Leisurely
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Definition and Context
The term "leisurely" refers to a pace or manner that is unhurried, relaxed, and free from the pressures of haste. In a biblical context, the concept of leisure is often associated with rest, reflection, and the enjoyment of God's creation. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "leisurely," it provides principles and examples that reflect a lifestyle incorporating rest and reflection.

Biblical Principles of Rest and Leisure
The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest, which can be seen as a form of leisure. The concept of the Sabbath is central to this understanding. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This passage highlights the divine example of rest, setting a precedent for humanity to follow.

The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-10 , instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This commandment underscores the importance of setting aside time for rest and spiritual rejuvenation, which can be seen as a leisurely practice.

Jesus and Leisure
Jesus Christ also demonstrated the value of rest and leisure in His earthly ministry. In Mark 6:31 , Jesus said to His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This invitation to rest reflects the need for physical and spiritual renewal, even amidst busy ministry work.

Furthermore, Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and reflect, as seen in Luke 5:16 : "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray." These moments of solitude and reflection can be understood as leisurely practices that allowed Jesus to maintain His focus and strength.

Leisure in the Wisdom Literature
The wisdom literature of the Bible also provides insights into the concept of leisure. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse suggests that there is an appropriate time for work and for rest, indicating a balanced approach to life that includes leisurely activities.

Proverbs 17:22 notes, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." This proverb highlights the importance of joy and contentment, which can be fostered through leisurely activities that refresh the spirit.

Leisure and Stewardship
From a biblical perspective, leisure is not merely an opportunity for self-indulgence but a time for stewardship of one's body, mind, and spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds believers, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage encourages Christians to use their time, including leisure, in ways that honor God and promote well-being.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not directly address the concept of leisure as understood in modern terms, it provides a framework for understanding the importance of rest, reflection, and enjoyment of God's creation. Through the principles of Sabbath rest, the example of Jesus, and the wisdom literature, believers are encouraged to incorporate leisurely practices into their lives as a means of honoring God and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Characterized by leisure; taking abundant time; not hurried; as, a leisurely manner; a leisurely walk.

2. (adv.) In a leisurely manner.

Strong's Hebrew
1679. dobe -- perhaps rest
... Definition: walk. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition perhaps
rest NASB Word Usage leisurely walk (1). strength. From an ...
/hebrew/1679.htm - 6k
Library

Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence?
... Objection 3: Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 3) the "magnanimous man
is slow and leisurely." Now slowness is contrary to solicitude. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether solicitude belongs to prudence.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... "There is a lion in the way," and therefore the man judges it to be quite right
that he should keep his bed, or that he should sit leisurely indoors and should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

The Delays of Love
... God works leisurely because God has eternity to work in. ... All is done leisurely, as
in the confidence of ample time to spare, and perfect security. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the delays of love.htm

Peter's Deliverance from Prison
... anyhow. But when the angel comes into the cell, and the light shines, look
how slowly and, as I say, leisurely, he goes about it. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters deliverance from prison.htm

Voluntary Suffering
... as for instance, on a bed of sickness, discover no traces of the heroism for which
they were before applauded, but tremble at the leisurely approach of death ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xviii voluntary suffering.htm

The Resurrection.
... which had been tied round the head of the dead body was there in the tomb, and it
was folded and laid in a place by itself, suggesting the leisurely manner of ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxii the resurrection.htm

But when He Might Use to Work, that Is...
... Church, have they undertaken? We know them into a certain holy society,
most leisurely gathered together. A marvellous thing did ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 15 but when he.htm

The Draw-Net.
... When the fishermen have at last drawn the net wholly out of the water and secured
its contents on dry land, they sit down to examine leisurely the worth of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vii the draw-net.htm

Rachel's Refuge
... One noon Rachel, resting on the housetop with her hostess, saw him leisurely
returning, by starts of interest and recollection. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

And it Should be Remarked in Passing that this Force Upon a Man to ...
... There is only one way to preserve in the world that high levity and that more
leisurely outlook which fulfils the old vision of universalism. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 18 and it should.htm

Thesaurus
Leisurely (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Characterized by leisure; taking abundant time; not hurried; as, a leisurely
manner; a leisurely walk. 2. (adv.) In a leisurely manner. ...
/l/leisurely.htm - 6k

Lemech (9 Occurrences)

/l/lemech.htm - 8k

Leisure (3 Occurrences)

/l/leisure.htm - 7k

Go (17871 Occurrences)
... figuratively applied. 3. (vi) To move upon the feet, or step by step; to
walk; also, to walk step by step, or leisurely. 4. (vi) To ...
/g/go.htm - 19k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... 3. The Route: Hazeroth to Moseroth: After passing Hazeroth (Numbers 12:16; Numbers
13:3) the journey appears to have been leisurely, and Israel probably camped ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

English
... and the proofs of the minute care devoted to it by Coverdale may appear remarkable
to those who are acquainted with the deliberate and leisurely methods of the ...
/e/english.htm - 38k

Versions
... and the proofs of the minute care devoted to it by Coverdale may appear remarkable
to those who are acquainted with the deliberate and leisurely methods of the ...
/v/versions.htm - 81k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

/i/israel.htm - 101k

Resources
What does shabbat mean? | GotQuestions.org

Leisurely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Leisurely (1 Occurrence)

Deuteronomy 33:25
Your bars shall be iron and brass. As your days, so your strength will be.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Leisurely

Lekah

Related Terms

Lemech (9 Occurrences)

Leisure (3 Occurrences)

Go (17871 Occurrences)

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)

English

Versions

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

Leisure
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