Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "disowned" refers to the act of renouncing or denying a relationship, often in a familial or spiritual sense. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is associated with themes of faithfulness, loyalty, and the consequences of denial.
Old Testament ContextThe idea of being disowned is implicitly present in the Old Testament through narratives that involve rejection or denial of familial or covenantal relationships. For example, in the account of Esau and Jacob, Esau's selling of his birthright (
Genesis 25:29-34) can be seen as a form of disowning his inheritance and the privileges that came with it. Although the term "disowned" is not explicitly used, the consequences of Esau's actions reflect a severing of the expected familial bond and blessing.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of disowning is more explicitly addressed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. One of the most notable instances is Peter's denial of Jesus. Despite his earlier declarations of unwavering loyalty, Peter disowned Jesus three times on the night of His arrest. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with
Matthew 26:69-75 providing a detailed account. Jesus had foretold this denial, saying, "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times" (
Matthew 26:34).
The act of disowning is also addressed in the teachings of Jesus regarding the cost of discipleship. In
Matthew 10:33, Jesus warns, "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven" . This statement underscores the gravity of disowning Christ and the eternal implications of such an action.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, disowning is closely linked to the concepts of faithfulness and apostasy. The act of disowning Christ or one's faith is seen as a serious breach of the covenant relationship between God and believers. The epistle to the Hebrews warns against falling away from the faith, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the dangers of apostasy (
Hebrews 6:4-6).
The theme of disowning also highlights the importance of confession and repentance. Peter's restoration after his denial of Christ serves as a powerful example of forgiveness and redemption. After the resurrection, Jesus reinstates Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" (
John 21:15-17), mirroring Peter's threefold denial and offering him a path to restoration.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of disowning serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of steadfastness in faith. It calls Christians to examine their own lives and relationships with Christ, ensuring that their actions and words align with their professed beliefs. The call to remain faithful, even in the face of persecution or societal pressure, is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, encouraging believers to hold fast to their confession of faith without wavering (
Hebrews 10:23).
In summary, the biblical concept of disowning encompasses themes of denial, faithfulness, and redemption. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement to believers to remain true to their faith and to seek restoration when they fall short.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Disown.
Greek
720. arneomai -- to deny, say no... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to deny, say no NASB Word Usage denied
(10), denies (5), deny (12), denying (2),
disowned (3), refused (1).
...Library
The Conservative Reaction, and the Liberal victory --
... and remonstrated with him for his conduct, he timidly withdrew from fellowship with
the uncircumcised followers of Christ, and thus virtuallydisowned them....
The Last visit.
... her returning Lord. And yet"how is He employed? Is the world, that had
sodisowned Him,disowned now in return? Are the disciples...
Friends, or Quakers.
... If they succeed, the person is by minute declared to have made satisfaction for
the offence; if not, he isdisowned as a member of the society....
The Congregationalists.
... Robert Browne, and called Brownism; but, being an unworthy representative
and an apostate from his principles, he wasdisowned....
Self-Denial Versus Self-Assertion.
... lessening of our self-indulgences! When Peter denied CHRIST, he utterly
disowned Him and disallowed His claims. In this way we are...
The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... of Demaratus."Childhood of his mother."The change."Ariston, king of Sparta."The
agreement."Birth of Demaratus."Demaratusdisowned."His flight...
God's Love for a Sinning World
... Take for example any human government. Suppose the righteous and necessary
laws which it imposes aredisowned and dishonoured. In...
Introductory Notice to Novatian, a Roman Presbyter
... And we find Novatian grasping a shadowy titular bishopric, which, wholly irregular
and universallydisowned, could have been to such a man the source of...
Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own...
... Because He clings lovingly to those who even depart from Him, and strives [100]
and beseeches not to bedisowned by those beloved who are themselves coy; and...
Introduction
... and magnified by very few. In the majority of modern pulpits He is
dishonoured anddisowned. Despite frantic efforts to attract...
Thesaurus
Disowned (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Disowned (10 Occurrences). Luke 12:9 But he who disowns
me before men will be
disowned before the angels of God. (WEY NIV).
...Disown (18 Occurrences)
... will lay down your life on my behalf!" said Jesus; "in most solemn truth I tell
you that the cock will not crow before you have three timesdisowned me." (Root...
Guarded (27 Occurrences)
... I have put an opened door in front of you, which no one can shut; because you have
but a little power, and yet you have guarded My word and have notdisowned Me...
Forefathers (135 Occurrences)
... 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has conferred
this honour on His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up anddisowned in the...
Favour (171 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY DBY YLT). Acts 3:14 Yes, youdisowned the holy and righteous One,
and asked as a favour the release of a murderer. (WEY)....
Doings (111 Occurrences)
... I have put an opened door in front of you, which no one can shut; because you have
but a little power, and yet you have guarded My word and have notdisowned Me...
Disowning (1 Occurrence)
Disowns (5 Occurrences)
... is in Heaven. (WEY NIV). Luke 12:9 But he who disowns me before men will
bedisowned before the angels of God. (WEY NIV). 1 John 2...
Dependent (35 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:8 But if a man makes no provision for those dependent on him, and
especially for his own family, he hasdisowned the faith and is behaving worse...
Decided (54 Occurrences)
... 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has conferred
this honour on His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up anddisowned in the...
Resources
What is Gestalt therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is godly sorrow? | GotQuestions.orgDisowned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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