Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more! Bible Encyclopedias
Gravity
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search for…
or
grav´i - ti ( σεμνότης , semnótēs ): The word, meaning properly "venerableness," "sanctity," is used in 2 Maccabees 3:12 of the "sanctity" of the temple. In 1 Timothy 3:4 the writer declares that a characteristic of a bishop should be that he has "his children in subjection with all gravity." Titus is enjoined ( Titus 2:7 f) in his "doctrine" (teaching) to show "uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech (Revised Version), that cannot be condemned" (compare 1 Timothy 3:8 ). In 1 Timothy 2:2 the same word is translated "honesty" (the Revised Version (British and American) "gravity"), "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." A better rendering of semnotēs might be "dignity" or "dignified seriousness" (Olshausen), which quality is necessary, both on the part of parents in relation to their children, if they are to be properly trained, and on the part of preachers and teachers, if their "doctrine" is to be worthily represented. All mere lightness of demeanor (the opposite of gravity) tells against the great trusts committed to both parents and teachers (compare 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:2 ). Such "gravity" or "dignified seriousness" ought indeed to characterize Christian demeanor in general, as in 1 Timothy 2:2 above.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Gravity'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/g/gravity.html. 1915.
