Bible Dictionary
ALIVE
Alive means living, whether physically, spiritually, or in resurrection life. Scripture speaks of the living God, Christ alive after His resurrection, and believers being alive unto God.
Definition
Alive means living, primarily in reference to physical vitality, but also in relation to soul and spirit, resurrection life, and renewed spiritual life.
Biblical Usage
Scripture speaks of people being physically alive, of the living God, of Christ showing himself alive after resurrection, of all being made alive in Christ, and of believers reckoning themselves alive unto God.
Historical Background
The Hebrew and Greek terms cover life in both Testaments and are associated with God’s creative energy, Christ’s healing and resurrection life, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-liv' (chai, "living"; zao, "to live," anazao, "to live again"): These Hebrew and Greek originals are the chief terms for life in both Testaments. They cover all life, including soul and spirit, although primarily referring to physical vitality. Striking examples may be cited: "Is your father yet alive?" (Ge 43:7); "To whom he also showed himself alive" (Ac 1:3). Often used of God: "the living God" (Jos 3:10); also of the resurrection life: "In Christ shall all be made alive" (1Co 15:22); of the soul's regenerate life: "Reckon .... yourselves .... alive unto God," "as those that are alive from the dead" (Ro 6:11:13 the King James Version). The term is vital with the creative energy of God; the healing, redemptive, resurrection life of Christ; the renewing and recreative power of the Holy Spirit. Dwight M. Pratt</p>