Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceRelaxation, in a biblical context, refers to the state of rest and tranquility that allows individuals to rejuvenate physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is an essential aspect of human life, as it provides the necessary balance to work and labor. The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation, recognizing it as a divine principle established by God.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of relaxation is rooted in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This passage highlights the sanctity of rest, as God Himself rested after His creative work, setting a precedent for humanity.
Sabbath RestThe Sabbath is a central theme in the Bible concerning relaxation. It is a day set apart for rest and worship, as commanded in
Exodus 20:8-10 : "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's creation and His deliverance, providing an opportunity for physical rest and spiritual renewal.
Jesus and RestJesus Christ also emphasized the importance of rest. In
Mark 6:31 , He said to His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This invitation underscores the necessity of withdrawing from the busyness of life to find rest and refreshment in God's presence. Jesus Himself often withdrew to solitary places to pray and rest, as seen in
Luke 5:16 : "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray."
Spiritual RestBeyond physical rest, the Bible speaks of a deeper, spiritual rest found in Christ. In
Matthew 11:28-29 , Jesus invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This rest is characterized by peace and assurance in the salvation and grace offered through Jesus.
Practical ApplicationThe Bible encourages believers to incorporate relaxation into their lives as a means of honoring God and maintaining well-being.
Psalm 23:2-3 illustrates this beautifully: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul." This imagery conveys the peace and restoration that come from trusting in God's provision and care.
Balance of Work and RestScripture advocates for a balanced approach to work and rest.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This balance ensures that individuals do not become overwhelmed by the demands of life but instead find time to relax and reflect on God's goodness.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "relaxation," the principles of rest and renewal are woven throughout its teachings. By following the biblical model of rest, believers can experience the fullness of life that God intends, both in their daily routines and in their spiritual journeys.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act or process of relaxing, or the state of being relaxed; as, relaxation of the muscles; relaxation of a law.
2. (n.) Remission from attention and effort; indulgence in recreation, diversion, or amusement.
Greek
425. anesis -- a loosening,relaxation... a loosening,
relaxation. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anesis
Phonetic Spelling: (an'-es-is) Short Definition: relief, remission, indulgence
...Strong's Hebrew
2014. haphugah -- benumbing, cessation... Word Origin from pug Definition benumbing, cessation NASB Word Usage stopping (1).
intermission. From puwg;
relaxation -- intermission. see HEBREW puwg.
...Library
The PretendedRelaxation.
... Book IX. Chapter I."The PretendedRelaxation. 1. The imperial edict of
recantation, which has been quoted above, [2710] was posted...
How Useful isRelaxation on the Arrival of Brethren.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XX. How useful isrelaxation on
the arrival of brethren. That most refreshing interlude...
A Question Whether theRelaxation of the Fast is not Prejudicial...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXI. A question whether therelaxation
of the fast is not prejudicial to the chastity of the body....
How the Evangelist John is Said to have Shown the Value of...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXI. How the Evangelist John
is said to have shown the value ofrelaxation. It is said...
The Answer on the Way to Keep Control Over Abstinence.
... of our discretion goes wrong, we may be fired with the desire for an ill-considered
abstinence, or allured by the wish for an excessiverelaxation, and so...
Of the Time and Measure of Refreshment.
... So then we should keep the observance of the days mentioned in such a way that the
relaxation allowed may be useful rather than harmful to the good of body and...
On Laughter.
... altogether. For the seemlyrelaxation of the countenance in a harmonious
manner"as of a musical instrument"is called a smile....
Of the Conveniences of the Coenobium.
... exceeded I say not the measure of that ancient strictness which altogether did without
oil, but is beginning not to be content even with therelaxation of our...
Whether Effeminacy* is Opposed to Perseverance? [*Mollities...
... Secondly, we may consider therelaxation or rest which is opposed to toil.
Accordingly just as it belongs to effeminacy to be unable...
Whether There Can be a virtue About Games?
... 15): "I pray thee, spare thyself at times: for it becomes a wise man sometimes to
relax the high pressure of his attention to work." Now thisrelaxation of the...
Thesaurus
Relaxation (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) The act or process of relaxing, or the state of being relaxed; as,
relaxation of the muscles;
relaxation of a law.
...Relaxation (1 Occurrence).
...Relax (5 Occurrences)
... rigorous. 7. (vi) To remit attention or effort; to become less diligent;
to unbend; as, to relax in study. 8. (n.)Relaxation. 9...
Knees (47 Occurrences)
... as the outcome of protracted fasting in Ezekiel 7:17 and 21:7, "All knees shall
be weak as water," the expression indicates a completerelaxation of the muscles...
Ours (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:5 for also we, having come to Macedonia, norelaxation hath our
flesh had, but on every side we are in tribulation, without 'are' fightings...
Wide (206 Occurrences)
... The effect, as explained by Mr. Bell, is due to therelaxation or tension of the
pharynx; as explained by Mr. Sweet and others, it is due to the action of the...
Feeble (147 Occurrences)
... as the outcome of protracted fasting in Ezekiel 7:17 and 21:7, "All knees shall
be weak as water," the expression indicates a completerelaxation of the muscles...
Fit (47 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) A passing humor; a caprice; a sudden and unusual effort, activity, or motion,
followed byrelaxation or inaction; an impulse and irregular action. 19....
Rest (831 Occurrences)
... (2.) Gr. anapausis, "rest from weariness" (Matthew 11:28). (3.) Gr. anesis,
"relaxation" (2 Thessalonians 1:7). (4.) Gr. sabbatismos...
Resolution (1 Occurrence)
... (b) The act of analyzing a complex notion, or solving a vexed question or difficult
problem. 2. (n.) The state of being relaxed;relaxation....
Repose (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Rest after motion or work;relaxation;
leisure. 2. (v.) To lay at rest; to cause to be calm or...
Resources
What does the Bible say about rest and relaxation? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian play video games? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything that would apply to getting a massage/massage therapy? | GotQuestions.orgRelaxation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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