Topical Encyclopedia
The term "loosed" in the Bible carries significant theological and spiritual implications, often relating to the concepts of freedom, release, and authority. It appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is frequently associated with the power of God to liberate individuals from physical, spiritual, or moral bondage.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of being "loosed" is often connected to the release from physical constraints or captivity. For example, in
Isaiah 58:6 , the prophet speaks of God's desire for a fast that involves "loosening the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke." Here, the term signifies God's intention to liberate His people from oppression and injustice, emphasizing His role as a deliverer.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, "loosed" takes on a more spiritual dimension, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. One of the most notable references is found in
Matthew 16:19 , where Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This passage highlights the authority given to the apostles, and by extension the Church, to bind and loose, which has been interpreted as the power to forgive sins, make doctrinal decisions, and exercise church discipline.
Another significant use of "loosed" is in the context of healing and deliverance. In
Luke 13:12 , Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, saying, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." This act of loosing demonstrates Jesus' authority over physical ailments and spiritual oppression, showcasing His divine power to restore and set free.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of being "loosed" is deeply intertwined with the themes of redemption and salvation. It reflects the transformative power of Christ's work on the cross, which breaks the bonds of sin and death, offering believers freedom and new life.
Romans 8:2 states, "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This freedom is not merely a release from physical or temporal constraints but a profound spiritual liberation that affects the believer's entire being.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the idea of being "loosed" encourages believers to live in the freedom that Christ provides, free from the bondage of sin, guilt, and fear. It calls Christians to exercise their God-given authority to bring about justice, healing, and reconciliation in the world, reflecting the kingdom of God on earth. The Church is thus seen as an agent of liberation, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the work of Christ in setting captives free.
In summary, the biblical concept of "loosed" encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings, from physical liberation to spiritual freedom, all rooted in the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Loose.
Greek
3089. luo -- to loose, to release, to dissolve... to dissolve NASB Word Usage annuls (1), break (1), breaking (1), broke down (1),
broken (4), destroy (2), destroyed (3), loose (2),
loosed (2), putting an end
...3080. lusis -- a loosing (by divorce)
... a release, separation. From luo; a loosening, ie (specially), divorce -- to beloosed.
see GREEK luo. (lusin) -- 1 Occurrence. 3079, 3080. lusis. 3081 ....
Strong's Hebrew
4549. masas -- to dissolve, melt... discourage, faint, be
loosed, melt away, refuse, utterly. A primitive root;
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to
...6605a. pathach -- to open
... to open NASB Word Usage allow (1), break forth (1), deprive (1), drawn (2), express
(1), free (1), freeing (1), freely open (2), loose (3),loosed (4), loosen...
8271. shera -- to loosen, abide
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to sharah Definition to loosen, abide NASB Word
Usage began (1), dwells (1),loosed (1), solve (1), solving (1), went slack...
Library
The Wicked Raised, and SatanLoosed
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Wicked Raised, and SatanLoosed. "And
when the thousand years are completed, Satan will beloosed...
Of Divers Friendships of Good and Ill, and if they Can beLoosed...
... BOOK II CHAPTER IX OF DIVERS FRIENDSHIPS OF GOOD AND ILL, AND IF THEY CAN BELOOSED:
OF THE SCARCENESS OF FRIENDSHIP OF MEN AND WOMEN: AND OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP...
Fix Thou Our Hearing, that it be notLoosed and Wander!
... Hymn III. Fix thou our hearing, that it be notloosed and wander! 1. Fix
thou our hearing, that it be notloosed and wander! For...
Now Then, O My Helper, Hadst ThouLoosed Me from those Fetters...
... Book VII Chapter VII Now then, O my Helper, hadst Thouloosed me from
those fetters? Now then, O my Helper, hadst Thouloosed...
Of Gog and Magog, who are to be Roused by the Devil to Persecute...
... Book XX. Chapter 11."Of Gog and Magog, Who are to Be Roused by the Devil to
Persecute the Church, When He isLoosed in the End of the World....
Whether There is a Purgatory after this Life?
... On the contrary, It is said (2:Macc.12:46): "It is a holy and wholesome thought
to pray for the dead, that they may beloosed from sins." Now there is no need...
Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power...
... this rock will I build My Church," [978] "to thee have I given the keys of the heavenly
kingdom;" [979] or, "Whatsoever thou shalt have bound orloosed in earth...
In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter....
... Wherefore he has the keys of the kingdom of heaven, opening to those who have been
loosed on earth that they may be alsoloosed in heaven, and free; and...
From the Twentieth Chapter.
... him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till
the thousand years should be finished: after this he must beloosed a little...
Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil.
... Book XX. Chapter 8."Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil. "After that," says
John, "he must beloosed a little season." If the binding and shutting up of...
Thesaurus
Loosed (41 Occurrences)...Loosed (41 Occurrences).
... Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with
compassion, and
loosed him, and forgave him the debt. (KJV DBY WBS).
...Over-against (156 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:2 saying to them, 'Go on to the village over-against you, and immediately
ye shall find an ass bound, and a colt with her -- havingloosed, bring ye...
Loose (219 Occurrences)
... of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound
in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall beloosed in heaven....
Keys (2 Occurrences)
... keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound
in heaven, while whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall beloosed in heaven....
Loosened (6 Occurrences)
... Loosened (6 Occurrences). Mark 7:35 and immediately were his ears opened, and the
string of his tongue wasloosed, and he was speaking plain. (See NIV)....
Whatsoever (167 Occurrences)
... of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound
in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall beloosed in heaven....
Thread (32 Occurrences)
... unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully
woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate be notloosed from the...
Ribbon (7 Occurrences)
... the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a ribbon of blue,
to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is notloosed from the...
Breast-plate (22 Occurrences)
... its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the
curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breast-plate be notloosed from the...
Absolute (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.)Loosed from any limitation or condition; uncontrolled; unrestricted;
unconditional; as, absolute authority, monarchy, sovereignty, an absolute promise...
Resources
What does the Bible mean by binding and loosing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the keys of the kingdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom? | GotQuestions.orgLoosed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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