Aching
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Definition and Context:
Aching, in a biblical context, often refers to physical pain or emotional distress experienced by individuals. The Bible, while not using the term "aching" explicitly, frequently addresses the concept through descriptions of suffering, sorrow, and longing. These experiences are often depicted as part of the human condition, resulting from sin, trials, or divine discipline.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Physical Pain:
The Bible acknowledges the reality of physical pain and suffering. In the Old Testament, Job is a quintessential example of someone who experiences intense physical and emotional aching. Job 2:7-8 describes his suffering: "So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes."

2. Emotional Distress:
Emotional aching is also a significant theme in Scripture. The Psalms frequently express the deep sorrow and longing of the human heart. Psalm 6:6 states, "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." This verse captures the essence of emotional aching, portraying the psalmist's profound distress and yearning for relief.

3. Spiritual Longing:
Aching can also manifest as a spiritual longing for God and His presence. The psalmist in Psalm 42:1-2 writes, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" This spiritual aching reflects a deep desire for communion with the Creator, often intensified during times of trial or spiritual dryness.

4. Divine Discipline and Repentance:
Aching is sometimes associated with divine discipline, intended to lead individuals to repentance and restoration. Hebrews 12:11 explains, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This passage highlights the redemptive purpose of aching, as it can bring about spiritual growth and maturity.

5. Hope and Comfort:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of aching, it also offers hope and comfort. Revelation 21:4 provides a vision of the future where aching will be no more: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This promise of ultimate healing and restoration is a source of encouragement for believers enduring present suffering.

Theological Implications:
Aching, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for redemption. It points to the hope of restoration through Christ, who Himself experienced suffering and offers comfort to those who trust in Him. The Bible encourages believers to endure suffering with faith, looking forward to the eternal joy and peace promised by God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Ache.

2. (a.) That aches; continuously painful. See Ache.

Library

Heavenly Rest
... His river floweth ever full of bliss, without one pebble of sorrow over which it
ripples, he has no aching conscience, no "aching void the world can never fill ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm

"I Will Give You Rest. "
... Our bodies cannot rest if the head is aching, or the feet are full of pain; if one
member is disturbed, the whole frame is unable to rest; and so the higher ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/i will give you rest.htm

a Condition in Chastisement.
... We are no judges of what that "need be" is; often through aching hearts we are forced
to exclaim, "Thy judgments are a great deep!" But God here pledges himself ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/16th day a condition in.htm

Twenty-Third Day. Benevolence.
... Restorer! He often went out of His way to be kind. A journey was not grudged,
even if one aching spirit were to be soothed. (Mark ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-third day benevolence.htm

Songs of the Cross under a Heavy Private Cross or Bereavement.
... Must wear Thy likeness now. Yet, Father, each fresh aching heart. ... And 'neath their
burden well-nigh faint; The aching heart's unspoken plaint. ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/songs of the cross under.htm

The Nativity
... but miss the rose: Too well I know this aching heart requires. ... I feel my weakness,
thank thee and deplore. An aching heart, that throbs to thank thee more; ...
/.../translations from the french of madame de la mothe guion/the nativity.htm

Caught Unawares
... that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). These words were as a soothing balm
to John's aching heart. Having been fully awakened to his ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter ix caught unawares.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... A beloved friend is removed by death"the household is saddened at the stroke"its
aching hearts are smitten and withered like the grass"but new spiritual ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

A Drama in Five Acts
... Anon, the merchant has suffered a tremendous loss; he puts his hand to his aching
head and mourns, for he knows not what will be the end of his troubles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a drama in five acts.htm

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
... wants, hunger and thirst, set men to work physically, and keep them at it; and thus
they well understand what it is to have a weary body, aching muscles, and a ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the original and the actual.htm

Thesaurus
Aching (1 Occurrence)
... See Ache. Multi-Version Concordance Aching (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 15:13 A glad
heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit. (WEB). ...
/a/aching.htm - 6k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... sublime exercise, always rising till they became mere points in the air, and the
young ones were lost, and afterwards their parents, to our aching sight." (See ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Breaks (35 Occurrences)
... the spirit. (See RSV). Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;
but an aching heart breaks the spirit. (WEB). Proverbs 17 ...
/b/breaks.htm - 16k

Cheerful (13 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart
breaks the spirit. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/cheerful.htm - 10k

Achior

/a/achior.htm - 6k

Achim (1 Occurrence)

/a/achim.htm - 6k

Resources
What is Divine Mercy Sunday? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian deal with infertility? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about in-vitro fertilization? | GotQuestions.org

Aching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Aching (1 Occurrence)

Proverbs 15:13
A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
(WEB)

Subtopics

Aching

Related Terms

Judith (1 Occurrence)

Achipha

Aching (1 Occurrence)

Anem (1 Occurrence)

Achim: Ancestor of Jesus
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