Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "winked" is often associated with the idea of overlooking or ignoring certain actions or behaviors. This concept is primarily derived from the context in which God, in His divine patience and forbearance, chooses to overlook human ignorance or sin for a period of time, allowing for repentance and correction.
Biblical References:1.
Acts 17:30 : "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent." In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses the people of Athens, explaining that God, in His mercy, had previously "winked" at or overlooked the ignorance of idol worship. However, with the revelation of Jesus Christ, God now calls all people to repentance. This indicates a shift from divine forbearance to a call for accountability and transformation through the Gospel.
2.
Proverbs 6:13 : "winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers." Here, the term "winking" is used in a different context, describing a deceitful person who uses subtle gestures to communicate malicious intent. This usage highlights the negative connotation of winking as a form of secretive or sly behavior, contrasting with the divine patience described in Acts.
Theological Implications:The concept of God "winking" at ignorance underscores His longsuffering nature and His desire for all to come to repentance. It reflects the period of grace extended to humanity, allowing individuals the opportunity to turn from sin and embrace the truth of the Gospel. This divine patience is not an endorsement of sin but rather an expression of God's mercy and a call to repentance.
Historical Context:In the ancient world, ignorance of divine law was often met with severe consequences. However, the New Testament reveals a God who, through Christ, offers a new covenant of grace. The "winking" at ignorance can be seen as part of God's redemptive plan, where He temporarily withholds judgment to provide a path to salvation through Jesus.
Practical Application:For believers, understanding the concept of God "winking" at past ignorance serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the urgency of responding to God's call. It encourages Christians to live in the light of the Gospel, recognizing the grace that has been extended to them and the responsibility to share this message with others.
In summary, the biblical use of "winked" illustrates both God's patience and the imperative of repentance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transition from ignorance to enlightenment through the revelation of Jesus Christ and the ongoing call to live a life that honors God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Wink.
Greek
1818. exapatao -- to seduce wholly, deceive... 1818 (from 1537, "wholly out," intensifying 538 , "deceive") -- properly, deceived
("hood-
winked"), describing someone taken in, and enslaved by, Satan (sin
...Library
The Open Fountain
... This great evil in its double form is, according to the text, distinctly recognized
by God; it is notwinked at, it is not treated as a trifle that may remain...
Beginning at Jerusalem
... We are to preach repentance as a duty. "The times of this ignorance Godwinked at,
but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent." "Repent, and be baptized...
Hymns of Wales.
... Accustomed to drink himself to inebriety at a public-house"a sociallywinked-at
indulgence then"he one day took his pet goat with him, and poured liquor...
Responsibilities of the Christian Home.
... religious interests promoted. But on the other hand, sin is overlooked,winked
at, and the world alone sought. These children behold...
The Eleventh Proposition. Concerning Worship.
... sight of God; which are to be denied, rejected, and separated from, in this day
of his spiritual arising: however it might have pleased him (whowinked at the...
Concerning Worship.
... of God, which are now to be denied and rejected, and separated from, in this day
of his spiritual arising: however it might have pleased him (whowinked at the...
The Angel of Death
... dusky landscape. The lightswinked out over Goshen and the hamlets were
not visible except as Kenkenes came upon them. The shepherd...
To Gregory xi
... joust in Jerusalem: 'Jesus,' he said, 'And fetch that the fiend claimeth: Piers'
fruit the Plowman.' 'Is Piers in this place?' quoth I: and hewinked at me...
Paul at Athens
... man's device.30. And the times of this ignorance Godwinked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he...
"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his...
... up of a clearer light in the point of religion, in respect of which we look on former
times, as the times of ignorance and darkness, which Godwinked at....
Thesaurus
Winked (1 Occurrence)...Winked (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God
winked at;
but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (KJV WBS).
...Wink (2 Occurrences)
... the word is used to express the longsuffering patience and forgiveness of God toward
erring Israel: "And the times of this ignorance Godwinked at" (Acts 17:30...
Winketh (2 Occurrences)
Commandeth (60 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance Godwinked at; but
now commandeth all men every where to repent: (KJV ASV WBS)....
Resources
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