The term "enfeebled" refers to a state of weakened strength or vitality, often used to describe individuals, nations, or spiritual conditions that have lost their former power or vigor. In the biblical context, enfeeblement can be both physical and spiritual, serving as a consequence of sin, disobedience, or divine judgment, as well as a condition that elicits divine compassion and intervention.

Physical Enfeeblement

Physical enfeeblement is frequently depicted in the Bible as a result of aging, illness, or divine chastisement. For instance, the patriarch Isaac is described as enfeebled in his old age, which affects his ability to discern between his sons, Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:1). Similarly, King David, in his later years, is portrayed as physically weakened, requiring the care of others (1 Kings 1:1-4).

The Bible also records instances where enfeeblement is a direct consequence of sin or rebellion against God. In Deuteronomy 28, as part of the curses for disobedience, the Israelites are warned that they will be struck with diseases and plagues that will enfeeble them (Deuteronomy 28:21-22). This serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that sin can exact on individuals and communities.

Spiritual Enfeeblement

Spiritual enfeeblement is a condition where individuals or groups become weakened in their faith, moral resolve, or spiritual vitality. This can occur due to sin, idolatry, or neglect of God's commandments. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a spiritually enfeebled Israel, describing them as a people laden with iniquity and estranged from God (Isaiah 1:4).

The New Testament also addresses spiritual enfeeblement, particularly in the context of the early church. The church in Laodicea is admonished for being "lukewarm," a metaphor for their spiritual weakness and lack of fervor (Revelation 3:15-16). This enfeeblement is not without remedy, as Christ offers counsel and correction to restore their spiritual strength.

Divine Compassion and Restoration

Despite the reality of enfeeblement, the Bible consistently reveals God's compassion and willingness to restore those who are weakened. In the Psalms, David often cries out to God for strength and deliverance in times of physical and spiritual weakness, trusting in God's power to renew and sustain him (Psalm 6:2).

The prophet Isaiah offers a message of hope, declaring that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, rising up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). This promise underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which can turn enfeeblement into renewed vigor and purpose.

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by acts of healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually. He heals the sick, raises the dead, and forgives sins, demonstrating God's desire to restore wholeness to those who are enfeebled (Matthew 9:35).

Conclusion

The concept of enfeeblement in the Bible serves as a reminder of human frailty and the consequences of sin, while also highlighting God's enduring mercy and the potential for renewal through faith and obedience. Whether physical or spiritual, enfeeblement is not the final word for those who seek the Lord, as His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).(imp. & p. p.) of Enfeeble.3886. paraluo -- to loose from the side
... From para and luo; to loosen beside, ie Relax (perfect passive participle, paralyzed
or enfeebled) -- feeble, sick of the (taken with) palsy. see GREEK para. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3886.htm - 6k

How Jadon the Prophet was Persuaded by Another Lying Prophet and ...
... sons concerning the prophet that was come from Jerusalem, and concerning the signs
done by him; and how, when Jeroboam's right hand had been enfeebled, at the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how jadon the.htm

Open Sins
... and a miserable thing to think that professing Christians do often come into that
position of being, by their inflamed passions and enfeebled wills, servants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/open sins.htm

Letter iii. --The Illusions of the Devil.
... It is the same with such sick and afflicted souls as with bodies enfeebled by fever,
which cannot accomplish any serious task until delivered from their malady ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter iii the illusions of the.htm

It is Said that on a Recent Occasion Where the Letters of ...
... style full of gaps. It would be ridiculous to point to one or two wounds
when the whole body is enfeebled and broken. I will not ...
/.../14 it is said that.htm

To Olympias. Do not be Anxious on My Behalf, nor Rack Yourself ...
... For dejection causes sickness; and when the body is exhausted and enfeebled, and
remains in a neglected condition, deprived of the assistance of physicians ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias do not be.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ...
... [2677] And this [2678] enfeebled the law, and they had no such great reverence
for it, although [2679] he preached all things purely. ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

The Sack of Rome
... There was no garrison to defend it. Only a lazy populace remained behind the walls,
unused to arms, and still more enfeebled by long starvation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

On Drinking.
... who drank water, "for thy stomach's sake;" [1356] most properly applying its aid
as a strengthening tonic suitable to a sickly body enfeebled with watery ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii on drinking.htm

The Way of Transgressors.
... But when to your natural conformation you add artificial pressure, the action of
your lungs becomes not only enfeebled, but the unhealthy action induced tends ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the way of transgressors.htm

On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love.
... Its faculties had formerly been enfeebled and disordered, so that they could not
exercise their natural functions; it had wearied itself with endless tossings ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part ii on the excellency.htm

Enfeebled (3 Occurrences)
...Enfeebled (3 Occurrences). ... 2 Samuel 4:1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was
dead in Hebron, his hands were enfeebled, and all Israel was troubled. (DBY). ...
/e/enfeebled.htm - 7k

Weak (102 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) Wanting physical strength. 2. (vi) Deficient in
strength of body; feeble; infirm; sickly; debilitated; enfeebled; exhausted. ...
/w/weak.htm - 38k

Enflame

/e/enflame.htm - 6k

Energy (1 Occurrence)

/e/energy.htm - 7k

Palsied (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 7:27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with appalment,
and the hands of the people of the land shall be enfeebled; I will do unto ...
/p/palsied.htm - 8k

Boil (29 Occurrences)
... His sleep was destroyed and his nervous system enfeebled (Job 3:26) so that he required
assistance to move, as he sat in the ashes (Job 2:8). Various diagnoses ...
/b/boil.htm - 23k

Sheol (64 Occurrences)
... beneath was stirred at the descent of the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:9). The state
is rather that of slumbrous semi-consciousness and enfeebled existence from ...
/s/sheol.htm - 34k

Image (126 Occurrences)
... superadditum). The former remained after the Fall, though in an enfeebled state;
the latter was lost through sin, but restored by Christ. ...
/i/image.htm - 60k

Accountability
... In the same way, at the present time, the sense of responsibility is enfeebled in
many minds through the control over character and destroy ascribed to ...
/a/accountability.htm - 14k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... If any form of government, only supreme power would prove effectual amid an enfeebled,
unpopular senate, corrupt and idle commons, and ambitious individuals. ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Enfeebled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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