Easton's Bible Dictionary

(Kiana) #1

  • EAR used frequently in a figurative sense (Psalm 34:15). To “uncover the
    ear” is to show respect to a person (1 Samuel 20:2 marg.). To have the “ear
    heavy”, or to have “uncircumcised ears” (Isaiah 6:10), is to be inattentive
    and disobedient. To have the ear “bored” through with an awl was a sign of
    perpetual servitude (Exodus 21:6).

  • EARING an Old English word (from the Latin aro, I plough), meaning
    “ploughing.” It is used in the Authorized Version in Genesis 45:6; Exodus
    34:21; 1 Samuel 8:12; Deuteronomy 21:4; Isaiah 30:24; but the Revised
    Version has rendered the original in these places by the ordinary word to
    plough or till.

  • EARNEST The Spirit is the earnest of the believer’s destined inheritance
    (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14). The word thus rendered is the
    same as that rendered “pledge” in Genesis 38:17-20; “indeed, the Hebrew
    word has simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably
    through commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people
    of ancient days. Originally it meant no more than a pledge; but in common
    usage it came to denote that particular kind of pledge which is a part of the
    full price of an article paid in advance; and as it is joined with the figure of
    a seal when applied to the Spirit, it seems to be used by Paul in this
    specific sense.” The Spirit’s gracious presence and working in believers is a
    foretaste to them of the blessedness of heaven. God is graciously pleased
    to give not only pledges but foretastes of future blessedness.

  • EARRINGS rings properly for the ear (Genesis 35:4; Numbers 31:50;
    Ezekiel 16:12). In Genesis 24:47 the word means a nose-jewel, and is so
    rendered in the Revised Version. In Isaiah 3:20 the Authorized Version has
    “ear-rings,” and the Revised Version “amulets,” which more correctly
    represents the original word (lehashim), which means incantations; charms,
    thus remedies against enchantment, worn either suspended from the neck
    or in the ears of females. Ear-rings were ornaments used by both sexes
    (Exodus 32:2).

  • EARTH (1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word
    adamah’. In Genesis 9:20 “husbandman” is literally “man of the ground or
    earth.” Altars were to be built of earth (Exodus 20:24). Naaman asked for
    two mules’ burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion
    that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped
    only on his own soil.

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