The term "constraineth" is an archaic form of the verb "constrain," which means to compel, force, or urge someone to do something. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to a strong inner compulsion or divine urging that leads individuals to act according to God's will or purpose. This term is found in various translations of the Bible, including older versions like the King James Version, and is understood in modern translations as "compels" or "urges."

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Compulsion: The concept of being constrained by the love of Christ is a significant theme in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." Here, the word "compels" is synonymous with "constraineth," indicating that the love of Christ is a powerful force that drives believers to live for Him and spread the Gospel.

2. Moral and Spiritual Urging: In the context of moral and spiritual decisions, "constraineth" can describe the inner urging of the Holy Spirit that guides believers to act righteously. This is seen in the way the Spirit leads individuals to make choices that align with God's commandments and purposes.

3. Examples in Scripture: While the specific term "constraineth" may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is evident in various passages. For instance, in Acts 18:5 , it is noted that "Paul was compelled by the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ." This compulsion by the Spirit is akin to being constrained, highlighting the divine influence on Paul's ministry.

4. Theological Implications: The idea of being constrained by divine love or the Holy Spirit underscores the belief in God's active role in the lives of believers. It suggests that God's love and Spirit are not passive but actively work within individuals to fulfill His purposes. This aligns with the broader Christian understanding of sanctification, where believers are progressively shaped and guided by God's presence in their lives.

5. Practical Application: For Christians, understanding the concept of "constraineth" involves recognizing the ways in which God's love and Spirit influence daily decisions and actions. It encourages believers to be attentive to the inner promptings that align with Scripture and to respond obediently to God's leading.

In summary, "constraineth" reflects a profound spiritual dynamic where God's love and Spirit actively compel believers to live in accordance with His will, demonstrating the transformative power of divine influence in the Christian life.

The Love that Constrains
... V) THE LOVE THAT CONSTRAINS. 'The love of Christ constraineth us.'"2 Corinthians
5:14. It is a dangerous thing to be unlike other people. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

2 Cor. v. 11
... "For the love of God [685] constraineth us, because we thus judge.". ... Therefore, he
says, "The love of God constraineth us," and allows us not to be at rest. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 2 cor v.htm

Justification by Faith.
... No, no; the love of Christ constraineth us thus to judge, that it is but reasonable,
since he gave his all for us, that we should give our some for him.2 Cor.5 ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/ix justification by faith.htm

Zealous of Good Works
... Then comes the highest motive, the personal one of attachment to Christ our Redeemer:
The love of Christ constraineth us.' The love of Christ to us is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxi zealous of good works.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... Elihu addressed himself to Job and the three wise men, he commended himself to them
saying, "I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me"; but ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... "The love of Christ," says the great apostle of the Gentiles, "constraineth us."
Nay, love is so absolutely necessary for those that name the name of Christ ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

2 Cor. vi. 1, 2
... but for this very reason let us make haste to please God and to collect spiritual
merchandise;' as also he said above, "The love of God constraineth us," (ch. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 2 cor vi.htm

'Constrained by the Word'
... in its literal use in 'Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee,' and in
its metaphorical application in 'The love of Christ constraineth us.' There is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/constrained by the word.htm

July the Twenty-Eighth all Things New!
... 2 1 Corinthians 5:14-21. Here is a new constraint! "The love of Christ constraineth
me." The love of Christ carries me along like a crowd. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/july the twenty-eighth all things.htm

By a Like Simile, the Reasonableness of the Work of Redemption is ...
... at the hands of the Saviour's own inspired writers, if one happen upon their writings,
where they say: "For the love of Christ [227] constraineth us; because ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 10 by a like.htm

Constraineth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Constraineth (2 Occurrences). ... Job 32:18 For I am full of
matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/c/constraineth.htm - 7k

Constrainedly (1 Occurrence)

/c/constrainedly.htm - 6k

Constraining (1 Occurrence)

/c/constraining.htm - 6k

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