Pomp, in the biblical context, refers to the display of grandeur, splendor, and ceremonial magnificence often associated with human pride and worldly power. The term is frequently used to describe the ostentatious show of wealth and status that stands in contrast to the humility and simplicity advocated by biblical teachings.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of pomp is often linked with the pride and arrogance of nations and individuals who exalt themselves against God. Isaiah 14:11 speaks of the downfall of the king of Babylon, highlighting the futility of earthly splendor: "Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket." This passage illustrates the transient nature of human glory and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who rely on their own grandeur rather than on God.

Ezekiel 7:24 also addresses the theme of pomp in the context of divine judgment: "I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their sanctuaries will be desecrated." Here, the prophet Ezekiel warns of the consequences of pride and the inevitable downfall of those who trust in their own strength and opulence.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the concept of pomp is further explored through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasize humility and the dangers of worldly pride. In Acts 25:23 , the term is used to describe the grand entrance of Agrippa and Bernice: "So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium along with the commanders and leading men of the city. When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in." This scene contrasts the earthly splendor of the rulers with the humble yet powerful testimony of the Apostle Paul, underscoring the biblical theme that true greatness lies in spiritual, not material, wealth.

The apostle James also warns against the allure of worldly riches and status in James 1:10-11 : "But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." This passage serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly pomp and the importance of seeking eternal treasures.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible consistently portrays pomp as a symbol of human pride and self-reliance, which are in direct opposition to the virtues of humility and dependence on God. The Scriptures caution believers against being seduced by the trappings of wealth and power, urging them instead to pursue righteousness and godliness. The biblical narrative reveals that true honor and glory are found not in earthly displays of grandeur but in a life devoted to serving God and others.

In summary, the biblical treatment of pomp serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly splendor and the enduring value of spiritual humility. Through various passages, the Bible calls believers to reject the superficial allure of pomp and to embrace a life of simplicity, service, and submission to God's will.1. (n.) A procession distinguished by ostentation and splendor; a pageant.

2. (n.) Show of magnificence; parade; display; power.

3. (v. i.) To make a pompons display; to conduct.

5325. phantasia -- imagination, show, display
... display. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: phantasia Phonetic Spelling:
(fan-tas-ee'-ah) Short Definition: show, display, pomp Definition: show ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5325.htm - 6k1347. ga'own -- redemption
... majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling From ga'ah; the same as ga'avah -- arrogancy,
excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. see HEBREW ga'ah. ...
/hebrew/1347.htm - 5k

7588. shaon -- a roar (of waters, etc.), din, crash, uproar
... 3), uproar (4). horrible, noise, pomp, rushing, tumultuous. From sha'ah;
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction -- X ...
/hebrew/7588.htm - 6k

2986. yabal -- to conduct, bear along
... bring forth, carry, lead forth. A primitive root; properly, to flow; causatively,
to bring (especially with pomp) -- bring (forth), carry, lead (forth). ...
/hebrew/2986.htm - 6k

3366. yeqar -- preciousness, price, honor
... Word Origin from yaqar Definition preciousness, price, honor NASB Word Usage costly
things (1), honor (9), pomp (2), precious (2), precious things (1), price (1 ...
/hebrew/3366.htm - 6k

1347b. gaon -- exaltation
... Word Origin from gaah Definition exaltation NASB Word Usage arrogance (3), eminence
(1), excellence (1), glory (1), majestic (1), majesty (5), pomp (1), pride ...
/hebrew/1347b.htm - 5k

8597. tipharah -- beauty, glory
... Definition beauty, glory NASB Word Usage adornment (1), beautiful (8), beauty (7),
boast (1), glorious (7), glory (17), honor (2), jewels* (1), pomp (1), pride ...
/hebrew/8597.htm - 6k

Of Funeral Pomp.
... LXXIV."Of Funeral Pomp. Thou who seekest to be careful of the pomp of death
art in error. ... What will the pomp benefit the dead man? ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxxiv of funeral pomp.htm

Once a Demon Exceeding High Appeared with Pomp...
... Life of Antony. Section 40. Once a demon exceeding high appeared with
pomp? 40. Once a demon exceeding high appeared with pomp ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 40.htm

So, when You Allege that the Ornaments of the Heathen Deities are ...
... of some place or other offends me, I burn the Arabian product myself, but not with
the same ceremony, nor in the same dress, nor with the same pomp, with which ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter x so when you.htm

Lest any one Think that we are Dealing in Mere Argumentative ...
... the water, we make profession of the Christian faith in the words of its rule; we
bear public testimony that we have renounced the devil, his pomp, and his ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter iv lest any one.htm

"Almost Thou Persuadest Me"
... "And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was
entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 41 almost thou persuadest.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... 6. Then thou sayest, "And all his pomp [2366] ." Now the pomp of the devil is the
madness of theatres [2367] , and horse-races, and hunting, and all such vanity ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... The country people stare to see such a long train of carriages coming to follow
one poor worm to its resting-place. What pomp! ... Whom is all this pomp for? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

For State Reasons, the Various Orders of the Citizens Also are ...
... [431] From so much as a dwelling in that Babylon of John's Revelation
[432] we are called away; much more then from its pomp. The ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xiii for state reasons.htm

Solomon
... was not David, the Psalmist, and the shepherd-boy, the man of many wanderings, and
many sorrows: but his son Solomon, with all his wealth, and pomp and magic ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

It Remains for us to Examine the "Spectacle" Most Noted of All...
... The same remark will apply to the procession of the "Munus," as we look at that
in the pomp which is connected with these honours themselves; for the purple ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter xii it remains for.htm

Pomp (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pomp (13 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Isaiah 14:11 Your pomp
is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. ...
/p/pomp.htm - 10k

Nether-world (41 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Sheol hath enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without
measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that ...
/n/nether-world.htm - 16k

Pond (2 Occurrences)

/p/pond.htm - 12k

Sheol (64 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without
measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices ...
/s/sheol.htm - 34k

Viols (2 Occurrences)
... Viols (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the
noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. ...
/v/viols.htm - 6k

Worms (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Isaiah 14:11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed
instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you. ...
/w/worms.htm - 10k

Tumor
... 2. (n.) Affected pomp; bombast; swelling words or expressions; false magnificence
or sublimity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TUMOR. ...
/t/tumor.htm - 7k

Triumph (52 Occurrences)
... cards. 6. (n.) To celebrate victory with pomp; to rejoice over success;
to exult in an advantage gained; to exhibit exultation. 7 ...
/t/triumph.htm - 24k

Rejoices (30 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without
measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices ...
/r/rejoices.htm - 14k

Ranking (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 25:23 So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp,
and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers ...
/r/ranking.htm - 6k

What is the Greek Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What impact did David Hume have on the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.org

Pomp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus