Topical Encyclopedia
The term "behooved" is an archaic English word that conveys a sense of duty, necessity, or obligation. In biblical contexts, it often refers to actions or events that are fitting, proper, or required according to divine will or moral law. The concept of behoovement is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's sovereign plan and the moral imperatives that arise from it.
Biblical Usage:The word "behooved" is not frequently used in modern translations of the Bible, but its essence is captured in various passages that speak to the necessity of certain actions or events within God's redemptive plan. In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is often expressed through terms like "must," "ought," or "necessary."
Key Scriptural References:1.
Luke 24:46 : "He told them, 'This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.'" Here, the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection is emphasized. It was "behooved" by the Scriptures, meaning it was essential and predetermined in God's salvific plan.
2.
Hebrews 2:17 : "So He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people." The phrase "had to be made" reflects the necessity of Christ's incarnation and His role as the High Priest. It was behooved by divine purpose for Him to fully identify with humanity to accomplish atonement.
3.
Acts 17:3 : "Explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, 'This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,' he declared." The apostolic preaching often highlighted the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection, as it was central to the fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of the New Covenant.
Theological Implications:The concept of behoovement underscores the divine orchestration of history and the fulfillment of God's promises. It reflects the belief that certain events, particularly those related to the life and work of Jesus Christ, are not arbitrary but are essential components of God's redemptive plan. This understanding reinforces the reliability of Scripture and the faithfulness of God in bringing His purposes to fruition.
Moral and Ethical Dimensions:In a broader sense, the idea of behoovement extends to the moral and ethical obligations of believers. Just as certain events were necessary in the divine plan, Christians are called to live in a manner that is fitting and proper according to God's revealed will. This includes adhering to the teachings of Christ, pursuing holiness, and fulfilling the Great Commission.
Conclusion:While the term "behooved" may not appear frequently in contemporary translations, its underlying concept remains vital in understanding the necessity and propriety of God's actions and commands. It calls believers to recognize the divine imperatives that shape both the narrative of Scripture and the conduct of the Christian life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Behoove.
Library
Whether it was Fitting for the Son of God to Assume Human Nature...
... to be separated from sinners as regards sin, which He came to overthrow, and not
as regards nature which He came to save, and in which "itbehooved Him in all...
Whether it was Necessary for Christ to Rise Again?
... On the contrary, It is written (Lk.24:46): "Itbehooved Christ to suffer and
to rise again from the dead.". I answer that, Itbehooved...
Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue Should have Included a...
... the aspect of something due, which is a necessary condition for a precept, as stated
above (Q[44], A[1]; [2834]FS, Q[99], AA[1],5). Hence itbehooved the chief...
Practical Observations.
... Their Scriptures showed "that itbehooved Christ to suffer and to be raised again
from the dead." All prophecy points him out as one who came into the world to...
Hebrews ii. 16-17
... Abraham He taketh hold. [2800] Wherefore in all things itbehooved Him
to be made like unto His brethren.". [1.] Paul wishing to...
Whether Christ Should have Associated with Men, or Led a Solitary...
... a solitary life. For itbehooved Christ to show by His manner of life not
only that He was man, but also that He was God. But it...
Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Made Known to Some?
... But itbehooved Christ's birth to be profitable: else He were born in vain. Therefore
it seems that Christ's birth should have been made known to some....
Whether the Angel of Annunciation Should have Appeared to the...
... Now since itbehooved a sublime messenger to come to announce the Divine Conception,
so, seemingly, he should have appeared in the most excellent kind of vision...
Whether the Annunciation Should have Been Made by an Angel to the...
... Objection 2: Further, if in this matter itbehooved the common order to be observed,
by which Divine things are announced to men by angels; in like manner...
Whether the Dove in which the Holy Ghost Appeared was Real?
... Wherefore, after the words quoted above, Augustine adds: "Just as itbehooved the
Son of God not to deceive men, so itbehooved the Holy Ghost not to deceive....
Thesaurus
Behooved (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Behooved (4 Occurrences). Luke 24:26
Behooved it not the
Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? (ASV).
...Behoove
Behove (5 Occurrences)
Propitiation (4 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore itbehooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren,
that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things...
Priesthood (30 Occurrences)
... In Hebrews 2:17 we are told that it "behooved him in all things to be made like
unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in...
Synoptic
... prophets have spoken!Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things,
and to enter into his glory?" (24:25). In the Christian...
Gospels
... prophets have spoken!Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things,
and to enter into his glory?" (24:25). In the Christian...
Resources
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