Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of being "excused" often relates to the idea of being exempted or released from a duty, obligation, or consequence. This concept can be seen in various contexts throughout Scripture, where individuals seek or are granted exemption from certain responsibilities or judgments.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the notion of being excused is often tied to the laws and commandments given to the Israelites. For instance, in Deuteronomy 20:5-8, certain individuals are excused from military service. The passage states: "Then the officers shall address the army, saying, ‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it. Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle and another man marry her.’ Then the officers shall add, ‘Whoever is afraid or fainthearted may go and return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.’” This passage illustrates that certain life circumstances, such as building a new house, planting a vineyard, or being recently betrothed, provided legitimate grounds for exemption from warfare. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being excused is often seen in the context of parables and teachings of Jesus. One notable example is the Parable of the Great Banquet found in Luke 14:16-24. In this parable, Jesus describes a man who prepares a great feast and invites many guests. However, those invited begin to make excuses: "But one after another, they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’” (Luke 14:18-20) Here, the excuses represent a refusal to accept the invitation to the kingdom of God, highlighting the spiritual danger of prioritizing worldly concerns over divine calling. Moral and Ethical Implications From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible presents being excused as a matter of discernment and priority. While there are legitimate reasons for being excused from certain duties, as seen in the Old Testament, the New Testament warns against using excuses to avoid spiritual responsibilities. The parable in Luke underscores the importance of responding to God's invitation without delay or distraction. Theological Reflections Theologically, the concept of being excused can be seen as a reflection of God's understanding of human circumstances and limitations. However, it also serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in spiritual matters. The excuses made by those invited to the banquet in Luke 14 serve as a caution against allowing temporal concerns to overshadow eternal priorities. In summary, the biblical concept of being excused encompasses both legitimate exemptions from duties and the potential misuse of excuses to avoid spiritual obligations. The Scriptures encourage believers to discern wisely and prioritize their commitment to God above all else. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Excuse.Greek 3868. paraiteomai -- to beg from, to beg off ... Word Origin from para and aiteo Definition to beg from, to beg off NASB Word Usage begged (1), excused (2), have nothing to do with (1), make excuses (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3868.htm - 7k Library Whether the Marriage Act is Excused by the Aforesaid Goods? Whether the Marriage Act Can be Excused Without the Marriage Goods ... Excused at Last. A Short Excusation of Him that Made this Book Teaching How all ... But what Follows About the Condition of Souls Can by no Means be ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiv. 16, "A Certain Man Made a ... Whether all Perjury is a Mortal Sin? Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law? On the First and Second Commandments of the Church The Judgments of God. Thesaurus Excused (3 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Excuse. Multi-Version Concordance Excused (3 Occurrences). ... Please have me excused.' (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ... /e/excused.htm - 7k Excuse (13 Occurrences) Excuses (1 Occurrence) Please (324 Occurrences) Bought (66 Occurrences) Consider (178 Occurrences) Beg (77 Occurrences) Needs (85 Occurrences) Necessity (22 Occurrences) Oxen (176 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian respond to jury duty? | GotQuestions.orgAre we to love the sinner but hate the sin? | GotQuestions.org Who was Immanuel Kant? | GotQuestions.org Excused: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Excused (3 Occurrences)Luke 14:18 Luke 14:19 Acts 25:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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