Topical Encyclopedia
The term "convenient" in the context of the Bible often refers to what is suitable, appropriate, or fitting within the framework of Christian living and moral conduct. It is not merely about personal comfort or ease but aligns with the principles of righteousness and godliness.
Biblical Usage:1.
Ephesians 5:4 : "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." In this passage, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to avoid speech and behavior that are not "convenient" or fitting for those who are in Christ. The emphasis is on maintaining purity in speech, which reflects the transformation of the believer's heart and mind.
2.
Romans 1:28 : "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done." Here, the term "convenient" is understood in the negative sense, where actions that are not fitting or appropriate for those who reject God lead to moral decay and a departure from His will.
3.
Titus 1:8 : "Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." While the word "convenient" is not directly used, the qualities listed are those that are fitting for a leader in the church. These attributes are considered appropriate and necessary for someone who is to guide others in the faith.
Theological Implications:In the biblical context, what is "convenient" is often tied to the moral and ethical standards set forth by Scripture. It involves a discernment of what aligns with God's character and commands. The believer is called to live a life that is fitting for one who bears the name of Christ, which includes speech, conduct, and thought life.
Practical Application:For Christians, living a life that is "convenient" in the biblical sense means making choices that reflect their identity in Christ. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors and attitudes that are inconsistent with the teachings of Scripture. It requires a commitment to holiness and a desire to honor God in all aspects of life.
Cultural Context:In a world where convenience often equates to personal comfort and ease, the biblical understanding challenges believers to prioritize what is spiritually appropriate over what is merely expedient. This may involve making sacrifices or choosing paths that are not the easiest but are the most honoring to God.
Conclusion:The concept of what is "convenient" in the Bible serves as a guide for believers to evaluate their actions and attitudes in light of their faith. It calls for a life that is consistent with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, reflecting a heart transformed by the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) Fit or adapted; suitable; proper; becoming; appropriate.
2. (v. i.) Affording accommodation or advantage; well adapted to use; handily; as, a convenient house; convenient implements or tools.
3. (v. i.) Seasonable; timely; opportune; as, a convenient occasion; a convenient season.
4. (v. i.) Near at hand; easy of access.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONVENIENTkon-ven'-yent: In the Revised Version (British and American) limited to translation of kairos, "suitable time," "season," and its compounds: "that which is seasonable" or "opportune" (Mark 6:21Acts 24:25). the King James Version is replaced, inProverbs 30:8 the Revised Version (British and American), by "needful" (Hebrew choq), "feed me with the food that is needful for me";Jeremiah 40:4, by "right";Ephesians 5:4, by "befitting"; inRomans 1:28, by "fitting," and in1 Corinthians 16:12, by "opportunity."
Greek
2006. epitedeios --convenient, necessary...convenient, necessary. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: epitedeios Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ee-tay'-di-os) Short Definition: necessary Definition
...2120. eukairia -- fitting time
... fitting time. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eukairia Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-kahee-ree'-ah) Short Definition: aconvenient time, opportunity...
2121. eukairos -- timely
...convenient, in time of need. From eu and kairos; well-timed, ie Opportune --
convenient, in time of need. see GREEK eu. see GREEK kairos....
2520. katheko -- to be proper or fitting
...convenient, fit. From kata and heko; to reach to, ie (neuter of present active
participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming --convenient, fit....
1351. dilogos -- given to repetition, double-tongued
... a deliberate -- acting like a spiritual "weathervane" by reversing their position
(taking different sides of an issue whenever it isconvenient or expedient)....
2119. eukaireo -- to have opportunity
... have leisure, spend time. From eukairos; to have good time, ie Opportunity or leisure --
have leisure (convenient time), spend time. see GREEK eukairos....
433. aneko -- to be fit, be proper
... fit, proper. From ana and heko; to attain to, ie (figuratively) be proper --convenient,
be fit. see GREEK ana. see GREEK heko. (aneken) -- 2 Occurrences....
2540. kairos -- time, season
... appointed time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, ie Set or proper time -- X always,
opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while....
Strong's Hebrew
3477. yashar -- straight, right... upright (1).
convenient, equity, just, well-pleased, righteous, straight, most
uprightly,. From yashar; straight (literally or figuratively
...2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute
... appointed (1). appointed, bound, commandment,convenient, custom, decreed,
due, law,. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment...
Library
In Human Institutions which are not Superstitious, There are Some...
... Book II. Chapter 25."In Human Institutions Which are Not Superstitious, There are
Some Things Superfluous and SomeConvenient and Necessary. 38....
Whether a Man is Bound to Repay a Favor at Once?
... ii): "Do you wish to repay a favor? Receive it graciously." As regards the gift,
one ought to wait until such a time as will beconvenient to the benefactor....
Christ Cleansing the Temple
... It was veryconvenient to buy sacrifices on the spot, instead of having
to drag them from a distance. It was no lessconvenient...
Conditions of Being Saved
... time. Impenitent sinners are prone to imagine that just now is by no means
soconvenient a season as may be expected hereafter....
Of Certain Sorts of Mortification which are More General. ...
... solitude may in the beginning become less tedious and afterwards delightful, religious
persons not only may, but ought to, preserve aconvenient and discreet...
Appendix ii. The Order of the Communion
... them that doth use, to their further satisfying, the auricular and secret Confession
to the Priest; nor those also, which think needful orconvenient, for the...
From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the...
... Though some had contended that it would be mostconvenient to divide the episcopal
supervision so as to apportion a specified district of country to each bishop...
Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... It suggests that the approach of the people, for the blessings and {38} consolations
which are dispensed there, is madeconvenient and is invited....
A Book of Modern Social Inquiry Has a Shape that is Somewhat...
... bodily metaphors. It isconvenient to speak of the Social Organism, just as
it isconvenient to speak of the British Lion. But Britain...
Of the Sequel of the Same Matter.
... Many do continually Read in these speculative Books, because they will not submit
to him who may tell them, that such Reading is notconvenient for them...
Thesaurus
Convenient (11 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) Affording accommodation or advantage; well adapted to use; handily;
as, a
convenient house;
convenient implements or tools.
...Season (101 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, a period of time, especially as regards its fitness for anything
contemplated or done; a suitable orconvenient time; proper conjuncture; as...
Opportune (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.)Convenient; ready; seasonable; timely; as an
opportune meeting. 2. (vt) To suit. Multi-Version Concordance...
Conveniently (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In aconvenient manner, form, or situation; without
difficulty. Multi-Version Concordance Conveniently (1 Occurrence)....
Inn (7 Occurrences)
... the presence of any building, and in the case of caravans and travelers was doubtless
originally, as very often at the present day, only aconvenient level bit...
Seemeth (36 Occurrences)
... thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold,
all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good andconvenient for thee...
Nobles (71 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 Then aconvenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for
his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. (WEB WEY)....
Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... control, and the judgement which was soon to come, Felix became alarmed and said,
"For the present leave me, and when I can find aconvenient opportunity I...
Officers (171 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 Then aconvenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for
his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. (WEB RSV)....
Occasion (53 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An important event; an occurrence; an incident.
2. (n.) A favorable opportunity; aconvenient or timely chance; convenience....
Resources
What is the Plan B morning-after pill? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.orgConvenient: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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