Topical Encyclopedia The term "plainly" in the context of the Bible often refers to clarity, directness, and simplicity in communication or understanding. It is used to describe situations where messages, teachings, or revelations are made clear and understandable to the listener or reader. This concept is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the importance of truth and transparency in God's communication with humanity.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the idea of speaking or revealing something plainly is often associated with the clarity of God's instructions and the straightforwardness of His commandments. For instance, in Habakkuk 2:2, the prophet is instructed to "Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that a herald may run with it." This directive emphasizes the need for God's message to be communicated in a way that is easily understood and disseminated. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of speaking plainly is frequently associated with Jesus' teachings. Jesus often spoke in parables, which were accounts with deeper spiritual meanings. However, there were times when He chose to speak plainly to ensure His disciples understood His message. In John 16:29, the disciples express their appreciation for Jesus speaking plainly: "His disciples said, 'See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech.'" This moment highlights the disciples' relief and understanding when Jesus communicated directly, without the use of parables. Theological Implications Theologically, the use of plain speech in the Bible is significant as it reflects God's desire for His people to understand His will and purpose. The clarity of God's word is seen as a means to guide, instruct, and edify believers. In 1 Corinthians 14:9, Paul emphasizes the importance of clear communication within the church: "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air." This underscores the necessity of plain and understandable speech in edifying the body of Christ. Practical Application For believers, the call to speak plainly is a reminder of the importance of honesty, transparency, and clarity in communication. It encourages Christians to convey the truths of the Gospel in a manner that is accessible and comprehensible to all. This principle is vital in teaching, preaching, and everyday interactions, ensuring that the message of Christ is not obscured by complexity or ambiguity. In summary, the concept of "plainly" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and direct communication, both in divine revelation and in human interaction. It highlights the value of understanding and the role of clarity in conveying God's truth to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (adv.) In a plain manner; clearly.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PLAIN; PLAINLYplan, plan'-li: In Genesis 25:27, the King James Version "plain" represents tam. If a contrast between the vocations of Jacob and Esau is meant, the Revised Version (British and American) ("quiet," margin "harmless") may be right. But elsewhere (Job 1:1 Psalm 37:37, etc.) the word means "perfect," and so probably here; the failings of the great patriarch did not detract from the general estimate of him (Matthew 8:11). In Ezra 4:18 "translated" (Revised Version margin) is better than "plainly read." Greek 3954. parresia -- freedom of speech, confidence ... of speech, confidence NASB Word Usage boldness (4), boldness in...speech (1), confidence (13), confidently (1), openly (2), openness (1), plainly (5), public ( ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3954.htm - 7k 1718. emphanizo -- to exhibit, appear (in person), to declare 5081. telaugos -- at a distance clearly 5263. hupodeiknumi -- to show secretly, to show by tracing out, to ... 669. apophtheggomai -- to speak forth 5320. phaneros -- manifestly, openly 4302. prolego -- to say beforehand, ie to predict 662. apotolmao -- to be very bold 3723. orthos -- rightly Strong's Hebrew 5046. nagad -- to be conspicuous... 10), reported* (1), show (2), shown (2), surely report (1), surely tell (1), tell (101), telling (2), tells (3), told (131), told plainly (1), uttered (1). ... /hebrew/5046.htm - 6k 6703. tsach -- dazzling, glowing, clear 559. amar -- to utter, say 1540. galah -- to uncover, remove 7200. raah -- to see 874. baar -- to make distinct or plain Library Hence it Plainly Appears that the Gospel State could not be God's ... Because the Church Epistles Plainly Teach that all Believers Will ... The Matter Therefore Plainly Comes to This, Nothing Can Do... Christ Plainly Testifies to the Resurrection of the Entire Man not ... Hence all These Truths Plainly Follow: First, that Faith... The Divine Scriptures Plainly Teach us as Follows, "Thou Shalt not ... And Further, Analogy, Whereby the Agreement of Both Testaments is ... For These Reasons There was Plainly Wanting a Divine Revelation, And Now, Sir, You have Seen Plainly Enough the Birth... Of the Erythr??an Sibyl, who is Known to have Sung Many Things ... Thesaurus Plainly (25 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PLAIN; PLAINLY. ... In Ezra 4:18 "translated" (Revised Version margin) is better than "plainly read.". Multi-Version Concordance ... /p/plainly.htm - 14k Distinctly (8 Occurrences) Divorce (18 Occurrences) Figures (11 Occurrences) Speech (107 Occurrences) Taste (46 Occurrences) Pentateuch Hades (11 Occurrences) Thessalonians (6 Occurrences) Dark (234 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I never knew you. Depart from me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:7)? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org Plainly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Plainly (25 Occurrences)Matthew 7:23 Mark 7:35 Mark 8:32 John 3:21 John 10:24 John 11:14 John 16:25 John 16:29 Acts 4:16 Acts 10:3 Romans 1:20 Romans 7:13 1 Corinthians 11:19 2 Corinthians 4:2 2 Timothy 1:10 Hebrews 11:14 1 Peter 1:20 Genesis 26:28 Exodus 21:5 Numbers 12:8 Deuteronomy 27:8 1 Samuel 2:27 1 Samuel 10:16 Ezra 4:18 Isaiah 32:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |