Topical Encyclopedia
Boxing, as a sport and form of combat, involves two individuals engaging in a contest of strength, speed, reflexes, and endurance, typically using their fists. While the modern sport of boxing as we know it today is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of physical combat and the metaphorical use of fighting imagery are present in the Scriptures.
Biblical References and ImageryThe Apostle Paul, in his epistles, uses the imagery of boxing to convey spiritual truths and the Christian's struggle against sin and spiritual adversaries. In
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 , Paul writes, "Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Here, Paul likens the Christian life to an athletic contest, emphasizing discipline, self-control, and purposeful action.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 4:7 , Paul reflects on his life and ministry, stating, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." The use of the term "fight" suggests a struggle or contest, akin to a boxing match, where perseverance and endurance are crucial.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsFrom a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and avoid violence. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (
Matthew 5:9). This emphasis on peace and reconciliation may lead some to question the appropriateness of engaging in a sport that involves physical aggression and potential harm to others.
However, the Bible also acknowledges the reality of conflict and the need for believers to be prepared for spiritual battles.
Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and the metaphorical use of combat imagery to describe the Christian's fight against evil.
Historical ContextIn the ancient world, forms of boxing and combat sports were practiced in various cultures, including the Greeks and Romans. These contests were often part of larger athletic festivals and held significant cultural and religious importance. While the Bible does not explicitly mention these events, the cultural context of the New Testament period would have been familiar with such practices.
Spiritual ApplicationThe metaphor of boxing in the Bible serves as a powerful illustration of the Christian's spiritual journey. It underscores the need for discipline, perseverance, and focus in the pursuit of holiness and the advancement of God's kingdom. Believers are called to "fight the good fight of faith" (
1 Timothy 6:12), striving to live lives that honor God and reflect His character.
In summary, while boxing as a sport is not directly addressed in the Bible, the imagery of fighting and athletic competition is used to convey important spiritual truths. These metaphors encourage believers to live disciplined, purposeful lives, fully engaged in the spiritual battles they face.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Box.
2. (n.) The act of inclosing (anything) in a box, as for storage or transportation.
3. (n.) Material used in making boxes or casings.
4. (n.) Any boxlike enclosure or recess; a casing.
5. (n.) The external case of thin material used to bring any member to a required form.
6. (n.) The act of fighting with the fist; a combat with the fist; sparring.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BOXINGSeeGAMES.
Greek
1129. gumnasia -- exercise... (cf. ). ["The words are to be taken in their literal sense as referring to physical
training in the palaestra --
boxing, racing, etc. Compare 1 Cor 9:24-27.
...Library
The Sixth Ennead Cfirst Tractate. On the Kinds of Being (1).
...Boxing, for example, is not a power of man qua man; reasoning is: therefore reasoning,
on this hypothesis, is not quality but a natural possession of the...
But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for...
... Where there are mere contests, there are some wounds: fists make reel, heels kick
like butting rams,boxing-gloves mangle, whips leave gashes....
Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes
... Free Hand and Calisthenic Drills Fire, Ambulance, Life-saving Drills Single Stick
and Foil,Boxing Swimming Water Polo Water Sports Jumping and Running Shot...
Alexander.
... Everyone came to see the wrestling,boxing, racing, and throwing heavy weights,
and to hear the poems sung or recited; and the men who excelled all the rest...
Ridicule of the Studies of the Greeks.
... Why do you, as in aboxing match, make their sounds clash together with your mincing
Attic way of speaking, whereas you ought to speak more according to nature...
Ep. I. There is one Good Point in My Character, and I Will Boast...
... If you were to practiseboxing in public, or to give and receive blows in the theatre,
or to writhe and twist yourself shamefully, would you speak of yourself...
That the Inventors of Other Arts were Mostly Barbarians.
... the first that purified iron. Amycus the king of the Bebryci was the first
inventor ofboxing-gloves. [1979] In music, Olympus the...
Of the Heresiarch Photinus.
... [356] 351 ad So also Sozomen, IV. 6. [357] The Ludi circenses, consisting of five
games, leaping, wrestling,boxing, racing, and hurling,--called in Greek...
But You Will, Perhaps, Say that the Gods are not Artificers...
... Mercury is occupied with [3989] combats, and presides overboxing and wrestling
matches; and why does he not make all invincible who are in his charge?...
Of the Number of Different Conflicts and victories through which...
... that he has gained a battle triumph by mortifying his own body; for when it is
chastised with the blows of continence and struck down with theboxing-gloves of...
Thesaurus
Boxing... 6. (n.) The act of fighting with the fist; a combat with the fist; sparring.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BOXING. See GAMES.
...Boxtree
Defence (48 Occurrences)
... action. 6. (n.) Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy;
practice in self defense, as in fencing,boxing, etc. 7...
Muffler
... 2. (n.) A cushion for terminating or softening a note made by a stringed instrument
with a keyboard. 3. (n.) A kind of mitten orboxing glove, esp....
Pocket (3 Occurrences)
... cowries, etc. 4. (n.) A hole or space covered by a movable piece of board,
as in a floor,boxing, partitions, or the like. 5. (n...
Boxes (3 Occurrences)
But (42052 Occurrences)
... joint. 19. (n.) The end of a connecting rod or other like piece, to which
theboxing is attached by the strap, cotter, and gib. 20....
Buffet (4 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper. 9. (vi) To exercise
or play atboxing; to strike; to smite; to strive; to contend. 10....
Bearing (150 Occurrences)
... between its supports. 10. (n.) The part of an axle or shaft in contact with
its support, collar, orboxing; the journal. 11. (n.) The...
Square (94 Occurrences)
... quarrel. 36. (vi) To take aboxing attitude; -- often with up, sometimes
with off. Multi-Version Concordance Square (94 Occurrences)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Mandela Effect? | GotQuestions.orgBoxing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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