Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Uselessness, in a biblical context, refers to the state of being ineffective, unproductive, or without purpose. It is often associated with spiritual stagnation, moral decay, or failure to fulfill God-given potential and responsibilities. The Bible frequently contrasts usefulness with uselessness, urging believers to live fruitful lives that glorify God. Biblical References 1. Fruitlessness and Judgment The Bible often uses agricultural metaphors to illustrate the concept of uselessness. In the New Testament, Jesus curses the barren fig tree as a symbol of fruitlessness and impending judgment (Matthew 21:19): "Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. 'May you never bear fruit again!' He said. And immediately the tree withered." This act serves as a warning against spiritual barrenness and the importance of bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. 2. Salt Losing Its Saltiness Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to describe the importance of maintaining one's usefulness in the world (Matthew 5:13): "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, with what will it be salted? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." This passage emphasizes the necessity for believers to preserve their distinctiveness and influence in a decaying world. 3. The Parable of the Talents In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus illustrates the consequences of failing to use one's God-given gifts and opportunities (Matthew 25:24-30). The servant who buried his talent is deemed "wicked and lazy" and is cast into outer darkness. This parable underscores the expectation that believers actively engage in the work of the Kingdom, using their resources and abilities for God's glory. 4. Vine and Branches Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches, emphasizing the necessity of remaining in Him to bear fruit (John 15:5-6): "I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned." This passage highlights the futility of a life disconnected from Christ. 5. Faith Without Works The Epistle of James addresses the issue of faith without works, equating it to dead faith (James 2:17): "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This teaching stresses that genuine faith must manifest in actions that reflect God's love and righteousness, warning against a passive or inactive faith. Theological Implications Uselessness in the biblical sense is not merely about lack of activity but is deeply tied to one's spiritual state and relationship with God. It reflects a failure to live out one's faith in a way that impacts the world positively. The Bible calls believers to a life of purpose, productivity, and service, rooted in a vibrant relationship with Christ. The warnings against uselessness serve as a call to self-examination and a reminder of the high calling to which Christians are summoned. Greek 512. anopheles -- unprofitable ... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and ophelos Definition unprofitable NASB Word Usage unprofitable (1), uselessness (1). unprofitable. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/512.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7723. shav -- emptiness, vanity... of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive ... /hebrew/7723.htm - 6k Library Uselessness of Pretended Miracles. Uselessness of These Allegories. St. Ambrose Answers Objections Made to the Uselessness of his ... There is no Word of God that Commands Such Investigations: the ... Unjust Judgments. Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ... The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ... Sabbath Cure at Bethesda. The Fundamentals of the Christian Religion Religion and Amusement. Thesaurus Uselessness (1 Occurrence)...Uselessness (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 7:18 For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (WEB NAS RSV). ... /u/uselessness.htm - 6k Uselessly (2 Occurrences) User (2 Occurrences) Weakness (25 Occurrences) Idleness (4 Occurrences) Foreskin (12 Occurrences) Foregoing (1 Occurrence) Futility (19 Occurrences) Regulation (6 Occurrences) Enchantment (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about a midlife crisis? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Basil of Caesarea? | GotQuestions.org Uselessness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Uselessness (1 Occurrence)Hebrews 7:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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