In the context of the Bible, the term "civilian" is not explicitly used; however, the concept can be understood through the roles and lives of individuals who were not part of the military or priestly classes. Civilians in biblical times were primarily engaged in agriculture, trade, and various crafts, contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities.

Old Testament Context

In ancient Israel, the society was largely agrarian, and many civilians were farmers, shepherds, and laborers. The Bible provides numerous examples of civilian life, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and adherence to God's laws. For instance, the Book of Ruth highlights the life of Ruth and Naomi, who were civilians navigating the challenges of widowhood and poverty. Their account underscores themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption (Ruth 1-4).

The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for civilian life, including agricultural practices, social justice, and community welfare. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs landowners to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable in society. Civilians were expected to live in accordance with these laws, fostering a community that honored God and cared for one another.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, civilians are often depicted in the context of their interactions with Jesus and the early church. Jesus' parables frequently draw on civilian life, using familiar images of farming, fishing, and domestic activities to convey spiritual truths. For example, the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) uses agricultural imagery to illustrate the reception of God's word.

The early Christian community included many civilians who played vital roles in the spread of the Gospel. Acts 18:2-3 mentions Aquila and Priscilla, tentmakers by trade, who were instrumental in supporting Paul's ministry and teaching Apollos. Their example demonstrates how civilians could contribute to the mission of the church through their vocations and hospitality.

Civilians and Warfare

While civilians were generally not involved in military activities, the Bible acknowledges the impact of warfare on civilian populations. In times of conflict, civilians often faced displacement, loss, and hardship. The prophets frequently called for justice and protection for the innocent, emphasizing God's concern for those affected by war. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a future where nations "will beat their swords into plowshares," highlighting a divine desire for peace and the well-being of all people.

Spiritual Implications

The Bible encourages civilians to live lives of integrity, faithfulness, and service. Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts believers to work heartily, as for the Lord, regardless of their occupation. This principle applies to civilians, who are called to honor God in their daily lives and interactions.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "civilian," it provides a rich tapestry of civilian life through its narratives, laws, and teachings. Civilians are depicted as integral members of society, called to live in accordance with God's commandments and to contribute to the flourishing of their communities.1. (n.) One skilled in the civil law.

2. (n.) A student of the civil law at a university or college.

3. (n.) One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical.

What Carey did for Literature and for Humanity
... He, his pundits, especially Mritunjaya who has been compared in his physique and
knowledge to Dr. Samuel Johnson, and even the young civilian students, were ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xi what carey did.htm

Entire Sanctification
... And hence that observation of a learned civilian is at once both correct and
illustrative, namely, "We count those things perfect which want nothing requisite ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

Preface to this Edition
... Madame Guyon thus speaks of it [1] : "Among my intimate friends was a civilian,
a counsellor of the Parliament of Grenoble, who might be described as a model ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/preface to this edition.htm

Carey's Last Days
... even for a short time. Again one of Dr. Carey's old civilian students came
to the rescue. Mr. Garrett, grandson of Robert Raikes ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Introduction
... The makers of armies naturally want every man who can be spared from civilian
life and can be utilized for military operations. ...
/.../pringle/the record of a quaker conscience cyrus pringles diary/introduction.htm

India as Carey Found It
... who had made two voyages to Calcutta in the Oxford Indiaman, had been of spiritual
service to Charles Grant, Mr. George Udny, and the Bengal civilian circle at ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iii india as carey.htm

The Letter of Majesty, 1603-1609.
... The last round in the terrible combat now began. He ordered the estates to
appear in civilian's dress. They arrived armed to the teeth. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the letter of.htm

On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small
... The military man gains the civil power in proportion as the civilian loses the military
virtues. And as it was in ancient Rome so it is in contemporary Europe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iii on mr rudyard kipling.htm

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... He sees, that to elevate them requires the labors not only of a preacher of the
Gospel, but the labors of the civilian, the physician, the teacher, the ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
... And what a consideration is this alone, how vile and ugly doth that holy and
spiritual law make the most refined and polished civilian? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x but whereunto shall.htm

Civilian (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical.
Multi-Version Concordance Civilian (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/civilian.htm - 6k

Clad (13 Occurrences)

/c/clad.htm - 10k

Civil (4 Occurrences)

/c/civil.htm - 8k

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