Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage in Scripture:The term "maim" refers to the act of wounding or injuring someone so that part of the body is permanently damaged. In biblical contexts, it often pertains to physical injury that results in a loss of function or disfigurement. The concept of maiming is addressed in various passages of the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical senses. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, the concept of maiming is often associated with the laws concerning physical injuries and the consequences thereof. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines for dealing with injuries, including maiming, to ensure justice and fairness within the community. One of the key passages is found in Exodus 21:23-25, which outlines the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation: "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This passage underscores the importance of proportional justice, where the punishment should fit the crime, including cases of maiming. Leviticus 24:19-20 also reiterates this principle: "If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him." These laws were intended to limit excessive retribution and maintain social order. New Testament References: In the New Testament, the concept of maiming is addressed by Jesus in a more metaphorical and spiritual context. In Matthew 18:8-9, Jesus speaks about the seriousness of sin and the lengths to which one should go to avoid it: "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire." Here, Jesus uses the imagery of maiming to emphasize the radical measures one should take to avoid sin and its consequences. Similarly, in Mark 9:43-47, Jesus reiterates this teaching, highlighting the importance of spiritual integrity over physical wholeness. The metaphorical use of maiming in these passages serves to illustrate the gravity of sin and the necessity of prioritizing one's spiritual well-being. Theological Implications: The biblical treatment of maiming reflects broader theological themes of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of the human body. In the Old Testament, the laws concerning maiming emphasize justice and the need for equitable treatment within the community. These laws also highlight the value of human life and the importance of protecting individuals from harm. In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of maiming by Jesus underscores the radical nature of discipleship and the call to holiness. It challenges believers to consider the cost of following Christ and the sacrifices required to maintain spiritual purity. Overall, the concept of maiming in the Bible serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence, calling believers to uphold justice, pursue holiness, and prioritize their relationship with God above all else. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To deprive of the use of a limb, so as to render a person on fighting less able either to defend himself or to annoy his adversary.2. (v. t.) To mutilate; to cripple; to injure; to disable; to impair. 3. (n.) The privation of the use of a limb or member of the body, by which one is rendered less able to defend himself or to annoy his adversary. 4. (n.) The privation of any necessary part; a crippling; mutilation; injury; deprivation of something essential. See Mayhem. Greek 2856. koloboo -- to curtail ... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: koloboo Phonetic Spelling: (kol-ob-o'-o) Short Definition: I cut short, shorten Definition: (lit: I maim, mutilate), I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2856.htm - 6k 4969. sphazo -- to slay, slaughter Strong's Hebrew 66. Abel Mayim -- "meadow of water"... 65, 66. Abel Mayim. 67 . "meadow of water". Transliteration: Abel Mayim Phonetic Spelling: (aw-bale' mah'-yim) Short Definition: Abel-maim. ... Abel-maim. ... /hebrew/66.htm - 6k 4956. Misrephoth Mayim -- "burning of water," a place in Isr. ... 2782. charats -- to cut, sharpen, decide 7038. qalat -- to be stunted Library Whether in Some Cases it May be Lawful to Maim Anyone? But Christmas is not only the mile-mark of another year The Form and Spirit of Religion Christian Morals. Part I. 1 Cor. xii. 21 "He is the Head, and we be his Members. " "Therefore Our Father ... Letter Xcii. The Synodical Letter of Theophilus to the Bishops of ... How Hyrcanus was Set at Liberty by the Parthians, and Returned to ... April the First the Shadow of the Cross Here Upon Earth Thesaurus Maim (4 Occurrences)... injury; deprivation of something essential. See Mayhem. Multi-Version Concordance Maim (4 Occurrences). Leviticus 24:19 And if a ... /m/maim.htm - 8k Misrephoth-maim (2 Occurrences) Abel-maim (1 Occurrence) Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences) Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Mis'rephoth-ma'im (2 Occurrences) Abelbethmaacah Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences) Misrephoth (2 Occurrences) Maimed (10 Occurrences) Resources What is a biblical view of sexuality? | GotQuestions.orgMaim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Maim (4 Occurrences)Leviticus 24:19 Joshua 11:8 Joshua 13:6 2 Chronicles 16:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |