In the context of the Bible, the concept of congratulation is not explicitly mentioned as a formal practice, but the essence of congratulating or expressing joy and approval for others is woven throughout the Scriptures. The act of congratulating can be seen as an expression of love, encouragement, and community, which are central themes in the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

While the term "congratulated" is not directly found in the Old Testament, the idea of celebrating and expressing joy for others is evident. For example, in the book of Genesis, when Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, there is a sense of communal joy and celebration. Genesis 21:6 states, "Sarah said, 'God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.'" This laughter and shared joy can be seen as a form of congratulation.

The Psalms also reflect a spirit of rejoicing with others. Psalm 126:3 declares, "The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy." This communal acknowledgment of God's blessings can be likened to congratulating one another for the good things God has done.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of congratulating is more closely aligned with the principles of encouragement and rejoicing with others. Romans 12:15 instructs believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This verse highlights the importance of sharing in the joys and successes of others, which is akin to offering congratulations.

The Apostle Paul often expressed joy and commendation for the faith and actions of others. In Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Here, Paul is essentially congratulating the Philippians for their steadfastness and partnership in the gospel.

Biblical Principles

The act of congratulating others aligns with several biblical principles:

1. Love and Encouragement: Congratulating others is an expression of love and encouragement, which are fundamental Christian virtues. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

2. Community and Unity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and unity among believers. Congratulating others fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

3. Humility and Selflessness: Congratulating others requires humility and a selfless attitude, as it involves putting others' achievements and joys before one's own. Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

In summary, while the specific act of congratulating is not explicitly detailed in Scripture, the principles and attitudes that underlie it are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The practice of rejoicing with others, offering encouragement, and fostering community reflects the heart of Christian fellowship and love.(imp. & p. p.) of Congratulate.7623b. shabach -- to laud, praise
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to laud, praise NASB Word Usage commended (1),
congratulated (1), glory (2), Laud (1), praise (3). 7623a, 7623b. ...
/hebrew/7623b.htm - 5k

Letter xx. (AD 390. )
... Wherefore it is fitting that you should on this account be congratulated; but the
person whom you love is to be congratulated, not because of his being for ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xx a d 390.htm

Book I.
... How I used silently to admire within myself thy virtues, how I congratulated myself
that God had given me such a brother, so modest, so capable, so innocent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... Then all the people congratulated the old man, saying: Thou hast been made blessed
in thine old age, O father Joseph, seeing that God hath shown thee to be fit ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm

To the Romans
... You are a credit to God: you deserve your renown and are to be congratulated. You
deserve praise and success and are privileged to be without blemish. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the romans.htm

To the Trallians
... By God's will and that of Jesus Christ, he came to me in Smyrna, and so heartily
congratulated me on being a prisoner for Jesus Christ that in him I saw your ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the trallians.htm

C. The "Magnificat. " Ch. 1:39-56
... phrase she means the mother of the Messiah; it is to be noted that the Bible does
not contain the phrase "Mother of God." Elisabeth congratulated Mary upon her ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the magnificat ch 1 39-56.htm

Now Jonathan and his Colleagues, Having Failed of Accomplishing ...
... and when they had saluted me, they said, that I was a happy man in having behaved
myself so well in the government of Galilee; and they congratulated me upon ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 53 now jonathan and.htm

Epistle vi. To Rogatianus the Presbyter, and the Other Confessors. ...
... I had both heretofore, dearly beloved and bravest brethren, sent you a letter, in
which I congratulated your faith and virtue with exulting words, and now my ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle vi to rogatianus the.htm

Epistle Lvii. To Lucius the Bishop of Rome, Returned from ...
... We had lately also congratulated you indeed, dearest brother, when the divine
condescension, by a double honour, appointed you in the administration of God's ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lvii to lucius the.htm

Canon for Easter Day,
... tongues that were repeating those blessed words, and other hearts that leap for
joy; everywhere men clasped each other's hands, and congratulated one another ...
/.../neale/hymns of the eastern church/canon for easter day.htm

Congratulated (2 Occurrences)
...Congratulated (2 Occurrences). ... The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce
judgement on himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). ...
/c/congratulated.htm - 7k

Congratulate (7 Occurrences)

/c/congratulate.htm - 9k

Pronounce (47 Occurrences)
... of God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce judgement on
himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). 1 Corinthians ...
/p/pronounce.htm - 22k

Congratulates (1 Occurrence)

/c/congratulates.htm - 6k

Conviction (10 Occurrences)
... God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce judgement on
himself in what his actions sanction. (See NAS). Colossians ...
/c/conviction.htm - 12k

Actions (62 Occurrences)
... of God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce judgement on
himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). 2 Corinthians ...
/a/actions.htm - 24k

Sanction (2 Occurrences)
... presence of God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce
judgement on himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). ...
/s/sanction.htm - 7k

Ruth (19 Occurrences)
... Upon the birth of a son in due course the women of the city congratulated Naomi,
in that the continuance of her family and house was now assured, and the ...
/r/ruth.htm - 26k

Judgement (68 Occurrences)
... of God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce judgement on
himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). 1 Corinthians ...
/j/judgement.htm - 26k

Presence (527 Occurrences)
... of God. The man is to be congratulated who does not pronounce judgement on
himself in what his actions sanction. (WEY). 1 Corinthians ...
/p/presence.htm - 39k

Congratulated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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