Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of congratulating someone is not explicitly mentioned in the same way it is understood in contemporary culture. However, the principles of rejoicing with others and acknowledging their achievements or blessings are present throughout the Scriptures. The act of congratulating can be seen as an expression of love, encouragement, and community, aligning with biblical teachings on fellowship and mutual support.
Biblical Principles of Rejoicing with OthersThe Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a foundational principle that can be related to the act of congratulating others: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" (
Romans 12:15). This verse emphasizes the importance of empathy and shared joy within the Christian community. Congratulating someone can be seen as a practical application of rejoicing with those who experience success or happiness.
Encouragement and EdificationThe Bible frequently speaks about the importance of building one another up. In
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are already doing" . Congratulating someone for their achievements or milestones can serve as a form of encouragement, reinforcing their efforts and contributions. This aligns with the biblical call to edify and support one another in love.
Examples of Acknowledgment and BlessingWhile the specific term "congratulate" is not used, there are instances in the Bible where individuals are acknowledged and blessed for their actions or faithfulness. For example, in the Book of Ruth, Boaz acknowledges Ruth's loyalty and kindness, saying, "May the LORD reward your work, and may you receive a full reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge" (
Ruth 2:12). This blessing can be seen as a form of congratulation for Ruth's virtuous character and dedication.
Expressions of Joy in CommunityThe early church provides a model of communal life where believers shared in each other's joys and sorrows.
Acts 2:46-47 describes the early Christians as "continuing daily with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people" . This passage highlights the joy and unity that characterized the early Christian community, where mutual celebration and acknowledgment were integral to their fellowship.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "congratulate," the principles of rejoicing with others, encouraging one another, and acknowledging God's blessings in the lives of others are deeply embedded in Scripture. These principles guide believers in expressing congratulations in a manner that reflects Christian love and community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To address with expressions of sympathetic pleasure on account of some happy event affecting the person addressed; to wish joy to.
2. (v. i.) To express of feel sympathetic joy; as, to congratulate with one's country.
Greek
4796. sugchairo -- to rejoice with... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sugchairo Phonetic Spelling: (soong-khah'-
ee-ro) Short Definition: I rejoice with Definition: I rejoice with,
congratulate...4913. sunedomai -- to rejoice together
... Verb Transliteration: sunedomai Phonetic Spelling: (soon-ay'-dom-ahee) Short Definition:
I delight inwardly in Definition: I delight inwardly in,congratulate....
Strong's Hebrew
1288. barak -- to kneel, bless... abundantly, altogether, at all, blaspheme, bless,
congratulate, curse, greatly,.
A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless
...Library
Congratulate the Inhabitants of Antioch on the Close of the...
... Chapter X."Congratulate the inhabitants of Antioch on the close of the
persecution. Since, according to your prayers, and the...
Within a Few Days Galerius C??sar Arrived, not toCongratulate his...
... Chap. XVIII. Within a few days Galerius C??sar arrived, not tocongratulate
his father-in-law on the re-establishment? Within...
Holy Exercises of Pure Love to God.
... 8. I rejoice andcongratulate that Thou, my Lord God, art so rich and happy, that
all creatures can add no more to Thy happiness than already Thou hast;...
The Best Introduction to this Production Will be the Following...
... having entered the temple, with the view of getting an interpretation of certain
dreams, was addressed by the priest Prupupius thus: Icongratulate thee, master...
Imperial and Ecclesiastical Acts in Consequence of the Decision of...
... Icongratulate you, beloved brethren, that you now behold the fruit of your faith
before your eyes; for any one may see that such indeed is the case with...
Request to them to Send a Messenger to Antioch.
... it is fitting that, for the honour of God, your Church should elect some worthy
delegate; [1047] so that he, journeying into Syria, maycongratulate them that...
Authority and the Adventurer
... You have found a truth in the doctrine of hell; Icongratulate you. You are
convinced that worshippers of a personal God look outwards...
Approbations
... value." Most Rev. MA Corrigan, DD, Archbishop of New York: "Icongratulate
you on the good which it is likely to do.". Most Rev....
Epistle xxiv. To Moyses and Maximus and the Rest of the Confessors...
... I rejoice, therefore, on your behalf, most brave and faithful brethren; and as much
as Icongratulate the martyrs there honoured for the glory of their strength...
Epistle L. From Cyprian to the Confessors, Congratulating them on...
... 2. Let others consider how much they maycongratulate you, or how much each one
may glory for himself: I confess that Icongratulate you more, and I more boast...
Thesaurus
Congratulate (7 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) To express of feel sympathetic joy; as, to
congratulate with one's country.
Multi-Version Concordance
Congratulate (7 Occurrences).
...Welfare (32 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:10 and Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to inquire of his welfare,
and tocongratulate him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and smitten...
Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)
... of Hezekiah's sickness and miraculous recovery is found in 2 Kings 20:1, 2 Chronicles
32:24, Isaiah 38:1. Various ambassadors came tocongratulate him on his...
Inquire (95 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:10 and Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to inquire of his welfare,
and tocongratulate him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and smitten...
Bronze (146 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:10 and Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to inquire of his welfare,
and tocongratulate him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and smitten...
Joy (422 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) To rejoice; to be glad; to delight; to exult. 5. (vt) To give joy to; to
congratulate. 6. (vt) To gladden; to make joyful; to exhilarate....
Jehoram (27 Occurrences)
... Jehovah-exalted. (1.) Son of Toi, king of Hamath, sent by his father tocongratulate
David on the occasion of his victory over Hadadezer (2 Samuel 8:10)....
Libation (29 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:17 Nay, even if my life is to be poured as a libation upon the
sacrificial offering of your faith, I rejoice, and Icongratulate you all....
Gladness (83 Occurrences)
... faith resting on God. (WEY). Philippians 2:18 And I bid you also share my gladness,
andcongratulate me. (WEY). Philippians 2:29 Receive...
Warred (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David to inquire of his welfare,
and tocongratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and...
Resources
What is a blessing according to the Bible? What does the Bible mean by bless? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about grandparents? | GotQuestions.orgCongratulate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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