Topical Encyclopedia
The term "contrariwise" is an adverb used in the Bible to indicate an opposite or contrasting action, thought, or condition. It is derived from the Latin "contrarius," meaning "opposite." In the context of Scripture, "contrariwise" often highlights a reversal or contrast in behavior, attitude, or divine principle.
Biblical Usage1.
1 Peter 3:9 : "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." Here, the concept of "contrariwise" is implicit in the instruction to respond to evil not with retaliation but with blessing. This teaching underscores the Christian ethic of responding to wrongdoing with grace and kindness, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
2.
2 Corinthians 2:7 : "So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow." In this passage, the Apostle Paul advises the Corinthian church to act "contrariwise" to the natural inclination of holding a grudge or meting out excessive punishment. Instead, they are encouraged to forgive and comfort, demonstrating the redemptive love that is central to Christian community life.
3.
Galatians 2:7 : "On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised." The use of "contrariwise" here highlights the distinct yet complementary missions of Paul and Peter. While their audiences differed, their unified purpose in spreading the Gospel illustrates the diverse yet harmonious nature of the early Church's mission.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "contrariwise" in Scripture often serves to emphasize the countercultural nature of Christian teachings. It calls believers to live in a manner that contrasts with worldly values, embodying principles such as forgiveness, love, and humility. This reversal of expected behavior is a testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the concept of "contrariwise" challenges Christians to examine their responses to life's challenges and interactions with others. It encourages a mindset that seeks to reflect Christ's love and grace, even in situations where the natural response might be one of anger, revenge, or bitterness. By living "contrariwise," believers bear witness to the power of the Gospel to change hearts and minds, offering a compelling testimony to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) On the contrary; oppositely; on the other hand.
2. (adv.) In a contrary order; conversely.
Greek
235. alla -- otherwise, on the other hand, but... Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, ie (adverbially)
contrariwise (in
many relations) -- and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no
...5121. tounantion -- on the contrary
... on the contrary. Contraction for the neuter of ho and enantion; on the contrary --
contrariwise. see GREEK ho. see GREEK enantion. (tounantion) -- 3 Occurrences...
Library
That all Bodily Thing is Subject unto Ghostly Thing, and is Ruled...
... BEGINNETH THE ONE AND SIXTIETH CHAPTER That all bodily thing is subject unto ghostly
thing, and is ruled thereafter by the course of nature and notcontrariwise...
How those are to be Admonished who do Bad Things Secretly and Good...
... XXXV. How those are to be admonished who do bad things secretly and good
things openly, and those who docontrariwise. (Admonition...
On that which is Written in the Gospel, Matt. v. 16, "Even So Let...
... v. 16, "Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven:" andcontrariwise, Chap....
Galatians Chapter ii.
... Ver.7. "Butcontrariwise.". Some hold his meaning to be, not only that the Apostles
did not instruct him, but that they were instructed by him....
Letter cxxiv. To Avitus.
... hypothesis of mine a vessel made to honour which fails to fulfil its object will
in another world become a vessel made to dishonour; andcontrariwise a vessel...
The Law Anterior to Moses.
... Adam himself and Eve a law, that they were not to eat of the fruit of the tree planted
in the midst of paradise; but that, if they didcontrariwise, by death...
July 1559. John Knox's Declaration to Queen Elizabeth.
... Whanecontrariwise a prowd conceat, and eleuation of your self shalbe the occasion
that your reing shalbe vnstabill, trublesum and schort....
And, this Being So, Hear Also Just So Many Conditions and...
... not profitably understood by some one: or both take place unprofitably: or the reader
understands profitably, whereas he, who is read, hath writtencontrariwise...
Examples from among the Heathen, as Well as from the Church, to...
... to have desired, without any external solicitation, marriage with a king, did yet,
for fear of experiencing a second union, prefer,contrariwise, to "burn...
The Third Word from the Cross
... dazzle us, it is never long before there ensues some incident which reminds us that
He is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh; and,contrariwise, when He...
Thesaurus
Contrariwise (3 Occurrences)... 1. (adv.) On the contrary; oppositely; on the other hand. 2. (adv.) In a contrary
order; conversely. Multi-Version Concordance
Contrariwise (3 Occurrences).
...Overmuch (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:7 So thatcontrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort
him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow....
Intrusted (5 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Galatians 2:7 butcontrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with
the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with 'the gospel' of the...
Thereunto (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: butcontrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a...
Railing (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: butcontrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a...
Patrimony (1 Occurrence)
... being inherited from Yahweh (Psalm 105:11); salvation because of its origin in grace
was the believer's patrimony (Galatians 3:26-4:7).Contrariwise Israel was...
Contradictions (1 Occurrence)
Hereunto (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: butcontrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a...
Committed (201 Occurrences)
... Galatians 2:7 Butcontrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision
was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter...
Perhaps (89 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:7 So thatcontrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort
him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow....
Resources
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