Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "unequal" in the Bible often pertains to issues of fairness, justice, and righteousness, particularly in the context of weights and measures, relationships, and spiritual standing. The Bible emphasizes the importance of equality and fairness as reflections of God's character and His expectations for His people.Weights and Measures In the Old Testament, the use of unequal weights and measures is explicitly condemned as an abomination to the Lord. This is seen in passages such as Proverbs 20:10, "Unequal weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD." The use of dishonest scales was a common practice in ancient commerce, and it represented a broader principle of integrity and honesty in dealings with others. Leviticus 19:35-36 further instructs, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." Relationships and Partnerships The New Testament addresses the concept of being "unequally yoked" in relationships, particularly in the context of believers and unbelievers. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This metaphor of a yoke, which binds two animals together for plowing, illustrates the potential spiritual discord and conflict that can arise from such partnerships. The principle extends beyond marriage to any close association that might compromise a believer's values and commitment to Christ. Spiritual Standing The Bible also addresses the inequality of spiritual standing before God, emphasizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are made equal in their access to God's grace and salvation. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This spiritual equality underscores the unity and impartiality of God's kingdom, where distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender are transcended. Justice and Righteousness The theme of justice and righteousness is central to the biblical understanding of equality. God is portrayed as a just judge who does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). Believers are called to reflect this divine attribute in their own lives by acting justly and loving mercy (Micah 6:8). The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for social injustices and called for a return to equitable treatment of all people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. In summary, the biblical concept of "unequal" serves as a reminder of God's desire for fairness, integrity, and justice in all aspects of life. Whether in commerce, relationships, or spiritual matters, the call is to reflect God's character by upholding equality and righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Not equal; not matched; not of the same size, length, breadth, quantity, strength, talents, acquirements, age, station, or the like; as, the fingers are of unequal length; peers and commoners are unequal in rank.2. (a.) Ill balanced or matched; disproportioned; hence, not equitable; partial; unjust; unfair. 3. (a.) Not uniform; not equable; irregular; uneven; as, unequal pulsations; an unequal poem. 4. (a.) Not adequate or sufficient; inferior; as, the man was unequal to the emergency; the timber was unequal to the sudden strain. 5. (a.) Not having the two sides or the parts symmetrical. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia UNEQUALun-e'-kwal: Ezekiel 18:25, 29 for lo' thakhan, "not weighed," "illogical." "Unequally" in 2 Corinthians 6:14, in the phrase "unequally yoked," heterozugeo, is used of the yoking together of two animals of different kinds (compare the Septuagint of Leviticus 19:19). Strong's Hebrew 8505. takan -- to regulate, measure, estimate... 1), right (9), weighed (2), weighs (3). bear up, direct, be unequal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. A primitive root; to balance, ie ... /hebrew/8505.htm - 6k Library "Well," Said the Gaul, "I, for My Part, Though I am Unequal to So ... Other Capricious Features in the System the ??ons Unequal in ... That we must Give Ourselves to Humble Works when we are Unequal to ... The Rewards of the Trading Servants Whether Corporeal Things were Made on Account of God's Goodness? The Servants and the Pounds. Other Beings Besides God are in Scripture Called God this ... Whether we Ought to Love one Neighbor More than Another? Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination Whether the Inequality of Things is from God? Thesaurus Unequal (5 Occurrences)... not of the same size, length, breadth, quantity, strength, talents, acquirements, age, station, or the like; as, the fingers are of unequal length; peers and ... /u/unequal.htm - 8k Detests (7 Occurrences) Unjust (44 Occurrences) Disgusting (149 Occurrences) Equal (70 Occurrences) Unequaled (2 Occurrences) Unequally (1 Occurrence) Unenlightened (1 Occurrence) Unfair (1 Occurrence) Organ (6 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be unequally yoked? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about inequality? | GotQuestions.org Are men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.org Unequal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unequal (5 Occurrences)Genesis 32:31 Proverbs 20:10 Proverbs 20:23 Ezekiel 18:25 Ezekiel 18:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |