ... /s/superiority.htm - 7k Superior (18 Occurrences) Mastery (5 Occurrences) Preeminence (5 Occurrences) Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Vie (2 Occurrences) Over (11971 Occurrences) Excel (12 Occurrences) Melchizedek (12 Occurrences) Patriarchs (6 Occurrences) Resources What is Shintoism? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the House of Yahweh? | GotQuestions.org Superiority: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Superiority (3 Occurrences)Romans 3:1 1 Corinthians 2:1 1 Corinthians 4:7 Subtopics Related Terms |