Topical Encyclopedia
The term "refrained" in the Bible often denotes the act of holding back, restraining oneself, or abstaining from a particular action or emotion. This concept is significant in various biblical narratives and teachings, illustrating themes of self-control, divine intervention, and moral decision-making.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "refrained" is frequently used to describe moments when individuals or God Himself exercises restraint. One notable instance is found in
Genesis 45:1, where Joseph, upon revealing his identity to his brothers, "could no longer refrain himself" and wept openly. This moment of emotional release follows a period of self-restraint, highlighting Joseph's control over his emotions despite the intense personal history with his brothers.
Another example is in
1 Samuel 24:6-7, where David refrains from killing King Saul, despite having the opportunity. David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." Here, David's restraint is rooted in his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's justice, demonstrating a profound level of self-control and faith.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of refraining is often associated with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles on self-control and love. For instance, in
1 Peter 3:9, believers are instructed to "not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This teaching encourages Christians to refrain from retaliatory actions, promoting a lifestyle of forgiveness and blessing others.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the act of refraining is closely linked to the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control (
Galatians 5:22-23). It is seen as a virtue that believers are called to cultivate, reflecting the character of Christ. The ability to refrain from sin, anger, or revenge is viewed as evidence of spiritual maturity and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Practical ApplicationsIn practical terms, refraining is an essential aspect of Christian ethics and daily living. It involves making conscious choices to avoid sin, control one's tongue, and act in love towards others. This discipline is encouraged through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of refraining underscores the importance of self-control and reliance on God's wisdom and timing. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life that honors God through disciplined actions and attitudes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Refrain.
Strong's Hebrew
2308. chadal -- to cease... failed (1), gave (1), hold back (1), leave (5), let my alone (1), neglects (1),
never mind (2), no (1), past (1), quit (1), refrain (6),
refrained (1), refuse
...2814. chashah -- to be silent, inactive, or still
... to be silent, inactive, or still NASB Word Usage calmed (1), hushed (1), keep silent
(4), keeping silent (1), kept (1), kept silent (1),refrained (1), silent...
Library
Of the First Secondary Power, Imagination by Name; and of the...
... For unless it berefrained by the light of grace in the Reason, else it will never
cease, sleeping or waking, for to portray diverse unordained images of...
Why God Permits Evil.
... unworthy suffering and unseemly feebleness on the part of the Creator, who should
so fear the actings of those who as yet were not, that Herefrained from His...
"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and...
... own defense, as, for instance, "We would not have been partakers with them," (for
they who refrain not from the Lord, how should they haverefrained from the...
The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... Association. "I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
lo, I have notrefrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I...
Mem.
... But what cometh next, doth not seem to apply to the Head, but to the Body: "I have
refrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy words" (ver.101)....
Basil as Archbishop.
... [162] While Gregory boldly called the Spirit God, Basil, from poor motives,refrained
from any clear and distinct enunciation of the divinity of the Third...
Foreword to the First Edition
... We have purposelyrefrained from quoting freely from these deeply taught theologians,
because we desired that the faith of our readers should stand not in the...
Translator's Introduction to Treatises Attributed to Cyprian on...
... genuine Opuscula, and says: "I have not thought it fit to prejudice any one amid
the diversity of opinions on the subject, but haverefrained from separating...
Preface.
... The writer has purposelyrefrained from discussing the question of the authorship
of the Epistle, simply because he has no new light to throw on this standing...
Prayers Answered
... spared. This was just the money which the tradesman could spare, and was
intending to propose, butrefrained from mentioning it....
Thesaurus
Refrained (14 Occurrences)...Refrained (14 Occurrences). John 19:33 Then they came to Jesus Himself: but when
they saw that He was already dead, they
refrained from breaking His legs. (WEY)
...Refrain (33 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Psalms 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
lo, I have notrefrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest....
Jehoram (27 Occurrences)
... At Kir-haraseth Mesha made a final stand. The Israelitesrefrained from pressing
their victory further, and returned to their own land....
Gasping (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, andrefrained
myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant...
Tenderness (4 Occurrences)
... habitation, Where 'is' Thy zeal and Thy might? The multitude of Thy bowels and
Thy mercies Towards me haverefrained themselves. (See NIV)....
Refraineth (2 Occurrences)
Dionysia
... These had peculiar doctrines and observances. They had their foundation in Orphic
mysticism. The membersrefrained from eating the flesh of animals....
Dagon (9 Occurrences)
... The sacred writer adds that from that time on the priests of Dagon and all those
that entered the house of Dagonrefrained from stepping upon the miphtan of...
Panting (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, andrefrained
myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant...
Beauteous (15 Occurrences)
... Thy zeal and Thy might? The multitude of Thy bowels and Thy mercies Towards
me haverefrained themselves. (YLT). Jeremiah 3:19 And...
Resources
Why was David so loyal to Saul after everything Saul had done to him? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus ask the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” | GotQuestions.orgRefrained: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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