Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Think on Things lovely – Episode 727

Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Think on Things lovely – Episode 727

Philippians 4:8
סוֹף דָּבָר, אַחַי, כָּל אֲשֶׁר אֱמֶת, כָּל מַה שֶׁנִּכְבָּד, כָּל דָּבָר יָשָׁר, טָהוֹר, מָלֵא נֹעַם, כָּל אֲשֶׁר שִׁמְעוֹ טוֹב, כָּל מַעֲשֶׂה נַעֲלֶה, וְכָל דָּבָר הָרָאוּי לְשֶׁבַח –– בְּאֵלֶּה יֶהְגֶּה לְבַבְכֶם.

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Philippians 4:8
4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)

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Notice how the word “lovely” (Philippians 4:8) is the least obvious word in Paul’s list, yet it has surprisingly deep roots in the Torah once you understand what Paul means. Paul uses the Greek word prosphilē meaning that which calls forth love, that which is pleasing, admirable, or beautiful in God’s eyes.

– Torah Parallels to “Think on Things Lovely” (Philippians 4:8) –

1. Torah’s Call to Love What God Loves. The Torah repeatedly commands Israel to set their affection on what God finds beautiful. Deut. 6:5, 10:12-13, 11:1.
2. Torah’s Vision of God’s Commands as Beautiful and Delightful. The Torah does not present God’s commands as burdens, but as beautiful, life‑giving, and desirable. Deut. 4:6–8, 30:11-14, 32:4.
3. Torah’s Emphasis on the Beauty of Holiness. Holiness in Torah is not merely moral, it is beautiful, set apart, attractive. Exod. 28:2, Lev. 19:2, Num. 6:22–27.
4. Torah’s Celebration of God’s Goodness and Compassion. What God does is lovely, His mercy, His faithfulness, His covenant love. Exod. 34:6–7, Deut. 7:7–9, 32:10-12.
5. Torah’s Call to Delight in God’s Blessings. The Torah repeatedly commands Israel to rejoice, celebrate, and delight in God’s goodness, which is exactly the mental posture Paul describes. Deut. 12:7, 12, 18, 26:10-11, 16:14-15.
6. Torah’s Vision of Creation as Beautiful and Good. Paul’s category “lovely” includes the beauty of God’s creation, a theme that begins in Genesis. Gen. 1:31, 2:9, 2:18-24.

– Context Synthesis –

Torah → Paul on “Lovely Thinking.” Torah Themes:

• Love what God loves,
• God’s commands are beautiful and admirable,
• Holiness is beautiful,
• God’s character is lovely,
• God’s blessings are delightful,
• Creation is good and pleasing,
• Covenant love is attractive and worthy of affection.

– Core Insight –

Paul’s “lovely” is a direct continuation of Torah’s call to delight in the beauty of God, His ways, His works, and His world. This is how Paul taught Torah in the NT, the Torah has not passed away!

Visual Summary of Concepts the Torah in the NT