Topical Encyclopedia Definition: The term "dehort" is derived from the Latin "dehortari," meaning to dissuade or advise against a particular action or behavior. In a biblical context, dehortation involves urging someone not to engage in sinful or unwise actions, often accompanied by moral or spiritual reasoning. Biblical Context and Usage: While the specific term "dehort" does not appear in the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout Scripture. Dehortation is a common rhetorical device used by prophets, apostles, and other biblical figures to guide individuals and communities away from sin and towards righteousness. Old Testament Examples: 1. Prophets' Warnings: The prophets frequently dehorted the Israelites from idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, Jeremiah dehorted the people of Judah from following false gods and warned of the consequences of their actions (Jeremiah 25:4-6): "And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’" 2. Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs is replete with dehortations against folly, wickedness, and the rejection of wisdom. Proverbs 1:10 states, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." New Testament Examples: 1. Apostolic Exhortations: The apostles often dehorted early Christians from returning to their former sinful ways. In Ephesians 4:17-19 , Paul writes, "So I tell you this, and testify to it in the Lord: You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more." 2. Moral Instruction: The New Testament letters frequently include dehortations as part of moral instruction. In 1 Peter 2:11 , Peter advises, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Theological Significance: Dehortation serves as a vital component of biblical teaching, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God and the avoidance of sin. It reflects the biblical understanding of human nature's propensity towards sin and the need for divine guidance and correction. Through dehortation, Scripture provides believers with warnings and counsel to live lives that honor God and reflect His holiness. Practical Application: In contemporary Christian practice, dehortation remains relevant as believers are called to lovingly dissuade one another from sin and encourage each other towards spiritual growth and maturity. This involves speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and holding one another accountable within the community of faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) To urge to abstain or refrain; to dissuade.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DEHORTde-hort' (apostrepho; the Revised Version (British and American) DISSUADE): Not found in the English Bible; once only in Apocrypha (1 Macc 9:9). An obsolete English word; the opposite of exhort. It means to dissuade, to forbid, to restrain from. Library The Use of Fear in Religion. Thesaurus Dehort... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To urge to abstain or refrain; to dissuade. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DEHORT. de-hort' (apostrepho ... /d/dehort.htm - 6k Dehites (1 Occurrence) Deities (1 Occurrence) Resources Dehort: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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