Topical Encyclopedia
Infirmities, as referenced in the Bible, encompass a range of physical, mental, and spiritual weaknesses or ailments that afflict humanity. The concept of infirmities is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the fallen state of the world and the human condition. Throughout Scripture, infirmities are depicted not only as physical ailments but also as spiritual and moral weaknesses that require divine intervention and healing.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, infirmities are often associated with physical ailments and diseases. The Hebrew word "חֳלִי" (choli) is frequently used to describe sickness or disease. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 7:15, God promises the Israelites that He will remove all sickness from them if they obey His commandments: "And the LORD will remove from you all sickness, and He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you."
Infirmities in the Old Testament are sometimes seen as a consequence of sin or disobedience, as illustrated in the curses outlined in
Deuteronomy 28. However, they are also occasions for God to demonstrate His power and mercy, as seen in the healing narratives of the prophets, such as Elisha's healing of Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5).
New Testament ContextThe New Testament expands on the concept of infirmities, emphasizing both physical and spiritual dimensions. The Greek word "ἀσθένεια" (astheneia) is commonly used to denote weakness or infirmity. Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by numerous healings, underscoring His authority over physical and spiritual ailments. In
Matthew 8:17, the healing ministry of Jesus is linked to the prophecy of Isaiah: "He Himself took our infirmities and carried our diseases."
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of infirmities, particularly in the context of human weakness and reliance on God's strength. In
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a personal infirmity that he asked God to remove. God's response highlights the sufficiency of divine grace: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."
Spiritual InfirmitiesBeyond physical ailments, the Bible also addresses spiritual infirmities, which refer to moral and ethical weaknesses. These are often depicted as struggles against sin and the flesh.
Hebrews 4:15 speaks of Jesus as the High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."
Role of Faith and PrayerFaith and prayer are central to addressing infirmities in the biblical narrative.
James 5:14-15 encourages believers to pray for the sick, promising that "the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." This underscores the belief in God's power to heal and the importance of communal support and intercession.
ConclusionInfirmities, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine intervention. They highlight the compassionate nature of God, who provides healing and strength to those who seek Him. Through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, believers are assured of God's power to overcome both physical and spiritual infirmities, offering hope and restoration to a broken world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Infirmity.
Greek
3663. homoiopathes -- of like feelings or affections... Spelling: (hom-oy-op-ath-ace') Short Definition: of like feelings Definition: of
like feelings, having similar passions and feelings, of like
infirmities.
...769. astheneia -- weakness, frailty
... Word Origin from asthenes Definition weakness, frailty NASB Word Usage ailments
(1), diseases (1), ill (1), illness (1),infirmities (1), sickness (3...
Library
Of Defects orInfirmities
... CHAPTER XVIII Of Defects orInfirmities. Of Defects orInfirmities Should
we either wander among externals, or sink into dissipation...
Psalm 90 Part 2Infirmities and Mortality the Effect of Sin.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 90 PART 2Infirmities and mortality the effect of
sin. v.8-12 CM.Infirmities and mortality the effect of sin....
May the Seventeenth My BodilyInfirmities
... MAY The Seventeenth MY BODILYINFIRMITIES. JOHN ix.1-12. An infirmity becomes
doubly burdensome when we give it a false interpretation....
The Appearance of whatInfirmities one who Lives in a Coenobium...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XLI. The appearance of whatinfirmities one who lives
in a Coenobium ought to exhibit. And that you may be...
"Most Gladly Therefore Will I Rather Glory in MyInfirmities, that...
... "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in myinfirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me." " 2 Cor. 12:9.... Until the voice of myinfirmities....
October 22. "Touched with the Feeling of OurInfirmities" (Heb. Iv...
... OCTOBER 22. "Touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities" (Heb. iv. 15).
"Touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities" (Hebrews 4:15)....
April 23. "An High Priest Touched with the Feeling of Our...
... APRIL 23. "An high priest touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities" (Heb.... 15).
"An high priest touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities" (Hebrews 4:15)....
Yet You must Arm Yourself with Expectations of theirInfirmities
... THE FIRST CENTURY 84 Yet you must arm yourself with expectations of their
infirmities. Yet you must arm yourself with expectations...
Our Lord Helps Her to Become a Nun. Her ManyInfirmities.
... Chapter IV. Our Lord Helps Her to Become a Nun. Her ManyInfirmities. 1.
In those days, when I was thus resolved, I had persuaded...
Psalm 90:3. 8 11 9 10 12. 2D Part. CMInfirmities and Mortality...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 90:3. 8 11 9 10 12. 2d Part. CMInfirmities
and mortality the effect of sin; or, Life, old age, and preparation for death....
Thesaurus
Infirmities (17 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Infirmity. Multi-Version Concordance
Infirmities (17 Occurrences). Matthew 8:17 that it
...Sicknesses (15 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took ourinfirmities, and bare our sicknesses....
Infirmity (22 Occurrences)
... British and American) has "diseases," which is a better rendering of the Greek noson,
used here, than the King James Version "infirmities." (2) Imperfections...
Infirm (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure ininfirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am...
Often (74 Occurrences)
... of'-n (puknos, "thick," "close"): An archaic usage for "frequent": "Thine often
infirmities" (1 Timothy 5:23); compare "by often rumination" (Shakespeare, As...
Strength (517 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE DBY WBS). Romans 15:1 And we ought -- we who are strong -- to bear the
infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves; (See NAS)....
Overshadow (4 Occurrences)
... 12:9 but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness."
Most gladly therefore will I boast of myinfirmities rather than...
Joanna (3 Occurrences)
... She was one of the "women who had been healed of evil spirits andinfirmities" which
"ministered unto him (King James Version, ie Jesus, or "them" the Revised...
Gathering (71 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:15 But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came
together to hear, and to be healed by him of theirinfirmities. (See NAS)....
Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:10 In fact I take pleasure ininfirmities, in the bearing of insults,
in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake...
Resources
What is a healing room? Are healing rooms biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view genetic engineering? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of Jesus' temptations? | GotQuestions.orgInfirmities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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