Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "renounce" in the Bible involves the act of formally declaring one's abandonment of a claim, belief, or practice. It is a decisive rejection or disavowal, often in the context of turning away from sin, worldly desires, or false teachings to embrace a life aligned with God's will.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Renouncing Sin and Worldliness: The Bible frequently calls believers to renounce sin and the ways of the world. In
Titus 2:11-12 , it is written, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." This passage highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which enables believers to reject sinful behaviors and live in accordance with divine principles.
2.
Renouncing False Teachings: The early church faced numerous false teachings, and believers were urged to renounce these deceptions. In
2 Corinthians 4:2 , Paul states, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." Here, renouncing involves a commitment to truth and integrity, rejecting any form of deceit or distortion of God's Word.
3.
Renouncing Self and Taking Up the Cross: Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and commitment. In
Luke 14:33 , He declares, "In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." This renunciation is not merely about material possessions but involves a deeper surrender of one's own will and desires to follow Christ fully.
4.
Renouncing Idolatry: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly called to renounce idolatry and return to the worship of the one true God. In
Joshua 24:14 , Joshua exhorts the people, "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Put away the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD." Renouncing idols is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for exclusive devotion to God.
Theological ImplicationsRenunciation in the biblical sense is not merely an external act but a profound internal transformation. It involves a change of heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that reflects the values and character of Christ. This act of renunciation is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it aligns believers with God's purposes and prepares them for His service.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, renouncing involves a daily commitment to reject anything that hinders their relationship with God. This includes not only overt sins but also subtle influences that can lead one away from a Christ-centered life. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to discern and renounce anything contrary to God's will, thereby living lives that honor Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To declare against; to reject or decline formally; to refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to one; to disclaim; as, to renounce a title to land or to a throne.
2. (v. t.) To cast off or reject deliberately; to disown; to dismiss; to forswear.
3. (v. t.) To disclaim having a card of (the suit led) by playing a card of another suit.
4. (v. i.) To make renunciation.
5. (v. i.) To decline formally, as an executor or a person entitled to letters of administration, to take out probate or letters.
6. (n.) Act of renouncing.
Greek
550. apeipon -- to forbid,renounce... to forbid,
renounce. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apeipon Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-i-pom'-ane) Short Definition: I
renounce, disown Definition: I
renounce...657. apotasso -- to set apart, take leave of
... of. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apotasso Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ot-as'-
som-ahee) Short Definition: I withdraw from, take leave of,renounce, send away...
659. apotithemi -- to put off, lay aside
... lay aside. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apotithemi Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-ot-eeth'-ay-mee) Short Definition: I lay off or aside,renounce Definition:...
554. apekduomai -- to strip off from oneself
... from oneself. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apekduomai Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-ek-doo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I strip, divest,renounce Definition: I...
3404. miseo -- to hate
... 3404 -- properly, to detest (on a basis); hence, ; to than someone (something)
else, ie torenounce one choice in favor of another....
Library
Of those whoRenounce the World but Ill.
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XX. Of those whorenounce
the world but ill. In the last place I am ashamed to say...
What Therefore Has Everyone So Much to Fear, toRenounce and Abhor...
... Address 118: What therefore has everyone so much to fear, torenounce and
abhor? What therefore has everyone so much to fear, to...
Of the Difference Between one who Renounces the World Badly and...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XV. Of the difference between one who renounces the
world badly and one who does notrenounce it at all. Of...
Of the Training of those whoRenounce this World, and of the Way...
... Chapter I. Of the training of those whorenounce this world, and of the way in which
those are taught among the monks of Tabenna and the Egyptians who are...
An Exhortation to the Romans toRenounce Paganism.
... Book II. Chapter 29."An Exhortation to the Romans toRenounce Paganism.
This, rather, is the religion worthy of your desires, O...
Nemesianus of Tubun?? Said: "That the Baptism which is Given by...
... that he does not "trust in what is false" who trusts in the hope of things temporal,
as do all covetous men and robbers, and those "whorenounce the world in...
"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... O that we could once persuade you torenounce yourselves, to embrace this
righteousness! Then it were easy to prevail with you to...
Whether a Reason in Support of the Things of Faith Diminishes the...
... Now anything which conduces to the contrary of faith, whether it be persecution
in order to compel one torenounce it, or reasoning in order to persuade one to...
Whether Poverty is Required for Religious Perfection?
... For it is one thing not to wish to lay hold of what one has not, and another to
renounce what one already has; the former are rejected as foreign to us, the...
He that Overcometh.
... You have vowed that yourenounce the devil and his works, that yourenounce covetous
desires, that yourenounce the carnal desires of the flesh, so that you...
Thesaurus
Renounce (12 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To declare against; to reject or decline formally; to refuse to own or
acknowledge as belonging to one; to disclaim; as, to
renounce a title to land or
...Blaspheme (16 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Job 1:11 But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath,
and he willrenounce thee to thy face....renounce God, and die. (See JPS)....
Forswear (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To reject orrenounce upon oath; torenounce
earnestly; as to forswear drinking or smoking. 2. (vi) To deny upon oath....
Defy (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) Torenounce or dissolve all bonds of affiance,
faith, or obligation with; to reject, refuse, orrenounce....
Touch (82 Occurrences)
... Job 1:11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will
renounce you to your face." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)....
Unmoved (9 Occurrences)
... bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who really belong to Him." And this
also, "Let every one who names the Name of the Lordrenounce all wickedness...
Inscription (18 Occurrences)
... bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who really belong to Him." And this
also, "Let every one who names the Name of the Lordrenounce all wickedness...
Forgo (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To give up the enjoyment or advantage of; torenounce; as, to forgo the
use of a discount; -- said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach...
Follower (8 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any one desires to follow me,
let himrenounce self and take up his cross, and so be my follower. (WEY)....
Forsake (88 Occurrences)
... forsake us in adversity. 2. (vt) Torenounce; to reject; to refuse.
Multi-Version Concordance Forsake (88 Occurrences). Matthew 27:46...
Resources
Who was Polycarp? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28)? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible for a believer to unbelieve? | GotQuestions.orgRenounce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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