Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, remedies refer to the various means and methods used to restore health, alleviate suffering, or address ailments. The Bible, while primarily a spiritual and moral guide, contains numerous references to remedies, both natural and divine, reflecting the understanding and practices of ancient cultures.
Natural RemediesThe Bible often mentions natural substances used for healing purposes. For instance, in the book of Ezekiel, God speaks of the leaves of trees being used for medicine: "And by the river on its bank, on this side and on that side, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing" (
Ezekiel 47:12). This passage highlights the use of plant-based remedies, a common practice in ancient times.
Another example is found in the account of Hezekiah, who was instructed by the prophet Isaiah to apply a poultice of figs to his boil to recover from his illness: "Then Isaiah said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs.' So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and he recovered" (
2 Kings 20:7). This indicates the use of natural substances in treating physical ailments.
Anointing and OilsAnointing with oil is a significant practice mentioned in the Bible, often associated with healing. In the New Testament, the Epistle of James advises believers to anoint the sick with oil: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" (
James 5:14). This practice combines physical and spiritual elements, emphasizing faith and prayer alongside the use of oil as a remedy.
Divine HealingThe Bible also emphasizes divine intervention as a remedy for illness and suffering. Numerous accounts of miraculous healings are recorded, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. For example, Jesus healed a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years: "She said to herself, 'If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.' Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take courage, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was cured from that very hour" (
Matthew 9:21-22). This highlights the belief in faith and divine power as ultimate remedies.
Prayer and FaithPrayer is frequently depicted as a remedy for various troubles, including illness. The Psalms often reflect this belief, as seen in
Psalm 107:19-20: "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the pit" . This underscores the importance of seeking God's intervention through prayer as a means of healing.
ConclusionThe Bible presents a multifaceted view of remedies, encompassing natural, spiritual, and divine elements. While it acknowledges the use of natural substances and practices, it places significant emphasis on faith, prayer, and divine intervention as central to the healing process.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Remedy.
Strong's Hebrew
7499. rephuah -- remedy, medicine... healing. Word Origin from rapha Definition remedy, medicine NASB Word Usage
healing (2),
remedies (1). healed, medicine. Feminine
...Library
Of theRemedies of Sorrow or Pain (Five Articles)
... OF THEREMEDIES OF SORROW OR PAIN (FIVE ARTICLES). We must now consider theremedies
of pain or sorrow: under which head there are five points of inquiry:...
Moreover, as the Use ofRemedies is the Way to Health...
... BOOK I. Chapter 13. Moreover, as the use ofremedies is the way to health?
13. Moreover, as the use ofremedies is the way to...
The Answer on theirRemedies.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XIV. The answer on theirremedies.
John: For those who are anxious for the cure of their...
TheRemedies by which we Can Root Out Anger from Our Hearts.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXII. Theremedies by which we can root out anger from
our hearts. Wherefore the athlete of Christ who strives...
TheRemedies against the Disease of Covetousness.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXX. Theremedies against the disease of covetousness.
Keeping then in mind the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira...
Remedies by which we Can Overcome Vainglory.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XIX.Remedies by which we can overcome vainglory. And
so the athlete of Christ who desires to strive lawfully...
Remedies against the Evil of Pride.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXXIII.Remedies against the evil of pride. And when
men remain in this condition, there is no doubt that this...
Letter xiv. --Remedies for Troubles.
... ARIDITIES, WEAKNESSES AND WEARINESS. Letter XIV."Remedies for Troubles. To Sister
Marie-Th??r??se de Viom??nil (1734). The use of trials continued....
Of the Cause that Provokes Anger, and of theRemedies of Anger...
... OF THE CAUSE THAT PROVOKES ANGER, AND OF THEREMEDIES OF ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES)
[*There is no further mention of theseremedies in the text, except in A .]....
A Review of the Passions of Gluttony and Fornication and their...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter IV. A review of the passions
of gluttony and fornication and theirremedies. And to...
Thesaurus
Remedies (1 Occurrence)... (n.) Plural of Remedy. Multi-Version Concordance
Remedies (1 Occurrence).
... In vain
shalt thou multiply
remedies: there is no healing for thee. (DBY NAS NIV).
...Medicine (4 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MEDICINE. med'-i-sin, med'-is'-n (gehah, teruphah,
rephu'ah): These words are used in the sense of a remedy orremedies for disease...
Physician (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A person skilled in physic, or the art of healing; one duty authorized to
prescriberemedies for, and treat, diseases; a doctor of medicine....
Remedy (6 Occurrences)
Virgin-daughter (3 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Jeremiah 46:11 Go up to Gilead, and fetch balm, O virgin-daughter of Egypt!
In vain shalt thou multiplyremedies: there is no healing for thee. (DBY)....
Indicate (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the properremedies; as,
great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants....
Indication (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) Explanation; display. 5. (n.) Any symptom or occurrence in a disease, which
serves to direct to suitableremedies. Multi-Version Concordance...
Treat (53 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To care for medicinally or surgically; to manage in the use ofremedies
or appliances; as, to treat a disease, a wound, or a patient....
Remarking (4 Occurrences)
Extraordinary (11 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Beyond the common method; unusual, irregular;
as, extraordinary evils; extraordinaryremedies....
Resources
Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view homeopathic medicine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.orgRemedies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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