The Biblical Meaning of "Waxed"

The term "waxed" appears throughout the Bible, carrying a range of meanings related to growth, change, and transformation. While the word itself might seem archaic to modern readers, understanding its nuances provides valuable insights into the biblical narrative and its teachings.

"Waxed" as Physical Growth and Increase

In the Old Testament, "waxed" often describes physical growth and increase, whether of individuals or populations.

• Genesis 26:13: "The man became rich and continued to prosper until he became very wealthy." In this context, "waxed" signifies Isaac's increasing wealth and prosperity.
• Exodus 1:7: "The children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them." Here, "waxed" highlights the numerical and influential growth of the Israelites in Egypt.
• 2 Samuel 3:1: "David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker." This verse illustrates the increasing power and influence of David compared to the declining fortunes of Saul's lineage.

These examples demonstrate how "waxed" was used to depict tangible, measurable growth in the physical realm.

"Waxed" in Spiritual and Moral Contexts

Beyond the physical, "waxed" also describes spiritual or moral conditions, often with a sense of decline or deterioration.

• Matthew 24:12: Jesus warns, "Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." The phrase "wax cold" indicates a decline in spiritual fervor and love due to increasing iniquity, underscoring the potential for spiritual decay in the face of pervasive sin.
• Matthew 13:15: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed." This verse describes a spiritual hardening, where people become less receptive to God's message.

These passages highlight the use of "waxed" to depict changes in the spiritual and moral landscape, often with negative connotations.

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"Waxed" Describing Emotional and Relational Shifts

The term can also describe shifts in emotional or relational states, illustrating the complexities of human interaction.

• Judges 16:15-17: Delilah accuses Samson of not loving her, saying, "How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?" Samson's eventual disclosure to Delilah illustrates a waxing of trust and vulnerability, albeit leading to his downfall.

Here, "waxed" captures the changing dynamics within a relationship, showcasing the ebb and flow of emotions and trust.

Metaphorical and Symbolic Usage of "Waxed"

The Bible often employs "waxed" metaphorically to convey deeper spiritual truths, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

• Job 21:24: "His sides are full of fat, and the marrow of his bones is moist." In this instance, the prosperity and health of the wicked are described as having "waxed" strong, yet the context of Job's discourse questions the ultimate fate of such individuals.
• Psalm 22:14: "My heart is like wax; it is melted within me." This verse uses the image of melting wax to describe intense emotional distress and vulnerability.
• Psalm 68:2: "As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before God." Here, the melting of wax symbolizes the destruction of the wicked in the presence of God.
• Psalm 97:5: "The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth." This verse uses the imagery of melting wax to illustrate the overwhelming power and majesty of God.
• Micah 1:4: "The mountains will melt under Him, And the valleys will be split, Like wax before the fire, Like water poured down a steep place." This passage employs the melting of wax to depict the devastating consequences of God's judgment.

These metaphorical uses of "waxed" enrich the biblical text, adding symbolic weight to the descriptions of power, vulnerability, and divine judgment.

Prophetic and Eschatological Implications of "Waxed"

In prophetic literature, "waxed" can describe the unfolding of divine plans or the intensification of events leading to the end times.

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• Daniel 8:9: A little horn "waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land." This imagery is part of a vision concerning future kingdoms and their impact on God's people.

In this context, "waxed" signifies the increasing power and influence of a particular entity within the prophetic narrative.

Wax in Biblical Times: Symbolism and Practical Use

In Biblical times, wax was primarily derived from bees and was used for various practical and symbolic purposes. Although the Bible does not frequently mention wax directly, its properties and uses can be inferred from the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East.

Symbolism and Usage

1. Symbol of Transience and Change: Wax, due to its ability to melt and change form, is often associated with transience and transformation. This symbolism is reflected in the Bible, where the melting of wax is used metaphorically to describe the power and presence of God.
2. Illustration of Fear and Awe: The imagery of wax melting is also used to convey fear and awe in the presence of God's majesty.
3. Craftsmanship and Utility: While the Bible does not explicitly describe the use of wax in craftsmanship, historical evidence suggests that wax was used in the ancient world for sealing documents, making molds for metal casting, and as a component in various artistic endeavors. The process of using wax in lost-wax casting, for example, was well-known in antiquity and allowed for the creation of intricate metal objects.
4. Symbol of Purity and Preservation: In some biblical interpretations, wax is seen as a symbol of purity and preservation. The process of refining and purifying beeswax can be likened to spiritual purification. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, this symbolism aligns with the broader biblical theme of refining and purifying one's faith and character.

Cultural context

In the ancient Near East, beeswax was a valuable commodity due to its versatility and utility. It was used in religious rituals, as a waterproofing agent, and in the production of candles and lamps. The use of wax in lighting is particularly significant, as light holds profound symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing truth, guidance, and the presence of God.

"Waxed" and God's Unchanging Love

The unchanging nature of God's love is a central theme in Christianity. Even during difficult times, God's love remains constant. As stated in 1 Samuel 15:29, "And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind." Similarly, Malachi 3:6 proclaims, "I am the Lord, and I do not change…" James 1:17-18 reinforces this idea: "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession."

The King James Version and "Waxed Cold"

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible uses the phrase "wax cold" in Matthew 24:12: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." This verse is part of Jesus's discourse on the end times. The New International Version (NIV) translates this passage as, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." Regardless of the translation, the meaning is clear: increasing wickedness will lead to a decrease in love.

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Sincere Love: Without Wax

The idea of sincerity, of being "without wax," is also relevant. In ancient times, sculptors would sometimes use wax to cover imperfections in their work. The term "sincere" (from the Latin "sine cera," meaning "without wax") came to describe something genuine and without flaws. In the context of Christian love, sincerity means being genuine and transparent in our love for God and others, striving to discern and follow God's Word and way.

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