Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "vanishing" in the Bible often relates to the transient nature of life, the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, and the sudden disappearance of individuals or events as part of divine intervention or judgment. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the contrast between the temporal and the eternal.Transience of Life The Bible frequently uses imagery of vanishing to describe the brevity and uncertainty of human life. In James 4:14 , it is written, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse underscores the ephemeral nature of human existence, likening life to a mist that quickly dissipates. Similarly, Psalm 144:4 states, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow," reinforcing the idea that life is fleeting and should be lived with an awareness of its temporary nature. Worldly Pursuits The vanishing of worldly pursuits and material wealth is another theme found in Scripture. Proverbs 23:5 warns, "When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky." This proverb highlights the instability and impermanence of riches, urging believers to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary gains. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in 1 John 2:17 : "The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." Divine Intervention and Judgment Instances of vanishing in the Bible also occur through divine intervention or judgment. In the account of Lot's wife, Genesis 19:26 recounts, "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." Her sudden transformation serves as a warning against disobedience and attachment to sinful ways. Similarly, in Acts 8:39 , after Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, "the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing." This miraculous vanishing illustrates God's sovereign power and the mysterious ways He accomplishes His purposes. Eternal Perspective The theme of vanishing ultimately points believers toward an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 , Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This verse encourages Christians to focus on the eternal realities of God's kingdom rather than the fleeting nature of earthly life. In summary, the concept of vanishing in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of life's transience, the futility of worldly pursuits, and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Through various passages, Scripture calls believers to trust in God's eternal promises and to live in obedience to His will, knowing that what is unseen and eternal far outweighs the temporary and visible. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Vanish.Greek 854. aphanismos -- a vanishing ... a vanishing. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: aphanismos Phonetic Spelling: (af-an-is-mos') Short Definition: disappearing, disappearance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/854.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2475. chaloph -- a passing away, vanishing... 2474, 2475. chaloph. 2476 . a passing away, vanishing. Transliteration: chaloph Phonetic Spelling: (khal-ofe') Short Definition: unfortunate. ... /hebrew/2475.htm - 6k 5769. olam -- long duration, antiquity, futurity Library The vision of God. The Name of God The Shadow of Disappointment. "And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ... Striking Similes The Soul of Prayer Preliminary Out of the Deep of Death. Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through ... When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting ... Thesaurus Vanishing (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Vanishing (3 Occurrences). ... But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away. (WEB ASV). ... /v/vanishing.htm - 7k Vanities (14 Occurrences) Vanish (21 Occurrences) Vanisheth (2 Occurrences) Logos Gomer (7 Occurrences) Gale (8 Occurrences) Grows (46 Occurrences) Growing (31 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org How can I be prepared to die? | GotQuestions.org Vanishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vanishing (3 Occurrences)Acts 27:20 Hebrews 8:13 James 4:14 Subtopics Related Terms |