In the Bible, the phrase “a certain” is often used to introduce an individual or situation without specifying their name or details, highlighting the significance of the story or lesson rather than the identity of the person. It typically emphasizes the importance of the narrative, inviting readers to focus on the moral or spiritual lesson being conveyed.
Scripture
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Biblical Meaning of “A Certain”
The phrase “a certain” serves as a compelling literary device in the Bible, inviting readers to engage deeper with the text beyond mere identification of characters. This phrasing is particularly notable in parables and specific narratives, where the focus shifts from the individual’s identity to the broader meaning of their actions or experiences. For instance, in Luke 10:30, the Parable of the Good Samaritan begins with, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho,” which emphasizes not just the man’s plight but also the moral obligation to help others regardless of social boundaries. The anonymity of the character allows the story to transcend cultural and historical contexts, making it a universal teaching on compassion and neighborly love.
Moreover, the use of “a certain” creates a sense of everyman—a representation of common humanity in varied spiritual or moral circumstances. In Matthew 18:23, the parable of the unforgiving servant begins with “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king,” further suggesting that this narrative, while illustrative through the figures described, serves a larger message about forgiveness and divine justice that is applicable to all believers. By maintaining anonymity through such introductions, the Bible encourages a focus on the lessons themselves, prompting readers to reflect on their personal lives and relationships with God and others, reinforcing the idea that anyone may find themselves in similar spiritual predicaments regardless of their individual backstory.
The phrase “a certain” resonates throughout various biblical texts, effectively engaging readers by establishing scenarios that strip characters of specific identities. This narrative technique allows the focus to pivot to the underlying principles embedded in their stories. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the introduction often alludes to “a certain shepherd,” symbolizing the universal quest for the lost and underscoring the inherent value of each individual in the eyes of the divine. This representation transcends individual identity and myriad cultural contexts, teaching that every soul is worthy of pursuit and care.
Additionally, the phrase invites introspection and realization that each person can embody these characters, whether as the shepherd, the lost sheep, or even the indifferent bystander. In the encounter of “a certain woman” who suffers from a bleeding ailment, readers are drawn into her plight not just as an isolated narrative, but as a reflection of the struggles faced by many. Through her story, the text speaks to themes of faith, desperation, and healing, presenting a broader spiritual message about seeking divine intervention and the transformative power of belief. This method of characterization fosters a connectedness among readers by highlighting shared human experiences and spiritual truths, prompting them to contemplate their own journeys through the lens of those depicted.
Specificity in Narrative
The phrase “a certain” often serves to introduce a specific individual or entity within a biblical narrative. This specificity can enhance the story’s relatability and impact, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a more personal level. By using “a certain,” the text draws attention to the importance of the individual in the unfolding events, suggesting that their actions or circumstances carry significant weight in the overall message.
Universality of Experience
In many instances, “a certain” can also imply a broader, universal experience that transcends the individual mentioned. By focusing on a particular person or situation, the text invites readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. This approach encourages the audience to see themselves in the narrative, recognizing that the themes of struggle, redemption, or moral lessons are applicable to all, not just the specific character being referenced.
Invitation to Reflection
The use of “a certain” can serve as an invitation for deeper reflection on the part of the reader. It prompts individuals to consider the qualities, actions, or decisions of the person being described and how these elements relate to their own spiritual journey. This reflective aspect encourages a more profound engagement with the text, as readers are invited to ponder the implications of the story and its relevance to their own lives and faith.
How to Embrace Identity in Christ for Growth
Embracing your identity in Christ is a transformative journey that can profoundly impact your spiritual growth and daily life. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the truths of who you are in Christ to sink deep into your heart—remember, you are loved, chosen, and redeemed (Ephesians 1:4-5). Reflect on these truths through prayer and meditation, asking God to reveal any areas where you may struggle with self-doubt or insecurity. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and uplift you, sharing in the joys and challenges of faith together. As you grow in understanding your identity, let it shape your actions and decisions, leading you to serve others and share the love of Christ. Remember, this journey is not about perfection but about progress; each step you take in embracing your identity in Him brings you closer to the abundant life He promises.
Bible References to “A Certain” Meaning:
Luke 16:19-31: 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’
Luke 18:2-8: 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 19:12-27: He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.
19 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’
19 He said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;
21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’
25 ‘And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten minas!”‘
26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
Matthew 21:28-32: 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’
29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.
30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.
31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
Matthew 22:1-14: And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,
2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,
3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.
4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”
5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,
6 The rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.
7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.
10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.
12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.
13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Mark 12:1-12: 1 And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country.
2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
4 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed.
5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed.
6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.
9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.
10 Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
11 This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.
John 5:1-9: 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.
3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.
4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.
5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
Acts 9:10-19: 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,
12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”
13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.
17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized.
19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
Acts 10:1-8: 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,
2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”
4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.
6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.
7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,
8 Now on the next day they went on their journey and approached the city.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.