Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of loss encompasses a range of experiences, from the physical loss of possessions and loved ones to spiritual and moral losses. The Bible addresses loss in various forms, offering guidance, comfort, and hope to believers facing such challenges.Material Loss Material loss is a common theme in the Bible, often serving as a test of faith and character. Job is perhaps the most notable example of someone who experienced profound material loss. In a single day, Job lost his livestock, servants, and children (Job 1:13-19). Despite his immense suffering, Job's response was one of worship and submission to God's sovereignty: "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). The New Testament also addresses material loss, particularly in the context of discipleship. Jesus taught that following Him might require the sacrifice of worldly possessions and comforts. In Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells the rich young ruler, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" . This passage highlights the eternal perspective believers are encouraged to adopt, valuing spiritual riches over earthly wealth. Loss of Loved Ones The Bible acknowledges the deep pain associated with the loss of loved ones. In John 11, Jesus Himself wept at the death of His friend Lazarus, demonstrating His compassion and empathy (John 11:35). The Apostle Paul offers comfort to those grieving, reminding believers of the hope of resurrection: "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Spiritual and Moral Loss Spiritual and moral loss is another significant theme in Scripture. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the consequences of moral and spiritual waywardness. The younger son squanders his inheritance in reckless living, experiencing profound loss and degradation. However, the parable also emphasizes redemption and restoration, as the son returns to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. The Bible warns against the loss of one's soul, which is considered the greatest loss of all. Jesus poses a rhetorical question in Mark 8:36: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" . This underscores the eternal significance of spiritual well-being over temporal gains. Comfort and Hope in Loss Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a source of comfort and hope for those experiencing loss. Psalm 34:18 assures believers, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" . The promise of God's presence and comfort is a recurring theme, offering solace to those in distress. The ultimate hope for believers lies in the promise of eternal life and the restoration of all things. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of a future without loss: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This assurance of a future where loss is no more provides profound hope and encouragement to Christians enduring the trials of this life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of losing; failure; destruction; privation; as, the loss of property; loss of money by gaming; loss of health or reputation.2. (n.) The state of losing or having lost; the privation, defect, misfortune, harm, etc., which ensues from losing. 3. (v. t.) That which is lost or from which one has parted; waste; -- opposed to gain or increase; as, the loss of liquor by leakage was considerable. 4. (n.) The state of being lost or destroyed; especially, the wreck or foundering of a ship or other vessel. 5. (v. t.) Failure to gain or win; as, loss of a race or battle. 6. (v. t.) Failure to use advantageously; as, loss of time. 7. (v. t.) Killed, wounded, and captured persons, or captured property. 8. (v. t.) Destruction or diminution of value, if brought about in a manner provided for in the insurance contract (as destruction by fire or wreck, damage by water or smoke), or the death or injury of an insured person; also, the sum paid or payable therefor; as, the losses of the company this year amount to a million of dollars. