Bible Dictionary: Degree

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) A step, stair, or staircase.

2. (n.) One of a series of progressive steps upward or downward, in quality, rank, acquirement, and the like; a stage in progression; grade; gradation; as, degrees of vice and virtue; to advance by slow degrees; degree of comparison.

3. (n.) The point or step of progression to which a person has arrived; rank or station in life; position.

4. (n.) Measure of advancement; quality; extent; as, tastes differ in kind as well as in degree.

5. (n.) Grade or rank to which scholars are admitted by a college or university, in recognition of their attainments; as, the degree of bachelor of arts, master, doctor, etc.

6. (n.) A certain distance or remove in the line of descent, determining the proximity of blood; one remove in the chain of relationship; as, a relation in the third or fourth degree.

7. (n.) Three figures taken together in numeration; thus, 140 is one degree, 222,140 two degrees.

8. (n.) State as indicated by sum of exponents; more particularly, the degree of a term is indicated by the sum of the exponents of its literal factors; thus, a2b3c is a term of the sixth degree. The degree of a power, or radical, is denoted by its index, that of an equation by the greatest sum of the exponents of the unknown quantities in any term; thus, ax4 + bx2 = c, and mx2y2 + nyx = p, are both equations of the fourth degree.

9. (n.) A 360th part of the circumference of a circle, which part is taken as the principal unit of measure for arcs and angles. The degree is divided into 60 minutes and the minute into 60 seconds.

10. (n.) A division, space, or interval, marked on a mathematical or other instrument, as on a thermometer.

11. (n.) A line or space of the staff.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

DEGREE

de-gre' (ma`alah, "a going up" or "ascent," hence, a staircase or flight of steps; "rank": tapeinos, "low"): By derivation it should mean "a step down" (Latin, de, down, gradus, step). It is used, however, of any step, up or down; then of grade or rank, whether high or low.

(1) In its literal sense of step (as of a stair), it is used in the plural to translate Hebrew ma`aloth ("steps"), in the parallel passages 2 Kings 20:9-11 the King James Version (5 t); Isaiah 38:8 the King James Version (3 t), where we read of the "degrees" (the Revised Version (British and American) "steps") on the "dial of Ahaz" (Hebrew "steps of Ahaz"). See DIAL OF AHAZ. It seems to mean steps or progressive movements of the body toward a certain place in the phrase "A So of Degrees" (the Revised Version (British and American) "Ascents"), which forms the title of each of the Psalms 120-134, probably because they were sung on the way up to the great feasts at Jerusalem. See PSALMS

(2) The secondary (but now the more usual) sense of rank, order, grade is found in the following passages:

(a) 1 Chronicles 15:18, "their brethren of the second (degree)," literally, "of the seconds" (Hebrew mishnim; compare 2 Chronicles 28:7, "Elkanah that was next to the king," Hebrew, "the king's second," i.e. in rank);

(b) 1 Chronicles 17:17, "a man of high degree" (Hebrew ma`alah, "step");

(c) Psalm 62:9, "men of low degree. men of high degree," a paraphrase of Hebrew "sons of man. sons of man," the first "man" being Hebrew 'adham ("common humanity"; compare Greek anthropos, Latin homo, Welsh dyn), and the second Hebrew 'ish (man in a superior sense; compare Greek aner, Latin vir, Welsh gwr);

(d) "of low degree" for Greek tapeinos in Sirach 11:1; Luke 1:52 James 1:9;

(e) In 1 Timothy 3:13 the King James Version "a good degree" (Greek bathmos kalos, the Revised Version (British and American) "a good standing") is assured to those who have "served well as deacons." Some take this to mean promotion to a higher official position in the church; but it probably means simply a position of moral weight and influence in the church gained by faithfulness in service (so Hort).

D. Miall Edwards

Greek

898. bathmos -- a step, degree
... a step, degree. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: bathmos Phonetic
Spelling: (bath-mos') Short Definition: a step, a stage, a position Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/898.htm - 6k

3641. oligos -- few, little, small
... ee'-gos) Short Definition: small, brief, few, soon Definition: (a) especially in
plur: few, (b) in sing: small; hence, of time: short, of degree: light, slight ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3641.htm - 7k

2526. katho -- according as
... Word Origin from kata and hos, Definition according as NASB Word Usage
according (2), degree (1). to the degree that, inasmuch as. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2526.htm - 7k

2089. eti -- still, yet
... eti Phonetic Spelling: (et'-ee) Short Definition: still, yet, even now Definition:
(a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2089.htm - 6k

