Topical Encyclopedia The term "several" in the Bible is often used to denote a number of distinct or individual items, people, or events. It is a word that signifies more than one but not necessarily a large number, and it is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures to convey the idea of multiplicity or diversity within a group.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "several" is used to describe various aspects of the Israelites' lives and God's instructions to them. For example, in the context of the distribution of land or responsibilities, "several" can indicate the division among tribes or individuals. In Leviticus 26:26, the term is used to describe the rationing of bread during times of scarcity: "When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in one oven and dole out your bread by weight. You will eat, but you will not be satisfied." The use of "several" in the Old Testament often underscores the importance of individual responsibility and the distribution of resources or duties among the people. It reflects the organized and structured nature of the Israelite community as ordained by God. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, "several" appears in contexts that highlight the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 12:11, the Apostle Paul writes about the distribution of spiritual gifts: "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines." Here, the concept of "several" is implicit in the idea that the Holy Spirit distributes different gifts to different individuals, emphasizing the unity and diversity within the church. The term also appears in the parables of Jesus, where it is used to describe the allocation of talents or responsibilities. In Matthew 25:15, the parable of the talents illustrates this: "To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey." The use of "several" in this context highlights the principle of stewardship and accountability before God. Theological Implications Theologically, the use of "several" in the Bible underscores the concept of individual responsibility and the diversity of roles within the community of believers. It reflects the biblical principle that while believers are united in Christ, they are also uniquely gifted and called to serve in different capacities. This diversity is seen as a strength, contributing to the overall health and function of the body of Christ. Moreover, the distribution of gifts and responsibilities "severally" as determined by God or the Holy Spirit points to the sovereignty of God in equipping His people for service. It encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the unique contributions of each member within the church, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual edification. In summary, the term "several" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the multiplicity and diversity within God's creation and His people, highlighting the importance of individual roles and responsibilities in fulfilling His divine purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Separate; distinct; particular; single.2. (a.) Diverse; different; various. 3. (a.) Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place. 4. (adv.) By itself; severally. 5. (n.) Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual. 6. (n.) Persons or objects, more than two, but not very many. 7. (n.) An enclosed or separate place; enclosure. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEVERAL; SEVERALLYsev'-er-al, sev'-er-al-i: The Hebrew words chophshuth and chophshith, translated "several" in the King James Version, the English Revised Version, 2 Kings 15:5 2 Chronicles 26:21, are in both cases translated "separate" in the American Standard Revised Version, and indicate ceremonial uncleanness and consequent severance on account of leprosy. In the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:15) and also in 1 Corinthians 12:11 the word idios, is translated "several," "severally." In both cases it points to the individuality of the recipients of the gift bestowed. Greek 4613. Simon -- Simon, the name of several Israelites ... Simon, the name of several Israelites. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Simon Phonetic Spelling: (see'-mone) Short Definition: Simon Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4613.htm - 6k 2491. Ioannes -- John, the name of several Israelites 3137. Maria -- Mary, the name of several Christian women 2264. Herodes -- perhaps "son of a hero," Herod, the name of ... 4826. Sumeon -- Symeon, Simeon, the name of several Israelites ... 2501. Ioseph -- Joseph, the name of several Israelites 1050. Gaios -- Gaius, the name of several Christian 2455. Ioudas -- Judah, Judas, the name of several Israelites, also ... 2385. Iakobos -- James, the name of several Israelites 3017. Leui -- Levi, the name of several Israelites Strong's Hebrew 1130. Ben-hadad -- "son of Hadad," the name of several Aramean ...... "son of Hadad," the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings. Transliteration: Ben-hadad Phonetic Spelling: (ben-had-ad') Short Definition: Ben-hadad. ... /hebrew/1130.htm - 6k 511. Elqanah -- "God has created," or "God has taken possession ... 1867. Dareyavesh -- the name of several Pers. kings 6659. Tsadoq -- the name of several Israelites 447. Eliel -- "my God is God," the name of several Israelites 6022. Amasay -- the name of several Israelites 6018. Omri -- a king of Isr., also several other Isr. 501. Elasah -- "God has made," the name of several Israelites 494. Elnathan -- "God has given," the name of several Israelites 564. Immer -- the name of several Israelites, perhaps also a place ... Library Sermons on Several Occasions Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God Whether There are Several Persons in God? Whether Several Persons Can be the Term of one Notional Act? Whether Suffrages Offered for Several are of as Much Value to Each ... An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... Several Degrees and Stations in an Internal Life; as the Three ... According to the Working of Each Several Part Whether an Angel Can be in Several Places at Once? Whether Several Angels Can be at the Same Time in the Same Place? Thesaurus Several (40 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place. ...SEVERAL; SEVERALLY. ... /s/several.htm - 19k Divers (36 Occurrences) Severally (6 Occurrences) One-tenth (9 Occurrences) Tenth-part (6 Occurrences) Diversities (4 Occurrences) Diverse (15 Occurrences) Assur (2 Occurrences) Sherghat Asshur (133 Occurrences) Resources What is the history of the Bible in English? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.org Several: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Several (40 Occurrences)Matthew 25:15 Mark 2:1 Luke 9:6 John 7:53 Acts 1:14 Acts 9:19 Acts 9:20 Acts 9:26 Acts 16:12 Acts 24:17 Acts 25:13 Acts 27:7 Acts 27:20 Romans 6:13 1 Corinthians 4:15 Ephesians 2:21 Ephesians 4:16 Philippians 4:16 Revelation 21:21 Revelation 22:2 Genesis 40:4 Numbers 28:13 Numbers 28:21 Numbers 28:29 Numbers 29:10 Numbers 29:15 Deuteronomy 2:27 Joshua 19:49 Joshua 21:33 Joshua 21:40 2 Kings 15:5 2 Kings 17:29 2 Chronicles 11:12 2 Chronicles 13:19 2 Chronicles 26:21 2 Chronicles 28:25 2 Chronicles 31:19 Ezekiel 48:29 Daniel 8:27 Daniel 11:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |