Matter
The Meaning of "Matter" in Scripture
In biblical usage, "matter" rarely refers to physical substance or material as in modern scientific terminology. Instead, it most commonly translates Hebrew and Greek words meaning "word," "affair," "case," or "situation." The Hebrew word dabar (דָּבָר), meaning "word" or "thing," appears hundreds of times and is frequently translated as "matter" when referring to affairs requiring attention. Similarly, the Greek logos (λόγος), meaning "word" or "reason," sometimes appears as "matter" in English translations. This linguistic reality reminds us that in biblical thought, words carry substance and create realities.
Matters of Law and Judgment
Many biblical references to "matter" occur in legal or judicial contexts. In Exodus 18, when Jethro advises Moses on governance, he suggests appointing judges for "every small matter" while reserving "great matters" for Moses himself (Exodus 18:22). This distinction between minor and major cases establishes a principle of judicial hierarchy. Similarly, Deuteronomy describes how difficult legal cases should be brought before priests and judges for resolution (Deuteronomy 17:8). The book of Esther uses "matter" repeatedly to describe the affairs of state and personal conflicts, such as Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, which became "a small matter" to Haman but had enormous consequences (Esther 3:4).
Divine Matters and Human Affairs
The Bible presents God as intimately concerned with human matters. In 1 Kings 8:59, Solomon prays that God would maintain "the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires," acknowledging God's ongoing involvement in daily affairs. The Psalms frequently reference "matters" as subjects of prayer and divine attention, such as when the psalmist declares, "I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:12). This reflects a worldview where no human concern is too trivial for God's attention, yet divine perspective transcends immediate circumstances.
The Significance of Words as Matters
Since "matter" often translates as "word," biblical texts emphasize the power and consequence of speech. Proverbs warns, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him" (Proverbs 18:13), highlighting the importance of careful listening before judgment. James contains perhaps the most direct connection between words and tangible consequences, comparing the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze (James 3:5). Here, words literally become matters with physical impact, capable of destruction or edification.
Matters of Eternal Significance
While many biblical references to "matter" concern temporal affairs, the New Testament introduces a perspective on what truly matters eternally. Paul writes to the Galatians that God shows no partiality and that "those who seemed influential added nothing to me" (Galatians 2:6), suggesting that human status matters little in God's economy. Jesus consistently reoriented attention from earthly concerns to heavenly priorities, teaching his followers to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). This culminates in the recognition that while many matters demand our attention, only some have eternal significance.
Modern Applications
For contemporary readers, understanding the biblical concept of "matter" invites reflection on what we consider important. The scriptural pattern suggests evaluating our concerns through divine perspective, recognizing that words create realities, and trusting God with matters beyond our control. As with the biblical figures who brought their matters before God, modern believers can find assurance that their concerns—both great and small—matter to God.
Biblical Context
The term "matter" appears throughout Scripture, primarily in narrative and wisdom literature. In the Pentateuch, it frequently occurs in legal contexts (Exodus 18:22, Deuteronomy 17:8). Historical books like 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and Esther use it for affairs of state and personal conflicts. Wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs) employs it for subjects of contemplation and judgment. The New Testament uses it sparingly but significantly, particularly in James 3:5 regarding the power of words and Galatians 2:6 regarding what truly matters before God. The concept plays a role in demonstrating how God engages with human concerns at all levels.
Theological Significance
The biblical treatment of "matter" reveals God's concern for both grand and mundane human affairs, affirming that nothing lies outside divine attention. It highlights the creative power of words, reflecting the theological principle that God spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1) and that human speech carries similar creative/destructive potential. The concept underscores the need for wisdom in judgment and prioritization, pointing toward Jesus' teaching on heavenly versus earthly treasures. Ultimately, it demonstrates that in God's economy, what humans consider significant often differs from divine priorities, calling for alignment with eternal perspectives.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, operated with oral-dominated societies where words carried substantial weight in legal, social, and religious contexts. Legal matters were typically resolved through verbal proceedings before elders or judges at city gates. The Hebrew concept of dabar encompassed both word and deed, reflecting a holistic understanding where speech constituted action. Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Stoicism, developed the concept of logos as rational principle, which John adapted theologically in his Gospel prologue. Archaeological findings of ancient legal documents and treaties confirm the seriousness with which verbal agreements and judgments were regarded across biblical cultures.