The term "minish" is an archaic English word meaning to diminish, reduce, or make smaller. In the context of the Bible, it is used to describe the act of decreasing in size, number, or importance. The concept of minishing can be found in various passages where it often conveys the idea of God's judgment or the natural consequences of disobedience and sin.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 26:22 : "I will send wild animals among you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle, and reduce your numbers until your roads are deserted." In this passage, the term "reduce" is synonymous with "minish," illustrating the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commandments. The reduction in numbers serves as a divine warning and a call to repentance.

2. Psalm 107:39 : "When they are decreased and humbled by oppression, evil, and sorrow." Here, the psalmist reflects on the cyclical nature of human experience, where people are often brought low by their circumstances. The act of being "decreased" or "minished" is seen as a humbling process, often leading individuals back to reliance on God.

Theological Significance:

The concept of minishing in the Bible often carries a dual significance. On one hand, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's statutes. On the other hand, it highlights God's sovereignty and the importance of humility before Him. The reduction in numbers or status is not merely punitive but is intended to bring about spiritual renewal and dependence on God.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, population size and strength were often seen as indicators of divine favor. Thus, to be "minished" was not only a physical or social setback but also a spiritual one. It was a call to introspection and a return to covenant faithfulness. The cultural understanding of strength and prosperity being tied to divine blessing underscores the gravity of being reduced or diminished.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the concept of minishing serves as a poignant reminder of the need for humility and obedience to God's will. It encourages self-examination and a recognition of the areas in life where one may have strayed from God's path. The process of being "minished" can be seen as an opportunity for growth and a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing the transformative power of divine discipline.

In summary, the biblical notion of minishing is a multifaceted concept that underscores the importance of faithfulness, humility, and reliance on God. It serves as both a warning and an invitation to draw closer to the Creator, recognizing His ultimate authority and grace.(v.) To diminish; to lessen.MINISH

min'-ash (the King James Version and the English Revised Version Exodus 15:19 Psalm 107:39; the English Revised Version Isaiah 19:6 Hosea 8:10): The verb "mannish," "make small," is now obsolete, being replaced by its derivative "diminish" (compare the American Standard Revised Version in all verses above).

1639. gara -- to diminish, restrain, withdraw
... A primitive root; to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold --
abate, clip, (di-)minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small ...
/hebrew/1639.htm - 6k

The History of Rehoboam
... spake to Rehoboam, and said: Thy father set on us an hard yoke and great impositions,
now thou hast not so much need, therefore less it and minish it, and ease ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of rehoboam.htm

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
... by which not that only but the other heresies [3480] also were destroyed, to which
of a truth it is perilous to add, and full of danger to minish aught from it ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/councils of ariminum and seleucia.htm

Appendices
... 160. Instead of causing a deluge, let lions come and minish mankind; 161. instead
of causing a deluge, let hyaenas come and minish mankind; 162. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Minish (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (v.) To diminish; to lessen. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MINISH. ... Multi-Version Concordance Minish (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/minish.htm - 7k

Mining

/m/mining.htm - 8k

Task (37 Occurrences)
... Exodus 5:19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in
evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of ...
/t/task.htm - 17k

Minished (3 Occurrences)

/m/minished.htm - 7k

Case (138 Occurrences)
... Exodus 5:19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in
evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of ...
/c/case.htm - 38k

Ought (130 Occurrences)
... Exodus 5:19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in
evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of ...
/o/ought.htm - 36k

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