Topical Encyclopedia
Tenderness, as a biblical concept, encompasses the qualities of gentleness, compassion, and sensitivity towards others. It is a virtue that reflects the character of God and is encouraged among believers as a manifestation of love and humility.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, tenderness is often associated with God's compassionate nature. The Hebrew word "racham," often translated as "compassion" or "tender mercy," illustrates God's tender care for His people. For instance, in
Isaiah 63:9, it is written, "In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion, He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old" . This passage highlights God's tender involvement in the lives of the Israelites, demonstrating His deep care and concern.
Tenderness is also evident in the relationships between individuals. In the account of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's tender loyalty and care for her mother-in-law exemplify the selfless love that God desires among His people (
Ruth 1:16-17).
New Testament ContextThe New Testament further develops the theme of tenderness, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies tenderness in His interactions with others, showing compassion to the marginalized and the suffering. In
Matthew 9:36, it is noted, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" . Jesus' tender heart led Him to heal the sick, comfort the grieving, and offer forgiveness to sinners.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to emulate Christ's tenderness in their relationships. In
Colossians 3:12, Paul writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" . Here, tenderness is linked with other virtues that foster unity and love within the Christian community.
Theological SignificanceTenderness is a reflection of God's own nature and is integral to the Christian life. It is an expression of the love that believers are called to exhibit towards one another. The tender heart is sensitive to the needs and sufferings of others, prompting acts of kindness and mercy. This virtue is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to act in love and humility.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, tenderness can be cultivated through prayer, reflection on Scripture, and the intentional practice of empathy and kindness. Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in developing a tender heart, one that mirrors the compassion of Christ. By doing so, they become instruments of God's love in a world often marked by harshness and indifference.
Tenderness, therefore, is not only a personal virtue but a communal one, fostering relationships that reflect the love and grace of God. Through tenderness, believers can bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to the gentle and loving heart of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being tender (in any sense of the adjective).
Greek
4115. platuno -- to make broad... platuno Phonetic Spelling: (plat-oo'-no) Short Definition: I enlarge Definition:
I enlarge, make broad; met: of the growth of
tenderness and love.
...5368. phileo -- to love
... as thumos and nous respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter
of the head); specially, to kiss (as a mark oftenderness) -- kiss, love....
Strong's Hebrew
7391. rok --tenderness, delicacy... 7390, 7391. rok. 7392 .
tenderness, delicacy. Transliteration: rok Phonetic
Spelling: (roke) Short Definition: refinement.
...tenderness.
...Library
Tenderness.
...TENDERNESS. In order for life to be what it should, it must flow from a heart
full oftenderness. This is that quality of soul which...
How Sweetness andTenderness in Prayer Differ from Consolations....
... THE FOURTH MANSIONS CHAPTER I. HOW SWEETNESS ANDTENDERNESS IN PRAYER DIFFER
FROM CONSOLATIONS. EXPLAINS HOW ADVANTAGEOUS IT WAS FOR ST....
Psalm 119 Part 13 Holy Fear, andTenderness of Conscience.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 119 PART 13 Holy fear, andtenderness of conscience. CM
Holy fear, andtenderness of conscience. ver.10. ver.11. ver.63,53,158....
The Judicial Severity of Christ and theTenderness of the Creator...
... Jesus is the Christ of the Creator. Chapter XXXV."The Judicial Severity of Christ
and theTenderness of the Creator, Asserted in Contradiction to Marcion....
Psalm 119:13. Thirteenth Part. Holy Fear, andTenderness of...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 119:13. Thirteenth Part. Holy fear,
andtenderness of conscience. Ver.10. 1 With my whole heart...
Friendship.
... character. Although many elements constitute the character of the true friend,
yet two elements are essential"sincerity andtenderness....
Anathema and Grace
... Terror andtenderness are strangely mingled in this parting salutation, which was
added in the great characters shaped by Paul's own hand, to the letter...
The Love of the Departing Christ
... Testament. Nowhere else do the blended lights of our Lord's superhuman dignity
and humantenderness shine with such lambent brightness....
Two Fortresses
... The syllables of that name are all the deeds by which He has taught us what He is;
every act of power, of wisdom, oftenderness, of grace that has manifested...
The Forty Days
... first rank with their Lord. The forty days revealed the old heart, the old
tenderness. He remembers all the past. He sends a message...
Thesaurus
Tenderness (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being tender (in any sense
of the adjective). Multi-Version Concordance
Tenderness (4 Occurrences).
...Tenderly (9 Occurrences)
... (adv.) In a tender manner; withtenderness; mildly; gently; softly; in a manner
not to injure or give pain; with pity or affection; kindly....
Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence)
... enforce his utterances. But he touches our deepest emotions by the human
tenderness that breathes in all his words. Standing on...
Delicacy (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Nicety or fineness of form, texture, or constitution; softness; elegance;
smoothness;tenderness; and hence, frailty or weakness; as, the delicacy of a...
Crimes (22 Occurrences)
... Amnon's deed is designated as checedh, indicating the degradation of thetenderness
natural between brothers and sisters into atenderness of an immoral...
Crime (45 Occurrences)
... Amnon's deed is designated as checedh, indicating the degradation of thetenderness
natural between brothers and sisters into atenderness of an immoral...
Yearn (4 Occurrences)
... with longing desire; to be harassed or rendered uneasy with longing, or feeling
the want of a thing; to strain with emotions of affection ortenderness; to long...
Venture (10 Occurrences)
... 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not adventure to set the
sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness andtenderness, her eye shall...
Kind (290 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Showingtenderness or goodness; disposed to do good and confer happiness;
averse to hurting or paining; benevolent; benignant; gracious....
Unction (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) That quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion;
especially, strong devotion; religious fervor andtenderness; sometimes, a...
Resources
What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian woman deal with menopause? | GotQuestions.orgWas the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgTenderness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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