Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "sparing" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of withholding, showing mercy, or exercising restraint. It is often associated with God's mercy towards humanity, as well as the call for believers to show mercy and restraint in their dealings with others.
Biblical References:1.
God's Mercy and Restraint: The concept of sparing is frequently associated with God's mercy. In the Old Testament, God often spares His people from deserved judgment due to His covenantal love and mercy. For instance, in the book of Ezekiel, God expresses His desire to spare His people despite their rebellion: "But I will spare some, so that some of you will escape the sword among the nations when you are scattered through the countries" (
Ezekiel 6:8).
2.
Human Mercy and Restraint: Believers are called to emulate God's sparing nature by showing mercy and restraint towards others.
Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This verse highlights the balance between discipline and mercy, suggesting that sparing should not be confused with neglect but should be an expression of love and care.
3.
Sparing in Judgment: The New Testament also speaks to the idea of sparing in the context of judgment. In
2 Peter 2:4-5 , it is noted that God did not spare the angels who sinned, nor did He spare the ancient world, except for Noah and his family. This illustrates that while God is merciful, He is also just, and His sparing is not indiscriminate but aligned with His righteous purposes.
4.
Apostolic Example: The Apostle Paul provides an example of sparing in his dealings with the Corinthian church. In
2 Corinthians 1:23 , Paul writes, "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth." Here, Paul demonstrates restraint and consideration for the spiritual well-being of the church, choosing to delay his visit to avoid causing them further distress.
5.
Sparing in Sacrifice: The ultimate act of sparing is seen in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:32 declares, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?" This verse underscores the depth of God's love and the extent of His mercy, as He did not spare His own Son to bring salvation to humanity.
Theological Implications:The concept of sparing is deeply intertwined with the themes of mercy, justice, and love in the Bible. It reflects God's character as both just and merciful, and it serves as a model for believers to follow in their relationships with others. Sparing is not merely about withholding punishment but is an active expression of love and grace, seeking the ultimate good of others in alignment with God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spare.
2. (a.) Spare; saving; frugal; merciful.
Greek
5339. pheidomai -- to spare, forbear... forbear. Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to spare, forbear NASB Word
Usage refrain (1), spare (8),
sparing (1). forbear, spare.
...Strong's Hebrew
2550. chamal -- to spare... 2), have compassion (1), have pity (4), have...pity (1), mercy (1), ruthlessly*
(1), show pity (1), spare (11), spared (5), spares (2),
sparing (5), unsparing
...Library
Whether God is Omnipotent?
... Objection 3: Further, it is said of God that He manifests His omnipotence "especially
bysparing and having mercy" [*Collect, 10th Sunday after Pentecost]....
Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You...
... pass? The fact is that in controversies of this kind there is no thought
ofsparing a friend if only an enemy can be injured. But...
Matt. xxiii. 14
... child of hell than yourselves;" [2679] that is, not even the fact that hardly ye
have taken him, and with endless toils, induces you to besparing towards him...
A Difficulty, How we are Justified in the Blood of the Son of God.
... with Him also freely given us all things?" [811] Pray, unless the Father had been
already appeased, would He have delivered up His own Son, notsparing Him for...
Whether Treachery, Fraud, Falsehood, Perjury, Restlessness...
... iv, 1) mentions many kinds of vices as belonging to covetousness which he calls
illiberality, for he speaks of those who are "sparing, tight-fisted, skinflints...
Matt. xvi. 24
... thou well know what thou hast received.". Wherefore Christ compels not, but
urges,sparing us. For since they seemed to be murmuring...
Titus iii. 11-Aug
... For it is not right to besparing of our money but notsparing of our words; we
ought rather to spare words than our money, and not to give ourselves up to all...
Of the Affections and their Use; of Patience, and the Chief Good...
... contempt of earthly things. But, on the other hand, they call him who is not
sparing of his property prodigal. For thus they distinguish...
Love and Remorse
... It is fashionable at present to regard this incident and the other instance of David's
sparing Saul, when in his power, as two versions of one event....
Acts xx. 17-21
... "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
notsparing the flock." (v.29.) Again he engages (epistrephei) them from...
Thesaurus
Sparing (17 Occurrences)...Sparing (17 Occurrences). Acts 20:29 For I know that after my departure, vicious
wolves will enter in among you, not
sparing the flock.
...Spare (80 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt)Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary. 11.... 14. (vt) Slow. 15. (n.) The act
ofsparing; moderation; restraint. 16. (n.) Parsimony; frugal use. 17....
Spareth (9 Occurrences)
Saul (371 Occurrences)
... He was, however, guilty of rebellion and disobedience insparing Agag their king,
and in conniving at his soldiers'sparing the best of the sheep and cattle...
Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... 19. (vt) Treatment shown by an enemy; mercy; especially, the act ofsparing the
life a conquered enemy; a refraining from pushing one's advantage to extremes....
Vicious (3 Occurrences)
... RSV). Acts 20:29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will
enter in among you, notsparing the flock. (WEB). Isaiah...
Unsparing (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Notsparing; not parsimonious; liberal; profuse.
2. (a.) Not merciful or forgiving. Multi-Version Concordance...
Outward (17 Occurrences)
... marries, she has not sinned. Such people, however, will have outward trouble.
But I am forsparing you. (WEY). 2 Corinthians 4:16...
Jonah (30 Occurrences)
... to him, and his prompt obedience in delivering the message from God, and its results
in the repentance of the Ninevites, and God's long-sparing mercy toward...
Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, notsparing the flock. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
Resources
Why did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)? | GotQuestions.orgSparing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
