Many Christians understand the fact from the Bible that God made us in His own image and likeness. This happened on the sixth day of creation when God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were done with creation. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ was born with a physical body before returning to heaven after fulfilling prophecies. Such instances have aroused curiosity in some Christians who would like to be answered the question, “how tall is God?”
The Bible does not describe God’s height as either tall or short. In most Bible verses, God is described as a spirit, and his physique has not been clearly described. However, the Bible gives instances where God visited some of his people, and they could see him in his physical state. Abraham and Moses had a chance to see God in his physical form.
These instances could imply that despite God being spiritual, he might also have a physical body. In this article, we will look at the bible verses and instances that describe God’s physique, discuss how tall God is, and explain instances when God was visible to man.
Is God a physical being?
The Bible does not clearly describe God as a physical being but is open in many verses that say He is a spirit. By definition, a spirit is invisible, so this gives us one attribute of God, he is spiritual. However, this does not mean that God lacks a physique. Remember, He is the creator, and nobody knows how He could have designed himself to be. Let us discuss both verses and try to resolve whether God is physical, a spirit, or both.
Genesis 1:2 says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water.” This verse comes out clearly with the suggestion that God is a spirit. Before creation took its course, God was described as a spirit hovering over the water.
9 Luke 24:3 says, “Behold my hands and feet, that it is myself. Handle me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” With this verse, Jesus Christ gives us the definition of a spirit, and it comes out clearly as a being without flesh and bones, forming the most significant part of the human physical body.
Deuteronomy 4:15 says, “You saw no form of any kind the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves carefully.” In this verse, Moses warns the Israelites against disrespecting God as His form is indefinite. This was when God had addressed the Israelites through fire.
John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” These words came from Jesus Himself while answering the woman who thought physical presence was significant during worship. This is also proof that, indeed, God is a spirit, and we should do His worship spiritual way.
One of the verses has gone ahead and even contrasts God and human beings. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” This verse highlights a big contrast between God and humans, suggesting that He could also be lacking the physical form humans possess.
The verses above and many others have remarkably suggested that God is spiritual and has taken the form of a spirit since the beginning of creation. This, however, does not mean that God cannot manifest Himself in the physical form. The following instances have portrayed God physically.
Genesis 18:1-15 tells us the story of Abraham when he visited God Himself in his compound to deliver the good news that Abraham and Sarah would have a son. On this particular day, God manifested Himself as three men, and when Abraham saw Him, he quickly went and bowed at their feet. He further requested that he brings water so they wash their feet and rest with him. He then asked Sarah to knead bread and a servant to prepare a tender calf. All these were served with curds of milk and were eaten by the three.
The fact that Abraham bowed down and His worship was accepted prove that God had visited him. During the same visit, God still proved that He is a spirit, for when Sarah laughed secretly, He noticed and asked why she had done so.
Exodus 33:22-23 says, “When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.” In this verse, Moses had asked to see God in His glory, and God had accepted to show Himself to Him. However, God was not going to allow him to see His face; rather, He was going only to allow him to see His back.
While God was making man, God said, “Let us make man in our own image and likeness.” He then went ahead and designed man as He desired. Since man bears His image and likeness, this could imply that God can also become a physical human if He so wishes.
The verses above could imply that although God is a spirit, He can still choose to manifest Himself in the human physical form. Despite this manifestation, He is still a spirit, and as Jesus says, we should worship him in spirit and truth.
Does the Bible say whether God has body parts?
Some Bible verses suggest that God has different body parts and mention them. Isaiah 59:1 mentions God’s hand and ear. 2nd chronicles 16:9 mentions God’s eyes. Matthew 4:4 talks about God’s mouth, while Deuteronomy 33:27 talks about God’s arms. Some Christians have argued that these verses discuss God’s body parts. In Exodus 33:17-23, God speaks to Moses and tells him that He will not show His face, but Moses will see His back. God also tells Moses that He will cover him with His hand.
However, bible scholars refer to this as anthropomorphism. This means figurative language has been used to describe God as having body parts or emotions to make people understand Him better. It does not necessarily mean that God has the body parts.
References
Bible Verses about God’s Visit To Abraham
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
