Topical Encyclopedia
The term "oftener" is an archaic comparative form of the word "often," meaning more frequently. While the specific word "oftener" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of frequent or repeated actions is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical context and significance of frequent actions, particularly in relation to prayer, worship, and sin.
Prayer and WorshipThe Bible emphasizes the importance of frequent prayer and worship as a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to "pray without ceasing" (
1 Thessalonians 5:17). This exhortation underscores the necessity of regular and persistent communication with God, reflecting a life centered on spiritual devotion.
The Psalms also highlight the practice of frequent worship.
Psalm 55:17 states, "Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice." This verse illustrates the psalmist's commitment to seeking God throughout the day, demonstrating a pattern of continual reliance on divine assistance and guidance.
Repentance and ForgivenessFrequent repentance is another theme found in Scripture, as believers are called to regularly examine their lives and seek forgiveness for their sins. In
Matthew 18:21-22 , Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting "up to seven times?" Jesus responds, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!" This teaching emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness and the expectation that believers should practice it repeatedly.
Sin and TemptationThe Bible also addresses the concept of frequent sin and the human propensity to fall into temptation. In
Romans 7:19 , Paul candidly admits, "For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do." This passage reflects the ongoing struggle with sin that believers face, highlighting the need for continual vigilance and reliance on God's grace.
Communion and FellowshipThe early church exemplified the practice of meeting together frequently for fellowship and the breaking of bread.
Acts 2:46 describes the early believers: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." This regular gathering fostered a strong sense of community and spiritual growth among the early Christians.
ConclusionWhile the specific term "oftener" is not found in the Bible, the concept of frequent actions is integral to the Christian faith. Whether in prayer, worship, repentance, or fellowship, the Scriptures encourage believers to engage in these practices regularly, reflecting a life devoted to God and His purposes.
Greek
525. apallasso -- to remove, release... Verb Transliteration: apallasso Phonetic Spelling: (ap-al-las'-so) Short Definition:
I free from Definition: I free (a person) from (anything),
oftener in the
...1646. elachistos -- least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
... elachistos Phonetic Spelling: (el-akh'-is-tos) Short Definition: least, smallest,
very little Definition: least, smallest, but perhapsoftener in the weaker...
Library
On the Fast of the Ten Month, viii.
... the body which is subject to it, and by its inner judgment to restrain the outer
parts from things unseasonable, in order that it may be theoftener free from...
Trials to be Met.
... anguish and in tears. All these remarks are sometimes made, and perhapsoftener
secretly indulged, than openly expressed. It is often...
David's Choristers
... Perhaps there would be fewer complaints of toiling all night and wearily hauling
in empty nets, if the nets wereoftener let down not only 'at Thy word' but...
Balaam
... Trying to do good"as long as doing good does not hurt them in the world's eyes;
but longingoftener andoftener to do wrong, if only God would not be angry....
Homeward Bound
... But I do not find a single reason for repenting of it; but I know this,
that I must grieve that I did not do itoftener and harder....
A Question for the Beginning
... There would be less misery in the world, and fewer fair young lives cast away upon
grim rocks, if the question of my text wereoftener asked and answered....
Our Lady's Candle-Mass
... We praise thy virginity, we marvel at thy lowliness, but we embrace thy mercy more
willingly; theoftener we think of it, theoftener we appeal to it....
A Peal of Bells
... I wish such days cameoftener to the poor toiling population of this huge labyrinth
of bricks; would that you couldoftener see the laughing face of the...
The Call Intensified
... Sometimes we find one who will open out to us, and let us tell her of the Comfort
wherewith we are comforted; butoftener we find them hard, or hardening...
Of the Decrees of God.
... It were a long work to rehearse what the Scripture speaks of this kind; but O! that
ye would read themoftener, and ponder them better, how there is nothing in...
Thesaurus
Oftener (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Oftener (1 Occurrence). Acts 24:26 He hoped also
that money should have been given him of Paul, that he
...Names (133 Occurrences)
... name, 'Eloah, is confined in its use almost exclusively to poetry, or to poetic
expression, being characteristic of the Book of Job, occurringoftener in that...
Oftentimes (7 Occurrences)
Grace (277 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) Graceful and beautiful females, sister goddesses, represented by ancient
writers as the attendants sometimes of Apollo butoftener of Venus....
Gentiles (150 Occurrences)
... nation"): Goy (or Goi) is rendered "Gentiles" in the King James Version in some
30 passages, but much more frequently "heathen," andoftener still, "nation...
Withal (38 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 24:26 He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore
also he sent for him theoftener, and communed with him. (ASV)....
Flint (12 Occurrences)
... Tsur and cela` are usedoftener than challamish for great rocks and cliffs, but
tsur is used also for flint knives in Exodus 4:25, "Then Zipporah took a flint...
Reasonable (6 Occurrences)
... spiritual," and in the margin "Greek `belonging to the reason.' " In the Revised
Version (British and American) "reason," etc., occurs muchoftener than in the...
Reasoning (37 Occurrences)
... spiritual," and in the margin "Greek `belonging to the reason.' " In the Revised
Version (British and American) "reason," etc., occurs muchoftener than in the...
May (14936 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An auxiliary verb qualifying the meaning of another verb, by expressing:
(a) Ability, competency, or possibility; -- nowoftener expressed by can....
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