Topical Encyclopedia
The term "fain" is an archaic English word that appears in some translations of the Bible, including older versions like the King James Version. It generally means "gladly," "willingly," or "eagerly." In the context of Scripture, it often conveys a sense of desire or willingness to do something, sometimes out of necessity or desperation.
Biblical Usage:While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "fain," the concept is present in various passages where individuals express a strong desire or willingness to act. The term is often associated with a longing or eagerness that arises from a deep need or conviction.
Examples in Scripture:1.
Prodigal Son (Luke 15:16, KJV): In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the term "fain" is used to describe the son's desperate situation. "And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him." This illustrates the son's eagerness and desperation to satisfy his hunger, highlighting his dire circumstances and the depth of his repentance.
2.
Paul's Desire (Philippians 1:23, KJV): The Apostle Paul expresses a similar sentiment of eagerness in his letter to the Philippians. "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." Although the word "fain" is not used here, the concept of a strong, willing desire is evident in Paul's longing to be with Christ.
Theological Implications:The use of "fain" in biblical contexts often underscores the human condition of longing and need. It reflects the innate desire for fulfillment, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This longing can lead individuals to seek God and His provision, recognizing their dependence on Him.
In the account of the Prodigal Son, the son's willingness to eat the food of pigs signifies his recognition of his own poverty and need for his father's mercy. This mirrors the spiritual journey of repentance and the realization of one's need for God's grace.
Application for Believers:For contemporary believers, the concept of being "fain" serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing our own spiritual needs and desires. It encourages a posture of humility and eagerness to seek God's will and provision in our lives. Just as the Prodigal Son returned to his father, believers are called to turn to God with a willing heart, eager to receive His grace and guidance.
In summary, while the word "fain" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, its underlying concept remains relevant. It speaks to the human experience of longing and the willingness to seek fulfillment in God, emphasizing the importance of humility and repentance in the Christian walk.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Well-pleased; glad; apt; wont; fond; inclined.
2. (a.) Satisfied; contented; also, constrained.
3. (adv.) With joy; gladly.
4. (v. t. & i.) To be glad ; to wish or desire.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FAINfan (advb.): Occurs twice in English Versions of the Bible, in the sense of "gladly":
(1) inJob 27:22 as the rendering of barach, "to flee with haste" (from anything), "He would fain flee out of his hand," literally, as in in of the King James Version, "in fleeing he would flee";
(2) inLuke 15:16, as the translation of epithumeo, "to fix the mind or desire on," "He would fain have filled his belly with the husks which the swine did eat." the Revised Version (British and American) adds two instances:
(1)Luke 13:31, "Herod would fain kill thee";
(2)Acts 26:28, "Thou wouldest fain make me a Christian."
SeeALMOST.
Greek
1937. epithumeo -- desire, lust after... covet, desire, lust after. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, ie Long for
(rightfully or otherwise) -- covet, desire, would
fain, lust (after).
...Strong's Hebrew
1272. barach -- to go through, flee... chase away; drive away,
fain, flee away, put to flight, make haste, reach,
run away, shoot. A primitive root; to bolt, ie Figuratively
...Library
Fain Would My Thoughts Fly up to Thee,
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CLXIIIFain would my thoughts fly up to
Thee,. Thy peace, sweet LORD, to find; But when I offer, still the world....
Ein Neues Lied Wir Heben An. By Help of God IFain Would Tell.
... By help of God Ifain would tell.... 1. By help of God Ifain would tell A new and wondrous
story, And sing a marvel that befell To his great praise and glory....
The First Light which Shined in My Infancy in Its Primitive and...
... THE THIRD CENTURY 7 The first Light which shined in my Infancy in its primitive
and innocent clarity was totally eclipsed insomuch that I wasfain to learn all...
It is Related that when Pilate WouldFain have Released Him all...
... 22. It is related that when Pilate wouldfain have released Him all the people cried
out, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" This also the Prophet Jeremiah foretells...
What Then did Wretched I So Love in Thee...
... The cruelty of the great wouldfain be feared; but who is to be feared but God
alone, out of whose power what can be wrested or withdrawn?...
The Rich Inquirer
... makes the difference between the Pharisee who thanks God that he is not as other
men, and this youth who has kept all the commandments, yet wouldfain be other...
Reason of Desiring to Die.
... Chapter VII."Reason of desiring to die. The prince of this world wouldfain
carry me away, and corrupt my disposition towards God....
Appendix D.
... If, here and there, something like minuteness has been attempted [645] , it has
only been by way of sample of what one wouldfain have done,"of what one...
Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... was not to be poured. How many wouldfain have the precious ointment for
the sake of its perfume to themselves! No, only he who...
'Strong Crying and Tears'
... feeling as to companionship. He leaves the other disciples at the entrance,
for He wouldfain be alone in His prayer. Then, a moment...
Thesaurus
Fain (6 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Satisfied; contented; also, constrained. 3. (adv.) With joy; gladly. 4.
(vt & i.) To be glad ; to wish or desire. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FAIN...Failure (5 Occurrences)
Wouldest (66 Occurrences)
... words. (KJV). Acts 26:28 And Agrippa 'said' unto Paul, With but little persuasion
thou wouldestfain make me a Christian. (ASV). Romans...
Retain (24 Occurrences)
... to have," margin "Greek, `did not approve,' " for the King James Version "did not
like to retain" (echo); and in Philemon 1:13, substitutes "fain have kept...
Persuade (20 Occurrences)
... almost thou persuadest me...." but this is impossible, and so the Revised Version
(British and American) rendered peitheis by "thou wouldestfain." To keep...
Persuasion (2 Occurrences)
... almost thou persuadest me...." but this is impossible, and so the Revised Version
(British and American) rendered peitheis by "thou wouldestfain." To keep...
Almost (27 Occurrences)
... words is concerned; but their explanation of the sentence is also erroneous; for
the Greek cannot mean "With but little persuasion thou wouldstfain make me a...
Sparing (17 Occurrences)
... might be sparing. (YLT). Job 27:22 Yea, it hurleth at him, and spareth not;
he wouldfain flee from its power. (See NAS). Proverbs 13...
Spareth (9 Occurrences)
... earth my gall. (YLT). Job 27:22 For God'shall hurl at him, and not spare:
He wouldfain flee out of his hand. (See JPS). Proverbs 13...
Resources
What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgFain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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