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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Civilian</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/civilian.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_timothy/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/civilian.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Civilian</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/civil_war_in_israel.htm" title="Civil War in Israel">◄</a> Civilian <a href="/topical/c/civilization.htm" title="Civilization">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "civilian" is not explicitly used; however, the concept can be understood through the roles and lives of individuals who were not part of the military or priestly classes. Civilians in biblical times were primarily engaged in agriculture, trade, and various crafts, contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>In ancient Israel, the society was largely agrarian, and many civilians were farmers, shepherds, and laborers. The Bible provides numerous examples of civilian life, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and adherence to God's laws. For instance, the Book of Ruth highlights the life of Ruth and Naomi, who were civilians navigating the challenges of widowhood and poverty. Their account underscores themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption (Ruth 1-4).<br><br>The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for civilian life, including agricultural practices, social justice, and community welfare. <a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Leviticus 19:9-10</a> instructs landowners to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable in society. Civilians were expected to live in accordance with these laws, fostering a community that honored God and cared for one another.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, civilians are often depicted in the context of their interactions with Jesus and the early church. Jesus' parables frequently draw on civilian life, using familiar images of farming, fishing, and domestic activities to convey spiritual truths. For example, the Parable of the Sower (<a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>) uses agricultural imagery to illustrate the reception of God's word.<br><br>The early Christian community included many civilians who played vital roles in the spread of the Gospel. <a href="/acts/18-2.htm">Acts 18:2-3</a> mentions Aquila and Priscilla, tentmakers by trade, who were instrumental in supporting Paul's ministry and teaching Apollos. Their example demonstrates how civilians could contribute to the mission of the church through their vocations and hospitality.<br><br><b>Civilians and Warfare</b><br><br>While civilians were generally not involved in military activities, the Bible acknowledges the impact of warfare on civilian populations. In times of conflict, civilians often faced displacement, loss, and hardship. The prophets frequently called for justice and protection for the innocent, emphasizing God's concern for those affected by war. <a href="/isaiah/2-4.htm">Isaiah 2:4</a> envisions a future where nations "will beat their swords into plowshares," highlighting a divine desire for peace and the well-being of all people.<br><br><b>Spiritual Implications</b><br><br>The Bible encourages civilians to live lives of integrity, faithfulness, and service. <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a> exhorts believers to work heartily, as for the Lord, regardless of their occupation. This principle applies to civilians, who are called to honor God in their daily lives and interactions.<br><br>In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "civilian," it provides a rich tapestry of civilian life through its narratives, laws, and teachings. Civilians are depicted as integral members of society, called to live in accordance with God's commandments and to contribute to the flourishing of their communities.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) One skilled in the civil law.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A student of the civil law at a university or college.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/smith/the_life_of_william_carey/chapter_xi_what_carey_did.htm"><span class="l">What Carey did for Literature and for Humanity</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He, his pundits, especially Mritunjaya who has been compared in his physique and<br> knowledge to Dr. Samuel Johnson, and even the young <b>civilian</b> students, were <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xi what carey did.htm</font><p><a href="/library/clarke/entire_sanctification/entire_sanctification.htm"><span class="l">Entire Sanctification</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And hence that observation of a learned <b>civilian</b> is at once both correct and<br> illustrative, namely, "We count those things perfect which want nothing requisite <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm</font><p><a href="/library/guyon/a_short_and_easy_method_of_prayer/preface_to_this_edition.htm"><span class="l">Preface to this Edition</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Madame Guyon thus speaks of it [1] : "Among my intimate friends was a <b>civilian</b>,<br> a counsellor of the Parliament of Grenoble, who might be described as a model <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/preface to this edition.htm</font><p><a href="/library/smith/the_life_of_william_carey/chapter_xvi_careys_last_days.htm"><span class="l">Carey's Last Days</span></a> <br><b>...</b> even for a short time. Again one of Dr. Carey's old <b>civilian</b> students came<br> to the rescue. Mr. Garrett, grandson of Robert Raikes <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pringle/the_record_of_a_quaker_conscience_cyrus_pringles_diary/introduction.htm"><span class="l">Introduction</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The makers of armies naturally want every man who can be spared from <b>civilian</b><br> life and can be utilized for military operations. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../pringle/the record of a quaker conscience cyrus pringles diary/introduction.htm</font><p><a href="/library/smith/the_life_of_william_carey/chapter_iii_india_as_carey.htm"><span class="l">India as Carey Found It</span></a> <br><b>...</b> who had made two voyages to Calcutta in the Oxford Indiaman, had been of spiritual<br> service to Charles Grant, Mr. George Udny, and the Bengal <b>civilian</b> circle at <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iii india as carey.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hutton/history_of_the_moravian_church/chapter_xiii_the_letter_of.htm"><span class="l">The Letter of Majesty, 1603-1609.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The last round in the terrible combat now began. He ordered the estates to<br> appear in <b>civilian's</b> dress. They arrived armed to the teeth. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the letter of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chesterton/heretics/iii_on_mr_rudyard_kipling.htm"><span class="l">On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The military man gains the civil power in proportion as the <b>civilian</b> loses the military<br> virtues. And as it was in ancient Rome so it is in contemporary Europe. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iii on mr rudyard kipling.htm</font><p><a href="/library/dibble/thoughts_on_missions/chapter_v_laymen_called_to.htm"><span class="l">Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He sees, that to elevate them requires the labors not only of a preacher of the<br> Gospel, but the labors of the <b>civilian</b>, the physician, the teacher, the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/binning/the_works_of_the_rev_hugh_binning/sermon_x_but_whereunto_shall.htm"><span class="l">"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And what a consideration is this alone, how vile and ugly doth that holy and<br> spiritual law make the most refined and polished <b>civilian</b>? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x but whereunto shall.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/civilian.htm"><span class="l"><b>Civilian</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical.<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Civilian</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/civilian.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/clad.htm"><span class="l">Clad (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/clad.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/civil.htm"><span class="l">Civil (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/civil.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/just-war-theory.html">What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/double-effect.html">What is the principle of double effect? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/9-11.html">Where was God on September 11? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/civilian.htm">Civilian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Civilian (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4</a></span><br />No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/civilian.htm">Civilian</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/civilization.htm">Civilization</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/clad.htm">Clad (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/civil.htm">Civil (4 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/civil_war_in_israel.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Civil War in Israel"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Civil War in Israel" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/civilization.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Civilization"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Civilization" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>