Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "impediment" refers to any hindrance or obstacle that prevents an individual from fulfilling God's will or experiencing His blessings. This concept can be understood both in a physical and spiritual sense, as the Scriptures provide numerous examples of impediments that affect the lives of believers.Physical Impediments Physical impediments are often depicted in the Bible as conditions that hinder a person's ability to function normally. These include ailments, disabilities, or any physical limitations. One notable example is found in the New Testament, where Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. In Mark 7:32-35 , it is written: "Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. So He took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (which means, 'Be opened!'). Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly." This passage illustrates Jesus' power to remove physical impediments, demonstrating His compassion and authority over creation. Such miracles serve as a testament to the belief that God can overcome any physical barrier that hinders His people. Spiritual Impediments Spiritual impediments are obstacles that prevent individuals from growing in their faith or experiencing a deeper relationship with God. These can include sin, doubt, fear, or any form of spiritual bondage. The Bible frequently addresses the need to overcome these impediments through faith and reliance on God's strength. In Hebrews 12:1 , believers are encouraged to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This verse highlights the importance of removing spiritual impediments to pursue a life of holiness and dedication to God. The Apostle Paul also speaks of spiritual impediments in his letters, urging believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). This metaphorical armor represents the spiritual resources available to Christians to overcome impediments and remain steadfast in their faith. Overcoming Impediments The Bible provides guidance on overcoming both physical and spiritual impediments through faith, prayer, and obedience to God's Word. James 5:14-15 advises, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This passage underscores the power of prayer and community support in overcoming impediments. It also emphasizes the importance of faith in God's ability to heal and restore. In summary, impediments in the Bible are seen as challenges that can be overcome through divine intervention and personal faith. Whether physical or spiritual, these obstacles serve as opportunities for believers to experience God's power and grow in their relationship with Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That which impedes or hinders progress, motion, activity, or effect.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IMPEDIMENTim-ped'-i-ment: Found in Mark 7:32, "had an impediment in his speech," as a translation of mogilalos, comparative of mogos, "toil" and lalos, "speech," i.e. one who speaks with difficulty. In the Septuagint the word is used as a translation of 'illem, "dumb" (Isaiah 35:6). Greek 1199. desmos -- a band, bond ... desmos Phonetic Spelling: (des-mon') Short Definition: a bond, chain Definition: a bond, chain, imprisonment; a string or ligament, an impediment, infirmity. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1199.htm - 6k 3424. mogilalos -- speaking with difficulty 1464. egkope -- a hindrance Library Whether Order is an Impediment to Matrimony? Whether a Tie that is an Impediment to Marriage is Contracted ... Whether the Condition of Slavery is an Impediment to Matrimony? Whether Consanguinity is an Impediment to Marriage by virtue of ... Whether Madness is an Impediment to Marriage? Of the Impediment of the Condition of Slavery (Four Articles) Of the Impediment to Marriage, Arising from a Solemn Vow (Three ... Whether Impotence is an Impediment to Marriage? Whether a Spell Can be an Impediment to Marriage? Whether Affinity is an Impediment to Marriage? Thesaurus Impediment (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IMPEDIMENT. ...Impediment (2 Occurrences). Mark 7:32 They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. ... /i/impediment.htm - 7k Clear (641 Occurrences) Difficulty (12 Occurrences) Hitch (2 Occurrences) Spoke (799 Occurrences) Impelled (7 Occurrences) Opened (182 Occurrences) Objection (1 Occurrence) Let (16815 Occurrences) Impeded (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about stuttering? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the key to effective prayer? | GotQuestions.org Impediment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Impediment (2 Occurrences)Mark 7:32 Mark 7:35 Subtopics Related Terms |