Topical Encyclopedia The term "confines" refers to boundaries or limits that define a particular area or space. In the biblical context, confines can pertain to geographical, spiritual, or moral boundaries established by God or recognized by His people. The concept of confines is significant in understanding the delineation of territories, the separation between the sacred and the profane, and the moral limits set by divine law.Geographical Confines In the Old Testament, the concept of geographical confines is evident in the delineation of the Promised Land. God established specific boundaries for the land He promised to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 15:18 , God declares to Abram, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates." These confines were meant to define the territory that the Israelites were to inhabit and govern according to God's covenant. The division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel further illustrates the importance of geographical confines. In the Book of Joshua, the land is apportioned to each tribe, with specific boundaries outlined for their inheritance (Joshua 13-21). These confines were not only practical for governance and settlement but also served as a reminder of God's promises and the distinct identity of each tribe within the nation of Israel. Spiritual Confines Spiritual confines are evident in the separation between the holy and the common, as well as between the clean and the unclean. The Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem were physical representations of spiritual confines. The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, was the innermost sanctum where God's presence dwelt, and only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34). This separation underscored the holiness of God and the need for atonement and purification to approach Him. The Law of Moses also established spiritual confines through various commandments and ordinances. These laws set boundaries for moral and ethical behavior, distinguishing the Israelites from the surrounding nations. In Leviticus 20:26 , God commands, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." The confines of the law were intended to guide the Israelites in living a life pleasing to God and to maintain their covenant relationship with Him. Moral Confines Moral confines are reflected in the ethical teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational moral code, establishing boundaries for behavior in relation to God and fellow humans. These commandments outline confines that promote justice, respect, and love within the community. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the moral confines of the law, emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter of the law. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the deeper implications of the commandments, urging His followers to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). The moral confines set by Jesus call for an internal transformation that aligns one's heart and actions with God's will. The Apostle Paul also addresses moral confines in his epistles, urging believers to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). He emphasizes the importance of self-control, love, and holiness as boundaries that define the Christian life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." In summary, the concept of confines in the Bible encompasses geographical, spiritual, and moral boundaries that are integral to understanding God's covenant with His people, His holiness, and His expectations for righteous living. These confines serve as a framework for the relationship between God and humanity, guiding believers in their journey of faith and obedience. Greek 3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress ... Pompey inflicted a crushing defeat upon their navy off the rocky stronghold of Coracesium on the confines of Cilicia and Pisidia" (, 833).]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3794.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5439. sabib -- circuit, round about... all* (2), altogether* (1), around (114), around about (1), around* (1), circular courses (1), circumference* (2), completely (1), confines (1), encompassing (1 ... /hebrew/5439.htm - 6k Library In Her Wanderings on that Quest, She Reaches the Confines of ... The Question Whether Christ be Come Taken Up. The Agony, and the Consoler Now King Agrippa Sent an Army to Make Themselves Masters of the ... A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. We Should not Hastily Impute as Crimes to the Men of Old Time ... Our Requests Made Known unto God Cambyses. Appendix ii. Conflation and the So-Called Neutral Text. Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation. Thesaurus Confines (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Confines (3 Occurrences). ... Job 11:10 If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him? (WEB NIV). ... /c/confines.htm - 7k Free (454 Occurrences) Borderer Suburb (5 Occurrences) Confinement (6 Occurrences) Confirm (39 Occurrences) Ziklag (13 Occurrences) Kenizzite (4 Occurrences) Nahaliel (1 Occurrence) Laodicea (6 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs it a sin to have a sexual fetish? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about oral sex? | GotQuestions.org Confines: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Confines (3 Occurrences)Genesis 23:17 Job 11:10 Job 26:10 Subtopics Related Terms |