Behoove
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The term "behoove" is an archaic English word that conveys a sense of duty, necessity, or appropriateness. In biblical contexts, it often implies that a certain action or behavior is fitting or required according to divine or moral law. The concept of behooving is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's will and the moral obligations of believers.

Biblical Usage:

The word "behoove" is not frequently used in modern translations of the Bible, but its essence is captured in various passages that speak to the necessity of fulfilling God's commands and living according to His will. In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is often expressed through terms like "ought," "must," or "necessary."

Key Passages:

1. Luke 24:46 : "He told them, 'This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.'" Here, the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection is emphasized. It was behooved by the Scriptures that these events take place for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

2. Hebrews 2:17 : "So He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people." The phrase "had to be made" reflects the necessity of Christ's incarnation and His role as the High Priest, which was essential for the atonement of humanity's sins.

3. Acts 17:3 : "Explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead: 'This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.'" The apostolic preaching often highlighted the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection, which was behooved by the prophetic Scriptures.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of behooving underscores the divine order and purpose inherent in God's plan for salvation. It reflects the idea that certain events and actions are not arbitrary but are divinely ordained and necessary for the fulfillment of God's will. This understanding calls believers to recognize the importance of obedience and alignment with God's purposes.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

In the life of a believer, what behooves one is often tied to the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible. It is the duty of Christians to live in a manner that is fitting and appropriate according to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. This includes living a life of holiness, love, and service, as these are the behaviors that are deemed necessary and fitting for those who follow Christ.

Practical Application:

Understanding what behooves a believer involves discerning God's will through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. It requires a commitment to living out one's faith in practical ways, such as engaging in acts of kindness, pursuing justice, and maintaining integrity in all aspects of life. Believers are called to consider what is necessary and fitting in their walk with God, ensuring that their actions align with His divine purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To be necessary for; to be fit for; to be meet for, with respect to necessity, duty, or convenience; -- mostly used impersonally.

2. (v. i.) To be necessary, fit, or suitable; to befit; to belong as due.

3. (n.) Advantage; behoof.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEHOOVE

be-hoov': Used in the New Testament for two Greek words dei (Luke 24:26 Acts 17:3) and opheilo (Hebrews 2:17); the former referring to a physical, and the latter to a moral, necessity (Bengelon, 1 Corinthians 11:10). The former means "must," that is, it is required by the order which God has ordained; the latter, "ought," that is, it is required as a debt.

Library

1 John iii. 19-4. 3
... 1. If ye remember, brethren, yesterday we closed our sermon at this sentence, [2285]
which without doubt behooved and does behoove to abide in your heart ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vi 1 john iii.htm

How Herod, by Permission from Caesar Accused his Sons Before an ...
... he was grieved for him on account of his sons; and that in case they had been guilty
of any profane and insolent crimes against him, it would behoove him to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod by.htm

Whether this Knowledge was Habitual?
... Now this knowledge was not most perfect, simply, but merely in the genus of human
knowledge; hence it did not behoove it to be always in act. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this knowledge was habitual.htm

Whether it is Expedient to Take Vows?
... does not cease to be expedient: thus it is expedient to mount on horseback, though
there be the danger of a fall from the horse: else it would behoove one to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is expedient to.htm

Whether the Other Six Precepts of the Decalogue are Fittingly ...
... On the other hand, the duties we owe to our neighbor are paid in different ways
to different people: hence it did not behoove to include affirmative precepts ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the other six precepts.htm

Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He ...
... matter on which judgment has to be pronounced, and since at the general judgment
all the works of men will be submitted to judgment, it will behoove every man ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether after the resurrection every.htm

Whether it was Becoming, when Christ was Baptized that the ...
... But when He attained to the perfect age, when the time came for Him to teach, to
work miracles, and to draw men to Himself then did it behoove His Godhead to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was becoming when.htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... that was his master, and one whom God had thought worthy of the kingdom; "for that
although he were wickedly disposed towards us, yet does it not behoove me to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

2 Timothy ii. 7-Jan
... This is for the encouragement of those that are free. For if we that are bound
preach, much more does it behoove you that are loose to do so. ...
/.../homily iv 2 timothy ii.htm

Philippians i. 22-26
... Were I able by my silence of things which are done, by holding my peace, and not
mentioning aught, to remove them, it would behoove me to be silent. ...
/.../homily iv philippians i 22-26.htm

Thesaurus
Behoove
... 2. (vi) To be necessary, fit, or suitable; to befit; to belong as due. 3. (n.)
Advantage; behoof. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEHOOVE. ...
/b/behoove.htm - 7k

Beholds (9 Occurrences)

/b/beholds.htm - 8k

Ought (130 Occurrences)
... 5. (imp., pp, or auxiliary) To be necessary, fit, becoming, or expedient; to behoove; --
in this sense formerly sometimes used impersonally or without a ...
/o/ought.htm - 36k

Behooved (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Behoove. Multi-Version Concordance
Behooved (4 Occurrences). Luke 24:26 Behooved it not ...
/b/behooved.htm - 7k

Resources
What is Judgment Day? | GotQuestions.org

Behoove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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