Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "restraining" refers to the act of holding back, controlling, or limiting actions, emotions, or forces. This concept is evident in various passages throughout Scripture, where restraint is often portrayed as a virtue or a necessary action to maintain order, righteousness, and obedience to God's will.
Divine RestraintGod's restraint is a recurring theme in the Bible, where He exercises control over creation and human affairs. In
Genesis 8:1-2, after the flood, God restrains the waters, allowing them to recede: "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained."
God's restraint is also evident in His patience and mercy towards humanity. In
2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Here, God's restraint is shown in His desire for all to come to repentance rather than executing immediate judgment.
Human RestraintThe Bible frequently calls for individuals to exercise restraint, particularly in controlling one's tongue, emotions, and desires.
Proverbs 10:19 states, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This highlights the importance of self-control in speech to avoid sin.
Similarly,
James 1:19 advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger," emphasizing the need for restraint in emotions and reactions. This aligns with the fruit of the Spirit described in
Galatians 5:22-23, which includes self-control as a key characteristic of a life led by the Spirit.
Restraint in LeadershipLeaders in the Bible are often called to exercise restraint in their authority and power. In
1 Samuel 24, David exemplifies restraint when he spares King Saul's life, despite having the opportunity to kill him. David's decision to restrain himself from harming Saul, saying, "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" (
1 Samuel 24:6), demonstrates his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing and justice.
Restraint and TemptationThe Bible also addresses the need for restraint in the face of temptation. In
1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul assures believers that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This passage encourages believers to rely on God's provision and strength to exercise restraint and overcome temptation.
ConclusionThe concept of restraining in the Bible encompasses divine control, human self-discipline, and the wise exercise of authority. It is a principle that underscores the importance of self-control, patience, and reliance on God's guidance in the life of a believer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Restrain.
Strong's Hebrew
3803. kathar -- to surround... A primitive root; to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile
one) to besiege; also to wait (as
restraining oneself) -- beset round
...7448. resen -- a halter, jaw
... bridle. From an unused root meaning to curb; a halter (asrestraining); by implication,
the jaw -- bridle. 7447b, 7448. resen. 7449 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
5Th Day.Restraining Grace.
... 5TH DAY.Restraining Grace. "He is Faithful that Promised."...Restraining Grace.
What a scene does this unfold! Satan tempting"Jesus praying!...
OfRestraining the Pleasures of the Senses.
... The Epitome of the Divine Institutes. Addressed to His Brother Pentadius.
Chap. LXII."OfRestraining the Pleasures of the Senses....
The Argument forRestraining Anger is Given Again. ...
... Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XLVIII. The argument forrestraining anger
is given again.? The argument forrestraining anger is given again....
Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
... CHAPTER VIRestraining Prayer: is it Sin? "Thou restrainest prayer before
God.""Job 15:4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?""Job 21:15....
God'sRestraining Power.
... XII. GOD'SRESTRAINING POWER. (New Year's Day.) TEXT: Job 38:11. "Hitherto shalt
thou come, and no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed."....
That it is Now Necessary, as it was not Before Man Sinned, to...
... Book XIV. Chapter 19."That It is Now Necessary, as It Was Not Before Man Sinned,
to Bridle Anger and Lust by theRestraining Influence of Wisdom....
Another Account of the Strange Aberrations of Sophia, and the...
... Chapter X."Another Account of the Strange Aberrations of Sophia, and the
Restraining Services of Horus. Sophia Was Not Herself...
The Epistles to the Thessalonians.
... and the preceding development of "the man of sin" or Antichrist, and "the mystery
of lawlessness," then already at work, but checked by arestraining power....
Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated?
... Therestraining grace is "at last the moral sentiment." It is a fine genuine
unselfishness that, observing how all these things may pain and wound, refrains...
Of the Punishment of Faults, that it Cannot Take Place Without...
... perpetual source of annoyances. Therefore therestraining of one's anger
in the case of sins is faulty. Archytas of Tarentum is...
Thesaurus
Restraining (9 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Restrain. Multi-Version Concordance
Restraining (9 Occurrences). John
11:38 Jesus, however, again
restraining His strong feeling, came to the tomb.
...Grasp (20 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 27:16restraining her is likerestraining the wind,
or like grasping oil in his right hand. (Root in WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Grasping (3 Occurrences)
... Gideon!" (See NIV). Proverbs 27:16restraining her is likerestraining the
wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand. (WEB NIV)....
Control (88 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Power or authority to check or restrain;restraining or regulating influence;
superintendence; government; as, children should be under parental control...
Restrain (31 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 27:16restraining her is likerestraining the wind, or like grasping
oil in his right hand. (Root in WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)....
Influence (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until
the man who is now exercising arestraining influence is removed, (WEY)....
Incontinent (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Not continent; uncontrolled; notrestraining the passions or appetites,
particularly the sexual appetite; indulging unlawful lust; unchaste; lewd....
Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)
... The people provided materials for the tabernacle so abundantly that Moses was under
the necessity ofrestraining them (36:6). These stores, from which they so...
Restrains (8 Occurrences)
Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act or process ofrestraining, or of holding back or hindering from
motion or action, in any manner; hindrance of the will, or of any action...
Resources
Who / What is the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is common grace? | GotQuestions.orgWill the Holy Spirit be present during the tribulation? | GotQuestions.orgRestraining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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