2531. kathos -- according as, just as
... Transliteration: kathos Phonetic Spelling: (kath-oce') Short Definition: just as,
as Definition: according to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2531.htm - 6k

1598. ekpeirazo -- to test thoroughly, tempt
... 1598 (from 1537 , " and " and 3985 , "tempt") -- properly, test , ie with the of
testing to an (unwarranted) degree; "hyper-test," going to improper measures ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1598.htm - 7k

3313. meros -- a part, share, portion
... 11), partial (2), partially (1), parts (3), party (1), piece (1), place (3), portion
(1), regions (1), respect (1), share (1), side (1), some degree (1), some ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3313.htm - 6k

436. anthistemi -- to set against, ie withstand
... 436 (from 473 , "opposite/against" and 2476 , "to stand") -- properly,, ie a "180
degree, position"; (figuratively) to establish one's position by "holding ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/436.htm - 8k

5092. time -- a valuing, a price
... From tino; a value, ie Money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by
analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5092.htm - 7k

280. ametros -- without measure
... ametros Phonetic Spelling: (am'-et-ros) Short Definition: not measurable, immeasurable
Definition: not measurable, immeasurable, to a limitless degree. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/280.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

120. adam -- man, mankind
... word Definition man, mankind NASB Word Usage any man (2), anyone (4), anyone's
(1), being* (1), common sort* (1), human (19), infantry (1), low degree* (1), low ...
/hebrew/120.htm - 6k

4609. ma'alah -- what comes up
... what comes up. Transliteration: ma'alah Phonetic Spelling: (mah-al-aw') Short
Definition: step. things that come up, high degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story ...
/hebrew/4609.htm - 6k

1121. ben -- son
... 1), granddaughters* (1), grandson (6), heir* (1), high* (1), homeborn* (1), Israelites*
(1), lambs* (2), lay (4), Levites* (1), low degree* (1), low* (1), man ...
/hebrew/1121.htm - 8k

376. ish -- man
... 3), whoever* (3). great, mighty man, he, high degree, him that is, husband,
mankind,. Contracted for 'enowsh (or perhaps rather from ...
/hebrew/376.htm - 7k

5704. ad -- as far as, even to, up to, until, while
... conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether
of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with ...
/hebrew/5704.htm - 7k

6381. pala -- to be surpassing or extraordinary
... Definition to be surpassing or extraordinary NASB Word Usage bring extraordinary
(1), deal marvelously (1), difficult (5), extraordinary degree (1), fulfill a ...
/hebrew/6381.htm - 6k

4609b. maalah -- a step, stair
... Word Origin from alah Definition a step, stair NASB Word Usage go (1), high degree
(1), stairway (6), steps (22), upper chambers (1). 4609a, 4609b. ...
/hebrew/4609b.htm - 5k

8029. shillesh -- pertaining to the third
... third generation. From shalash; a descendant of the third degree, ie Great grandchild --
third (generation). see HEBREW shalash. 8028, 8029. shillesh. 8030 > ...
/hebrew/8029.htm - 6k

Library

Of the Fourth Degree of the Coming of Christ
... THE SECOND BOOK CHAPTER XXVIII. OF THE FOURTH DEGREE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST.
Now we will speak further of the fourth manner of the ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxviii of the fourth.htm

Whether the Degree of Goodness or Malice in the Will Depends on ...
... OF THE GOODNESS AND MALICE OF THE INTERIOR ACT OF THE WILL (TEN ARTICLES) Whether
the degree of goodness or malice in the will depends on the degree of good or ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the degree of goodness.htm

Of the Third Degree of the Spiritual Coming of Christ
... THE SECOND BOOK CHAPTER XXII. OF THE THIRD DEGREE OF THE SPIRITUAL COMING
OF CHRIST. When the sun has risen in the heavens as high ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxii of the third.htm

Higher Degree of Prayer, which is that of the Simple Presence of ...
... A SHORT METHOD OF PRAYER. CHAPTER X. HIGHER DEGREE OF PRAYER, WHICH IS THAT OF THE
SIMPLE PRESENCE OF GOD, OR ACTIVE CONTEMPLATION. ... It is thus in this degree. ...
/.../a short method of prayer and spiritual torrents/chapter x higher degree of.htm

Of the Highest Degree of the Most Interior Life
... THE SECOND BOOK CHAPTER LXIV. OF THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF THE MOST INTERIOR
LIFE. Now understand this well: that measureless Splendour ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiv of the highest.htm

