Define anthropomorphism

  • From the Greek anthropos (“human”) and morphe (“form”).
  • The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.
  • Humanization.

Examples of anthropomorphism

God is spirit and does not dwell in temples made of hands but there are humanized descriptions of God. Why?

  • John 4:24; Acts 17:24
  • The command to leave Sinai
    • Exodus 33:1, 18-23
  • The glory of the Lord
    • Ezekiel 1:26-28
  • Heaven
    • Revelation 21:15-23
  • Have not heard, seen, or even imagine
    • I Corinthians 2:9

Characteristics of God

  • His face
    • Numbers 6:24-26; Matthew 18:10; Psalms 51:7-13
  • His heart
    • II Chronicles 7:14-16; Genesis 6:5-8; 8:20-22; I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22
  • His hands
    • Exodus 15:1-6; Deuteronomy 33:3; Isaiah 4:24-27; I Chronicles 28:19; 19:14; Acts 11:21; 2:33-34; I Peter 5:6-7; Isaiah 40:12
  • His eyes
    • Psalms 34:15; Proverbs 15:3; II Chronicles 16:8-9; Deuteronomy 11:11; Amos 9:8; I Peter 3:12
  • His feet
    • Ezekiel 34:7; II Samuel 22:10; Ephesians 1:22-23
  • His arm
    • Jeremiah 32:21; Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 5:15; Job 40:9; Isaiah 52:10; 53:1; Luke 1:51; John 12:38