Topical Encyclopedia
The term "shrunk" in the context of the Bible is not directly referenced in the Berean Standard Bible as a specific word. However, the concept of shrinking, particularly in terms of fear, faith, or spiritual stature, can be explored through various biblical narratives and teachings.
Fear and Faith:In the Bible, the idea of shrinking back is often associated with fear or lack of faith.
Hebrews 10:38-39 states, "But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." This passage emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith and the consequences of retreating in fear or doubt. The righteous are called to live by faith, and shrinking back is equated with a lack of trust in God's promises.
Spiritual Stature:The concept of shrinking can also be metaphorically applied to one's spiritual stature or growth. In
Ephesians 4:14-15 , Paul encourages believers to grow in maturity, stating, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." Here, the idea is to grow rather than shrink in spiritual maturity, becoming more like Christ.
Courage and Boldness:The Bible frequently contrasts shrinking back with courage and boldness. In
Joshua 1:9 , God commands Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This directive underscores the call to stand firm and not shrink in the face of challenges, relying on God's presence and strength.
Perseverance in Trials:James 1:2-4 speaks to the perseverance required in trials, which can be seen as the opposite of shrinking back: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The testing of faith is meant to produce perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity rather than a shrinking of faith.
Conclusion:While the specific term "shrunk" may not appear frequently in the biblical text, the underlying themes of shrinking back in fear, failing to grow spiritually, and the call to courage and perseverance are prevalent throughout Scripture. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and face challenges with the assurance of God's presence and promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. p.) of Shrink.
2. (p. p.) of Shrink.
Strong's Hebrew
3649. komer -- a priest (in idol worship)... From kamar; properly, an ascetic (as if
shrunk with self-maceration), ie An idolatrous
priest (only in plural) -- Chemarims (idolatrous) priests.
...Library
Further Examples from the Old Testament in Favour of Fasting.
... And then (came) the word of the Lord unto Elijah, Thou hast seen how Ahab hathshrunk
in awe from my face: for that he hathshrunk in awe I will not bring the...
Resignation
... But O! when that deep, holy calmness has fallen upon a soul that has been tossed
by sorrow, and that hasshrunk from death,"when the brow has come up smooth...
Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... But what if after having often fomented a hand that was lifeless andshrunk, I had
not succeeded in mollifying it? Should I not have heard the same thing?...
Acts xx. 17-21
... "And [1029] now behold," etc. "Wherefore I take you to record, that I am pure from
the blood of all men, because I have notshrunk from declaring unto you the...
Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... Wherefore though I be not in need, regard it not, for God had no need, and He received
at their hands in such sort, that the Holy Scripturesshrunk not from...
The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... He was touching upon matters of the most vital importance, and her depraved heart
naturallyshrunk from the lancet, From the truth which was becoming...
God's Love for a Sinning World
... out His blood, made a whole life of suffering a free donation on the altar"withheld
not His face from spitting, nor His back from stripes"shrunk not from...
Brorson's Childhood and Youth
... former times included some of the best known savants of the country, was poorly
paid and poorly equipped; and the number of its students hadshrunk from about...
The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... The Apostlesshrunk from it, Angels rebuked it when offered to them, Christ
never did. It was sometimes given, it was never declined....
Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... and the most closely-connected religions fraternity, which in the pursuit of its
objects spared neither time nor trouble, feared no danger, andshrunk from no...
Thesaurus
Shrunk (2 Occurrences)... 2. (pp) of Shrink. Multi-Version Concordance
Shrunk (2 Occurrences). Acts 20:27
For I have not
shrunk from declaring to you God's whole truth. (WEY DBY).
...Shua (4 Occurrences)
Immortality (6 Occurrences)
... It is state peculiar to "death" (see DEATH); in most cases, shadowy, inert, feeble,
dependent, joyless; a state to be dreaded andshrunk from, not one to be...
Immortal (3 Occurrences)
... It is state peculiar to "death" (see DEATH); in most cases, shadowy, inert, feeble,
dependent, joyless; a state to be dreaded andshrunk from, not one to be...
Pontus (3 Occurrences)
... As the Hittite powershrunk in extent and force, by the year 1000 BC bands of hardy
Greek adventurers appeared from the West sailing along the Euxine main in...
Announcing (17 Occurrences)
... you is the Christ." (WEY). Acts 20:27 for I have notshrunk from announcing
to you all the counsel of God. (DBY). Acts 21:26 Then...
Shrubs (4 Occurrences)
Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... 43; Numbers 2:30). At the second census, the numbers hadshrunk to 45,400
(Numbers 26:48); but see NUMBERS. The position of Naphtali...
Country
... Judah probably soon absorbed the territory of Dan in the Samaria. In New Testament
times Samaria hadshrunk to still smaller dimensions....
Names (133 Occurrences)
... It is illogical, certainly, that the later Hebrews should haveshrunk from its
pronunciation, in view of the appropriateness of the name and of the Old...
Resources
Can a person be born gay? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a community church? | GotQuestions.orgShrunk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