Greatness Varies in Degree.
... Book XIII. 15. Greatness Varies in Degree. But next we must seek to
understand this: the disciples came to Him, as disciples to ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/15 greatness varies in degree.htm

Of the Degree of Contrition (Three Articles)
... OF THE DEGREE OF CONTRITION (THREE ARTICLES). We must now consider the degree of
contrition: under which head there are three points of inquiry: ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the degree of contrition.htm

Whether There is a Degree of Prophecy in the Blessed?
... OF THE DIVISION OF PROPHECY (SIX ARTICLES) Whether there is a degree of
prophecy in the blessed? Objection 1: It would seem that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a degree.htm

The Second Degree of Prayer
... CHAPTER IV The Second Degree of Prayer. The Second Degree of Prayer Some call
the second degree of prayer, "The Prayer of Contemplation ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter iv the second degree.htm

The First Degree of Prayer
... CHAPTER III The First Degree of Prayer. The First Degree of Prayer Those who
have not learnt to read, are not, on that account, excluded ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter iii the first degree.htm

Thesaurus

Degree (19 Occurrences)
... rank, acquirement, and the like; a stage in progression; grade; gradation; as, degrees
of vice and virtue; to advance by slow degrees; degree of comparison. ...
/d/degree.htm - 16k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... 1. Description: The Nile is formed by the junction of the White Nile and the Blue
Nile in latitude 15 degree 45' North and longitude 32 degree 45' East. ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

Comparative
... 4. (a.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the
quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative ...
/c/comparative.htm - 29k

Superlative (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the quality, manner,
etc., denoted by an adjective or an adverb. The superlative ...
/s/superlative.htm - 7k

So (23977 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (adv.) In that manner or degree; as, indicated
(in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known. ...
/s/so.htm - 9k

Rank (42 Occurrences)
... grass; rank weeds. 2. (superl.) Raised to a high degree; violent; extreme;
gross; utter; as, rank heresy. 3. (superl.) Causing vigorous ...
/r/rank.htm - 21k

Equal (70 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same
magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; -- applied to number, degree...
/e/equal.htm - 30k

Enough (655 Occurrences)
... 2. (adv.) In a degree or quantity that satisfies; to satisfaction; sufficiently.
3. (adv.) Fully; quite; -- used to express slight ...
/e/enough.htm - 7k

Estate (40 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The degree, quality, nature, and extent of one's interest in, or ownership
of, lands, tenements, etc.; as, an estate for life, for years, at will, etc. ...
/e/estate.htm - 20k

Least (76 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant;
as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space. ...
/l/least.htm - 31k

Bible Concordance

Degree (19 Occurrences)

Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(KJV ASV BBE WBS RSV)

John 12:36 In the degree that you have light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light." Jesus said this, and went away and hid Himself from them.
(WEY)

Acts 8:33 Being of low degree, his cause was not given a hearing: who has knowledge of his family? for his life is cut off from the earth.
(BBE)

1 Corinthians 9:12 If other teachers possess that right over you, do not we possess it much more? Yet we have not availed ourselves of the right, but we patiently endure all things rather than hinder in the least degree the progress of the Good News of the Christ.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first of the week let each of you put by at home, laying up in whatever degree he may have prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 2:5 Now if any one has caused sorrow, it has been caused not so much to me, as in some degree--for I have no wish to exaggerate--to all of you.
(WEY NAS)

2 Corinthians 3:18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord the Spirit.
(WEY RSV)

2 Corinthians 11:5 For I reckon that in nothing I am behind those who are in surpassing degree apostles.
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool; ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.
(DBY)

1 Thessalonians 2:16 Who, to make the measure of their sins complete, kept us from giving the word of salvation to the Gentiles: but the wrath of God is about to come on them in the fullest degree.
(BBE)

1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(KJV DBY WBS)

James 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

1 Peter 4:13 On the contrary, in the degree that you share in the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice, so that at the unveiling of His glory you may also rejoice with triumphant gladness.
(WEY NAS)

Revelation 18:7 However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart,'I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.'
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

1 Chronicles 17:17 This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have respected me according to the estate of a man of high degree, Yahweh God.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Psalms 49:2 Both men of low and men of high degree, rich and poor alike.
(DBY)

Psalms 62:9 Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Daniel 8:24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Degree

Related Terms

Nile (37 Occurrences)

Comparative

Superlative (2 Occurrences)

So (23977 Occurrences)

Rank (42 Occurrences)

Equal (70 Occurrences)

Enough (655 Occurrences)

Estate (40 Occurrences)

Least (76 Occurrences)