Topical Encyclopedia
The term "weaker" in the biblical context often refers to physical, spiritual, or moral strength and is used to describe individuals or groups perceived as having less power or influence. This concept is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting those who are considered weaker.
1. Weaker Vessel:One of the most notable references to the term "weaker" is found in
1 Peter 3:7, where the Apostle Peter instructs husbands: "Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered" . Here, the term "weaker vessel" is often interpreted to mean that women, in the cultural context of the time, were seen as physically weaker and in need of protection and honor. This passage underscores the biblical principle of mutual respect and honor within marriage, highlighting the spiritual equality of men and women as co-heirs of God's grace.
2. Weaker Brother:The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of the "weaker brother" in
Romans 14 and
1 Corinthians 8. In
Romans 14:1, Paul writes, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions" . This passage deals with the issue of differing convictions among believers, particularly concerning dietary laws and sacred days. Paul encourages stronger believers to be considerate of those with weaker consciences, emphasizing love and unity over personal freedom.
Similarly, in
1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Paul warns against causing a weaker brother to stumble: "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" . Here, the focus is on the responsibility of mature Christians to act in love and refrain from exercising their liberties in ways that might harm the spiritual well-being of others.
3. God's Strength in Weakness:The Bible frequently highlights the paradox of God's strength being made perfect in human weakness. In
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares his personal experience: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" . This passage reveals the divine principle that God's power is most evident when human strength is lacking, encouraging believers to rely on God's grace rather than their own abilities.
4. Supporting the Weaker:Scripture calls believers to support and uplift those who are weaker. In
Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of Jesus' teaching: "In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" . This exhortation reflects the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable and to prioritize generosity and service.
The concept of "weaker" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the Christian duty to honor, support, and protect those who may be vulnerable, whether physically, spiritually, or morally. It calls for a community marked by love, humility, and mutual respect, reflecting the character of Christ in all relationships.
Greek
2276. hetton -- less, worse.... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hetton Phonetic Spelling: (hate'-ton)
Short Definition: lesser, inferior,
weaker Definition: lesser, inferior,
weaker...4160. poieo -- to make, do
... provide (1), put (1), satisfy* (1), setting (1), show (2), showed (1), shown (1),
spend (1), spent (4), took (1), treat (6), treated (1),weaker (1), worked (1...
772. asthenes -- without strength, weak
... sthenes (strong) Definition without strength, weak NASB Word Usage helpless (1),
sick (6), unimpressive (1), weak (12), weak things (1),weaker (1), weakness (2...
1646. elachistos -- least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
... Phonetic Spelling: (el-akh'-is-tos) Short Definition: least, smallest, very little
Definition: least, smallest, but perhaps oftener in theweaker sense: very...
906. ballo -- to throw, cast
... Phonetic Spelling: (bal'-lo) Short Definition: I cast, throw, rush, put, place,
drop Definition: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in theweaker sense: I...
Strong's Hebrew
1800. dal -- a door... lean, needy, poor man,
weaker From dalal; properly, dangling, ie (by implication)
weak or thin -- lean, needy, poor (man),
weaker. see HEBREW dalal.
...1800b. dal -- low, weak, poor, thin
... low, weak, poor, thin NASB Word Usage depressed (1), helpless (7), least (1), lowly
(2), needy (1), poor (29), poor man (3), poorest (1), weak (2),weaker (1)....
Library
How theWeaker Part of the Soul is the First to Yield to the...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XVII. How theweaker part of the
soul is the first to yield to the devil's temptations....
The Heresy of the Protestant Reformers and the Jansenists
... (2) These two delectations are continually contending for the mastery; the stronger
always defeats theweaker, (3) and the will, unable to offer resistance, is...
Of the Fifth Day.
... For as the fish and the fowls are of one nature,"some indeed abide in their natural
state, and do no harm to thoseweaker than themselves, but keep the law...
Psalm 139:1. First Part. LM The All-Seeing God.
... "Nor let myweaker passions dare "Consent to sin, for God is there.". PAUSE I.... "Nor
let myweaker passions dare "Consent to sin, for God is there.". PAUSE II....
Psalm 139 Part 1 the All-Seeing God.
... Where'er I rove, where'er I rest! Nor let myweaker passions dare.... Where'er
I rove, where'er I rest! Nor let myweaker passions dare....
The Woman of Samaria
... For what could come of those two brother-nations fighting against each other, but
that both should growweaker andweaker, and so fall a prey to some third...
Grace
... It is the woman who is theweaker, says St Peter, and selfish men are apt to say,
"Then it is the woman's fault, if we are not happy." St Peter says exactly...
Rom. xiv. 14
... him to leave off this reproaching, he then explains himself further upon the doctrinal
part, and instructs in a dispassionate tone theweaker sort, displaying...
Significance of Compulsory Service.
... The larger and stronger groups conquered and absorbed theweaker, and the larger
and stronger they became, the more internal feuds disappeared and the more the...
A Happy Boy.
... Christ.". 17. He still grewweaker andweaker, but behaved with a great
deal of sweetness and patience, waiting for his change. At...
Thesaurus
Weaker (4 Occurrences)...Weaker (4 Occurrences). Romans 14:2 One man's faith allows him to eat anything,
while a man of
weaker faith eats nothing but vegetables. (WEY).
...Left (3923 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action
of the limbs is usuallyweaker than on the other side; -- opposed to right...
Lasted (3 Occurrences)
... 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and
David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grewweaker andweaker...
Steadily (11 Occurrences)
... 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and
David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grewweaker andweaker...
Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... The general result of this battle was that "David waxed stronger and stronger, and
the house of Saul waxedweaker andweaker" (2 Samuel 3:1). (see GIBEON.)....
Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... The general result of this battle was that "David waxed stronger and stronger, and
the house of Saul waxedweaker andweaker" (2 Samuel 3:1). (see GIBEON.)....
Stronger (59 Occurrences)
... 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and
David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grewweaker andweaker...
Waxed (57 Occurrences)
... 1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David
waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxedweaker andweaker...
Grew (133 Occurrences)
... 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and
David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grewweaker andweaker...
Weak (102 Occurrences)
... 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and
David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grewweaker andweaker...
Resources
What does it mean that women are the 'weaker vessel' (1 Peter 3:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.orgAre men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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