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOSSchaTa "to suffer as one erring, or as a sinner" (Genesis 31:39, where Jacob assures Laban that he (Jacob) suffered the loss of all animals of the flock torn by beasts); shekhol, "bereavement" (Isaiah 47:8, where the prophet foretells the humiliation of proud Babylon who shall suffer the loss of her children, and widowhood); shikkulim, "bereavement" (Isaiah 49:20, translated "bereavement" in the Revised Version (British and American), where the prophet promises to the desolate Zion enlargement). In the New Testament the translations of three Greek words: apobole, "casting away" (Acts 27:22, where Paul assures the crew and passengers that there shall be no "loss" of life from the storm); zemia, "loss" (Acts 27:21, referring to the harm sustained in the storm; Philippians 3:7, where Paul counts all his natural privileges and attainments as forfeited for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ); zemioo. "to suffer loss" (1 Corinthians 3:15, where Paul says the man whose works are burned shall suffer "loss"; Philippians 3:8, same context as above). Greek 2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss ... to damage, suffer loss. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: zemioo Phonetic Spelling: (dzay-mee-o'-o) Short Definition: I inflict loss upon, punish Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2210.htm - 8k 639. aporeo -- to be at a loss, be perplexed 684. apoleia -- destruction, loss 2275. hettema -- loss 1820. exaporeo -- to be utterly at a loss, be in despair 1280. diaporeo -- to be greatly perplexed or at a loss 1805. exagorazo -- to buy up, ie ransom, fig. to rescue from loss 580. apobole -- a throwing away, rejection 2209. zemia -- damage 5196. hubris -- wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence Strong's Hebrew 7908. shekol -- bereavement, loss of children... shekol. 7909 . bereavement, loss of children. Transliteration: shekol Phonetic Spelling: (shek-ole') Short Definition: children. ... loss of children, spoiling. ... /hebrew/7908.htm - 6k 2398. chata -- to miss, go wrong, sin 7674. shebeth -- perhaps cessation 5142. nezaq -- to suffer injury 7923. shikkulim -- bereavement, childlessness 5143. nezeq -- injury, damage 3318. yatsa -- to go or come out Library Profit and Loss Whether Sorrow is Caused by the Loss of Good or by the Presence of ... Loss and Gain. Loss and Gain. May 25. Lukewarmness. The Loss of Grace. Inconvenience of Laxity in ... Whether the Seminal Loss that Occurs During Sleep Hinders Anyone ... Whether Children Should Suffer any Loss through Being Illegitimate ... Loss nor Gain, March 22. It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature ... What Words Indeed could Possibly Express the Greatness of that ... Thesaurus Loss (90 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act of losing; failure; destruction; privation; as, the loss of property; loss of money by gaming; loss of health or reputation. ... /l/loss.htm - 37k Perdition (14 Occurrences) Damage (57 Occurrences) Injury (21 Occurrences) Youngest (26 Occurrences) Death (1610 Occurrences) Cost (28 Occurrences) Suffering (104 Occurrences) Lose (59 Occurrences) Waste (668 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view weight loss? What does the Bible say about obesity and weight loss? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome grieving the loss of a pet? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian consider having weight loss / gastric bypass surgery? | GotQuestions.org Loss: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Loss (90 Occurrences)Matthew 2:18 Matthew 5:29 Matthew 5:30 Matthew 5:32 Matthew 16:26 Matthew 18:8 Matthew 19:9 Mark 8:36 Mark 9:25 Luke 9:25 Luke 23:19 John 11:19 John 13:22 Acts 5:24 Acts 20:16 Acts 25:17 Acts 25:20 Acts 27:10 Acts 27:21 Acts 27:22 Romans 11:12 1 Corinthians 3:15 1 Corinthians 6:7 1 Corinthians 7:5 2 Corinthians 7:9 Philippians 3:7 Philippians 3:8 Hebrews 6:6 Hebrews 10:34 Genesis 31:38 Genesis 31:39 Genesis 34:19 Genesis 38:12 Exodus 9:4 Exodus 9:6 Exodus 9:7 Exodus 21:19 Exodus 21:22 Exodus 21:27 Exodus 21:34 Exodus 22:9 Exodus 22:12 Exodus 22:14 Exodus 22:15 Exodus 23:26 Leviticus 6:3 Leviticus 25:27 Numbers 6:12 Deuteronomy 22:9 Joshua 6:26 Judges 3:25 Judges 18:25 1 Samuel 25:21 1 Samuel 30:19 2 Samuel 15:14 1 Kings 16:34 2 Chronicles 20:12 2 Chronicles 24:5 Ezra 4:13 Ezra 4:15 Ezra 4:22 Ezra 9:7 Esther 7:4 Job 5:24 Job 21:24 Psalms 144:14 Proverbs 6:11 Proverbs 6:33 Proverbs 11:15 Proverbs 11:16 Proverbs 18:3 Proverbs 24:34 Ecclesiastes 3:6 Isaiah 47:8 Isaiah 47:9 Jeremiah 3:16 Jeremiah 22:10 Jeremiah 23:1 Jeremiah 23:4 Jeremiah 31:15 Ezekiel 5:17 Ezekiel 16:63 Ezekiel 36:13 Ezekiel 36:14 Daniel 4:19 Daniel 5:9 Daniel 6:2 Daniel 11:33 Joel 1:18 Micah 3:7 Subtopics Related Terms |