Topical Encyclopedia The concept of owing, particularly in the context of financial and moral obligations, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. The term "owe" encompasses both the literal sense of financial debt and the broader sense of moral and spiritual obligations.Financial Obligations The Bible provides clear guidance on the handling of financial debts. In Romans 13:8 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling financial obligations promptly and highlights love as the perpetual debt that believers owe to one another. The underlying principle is that Christians should strive to live free of financial debt, thereby avoiding the bondage and complications that can arise from owing money. Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb underscores the power dynamics inherent in financial debt, warning believers of the potential loss of freedom and autonomy when one becomes indebted. The biblical perspective encourages prudent financial management and living within one's means to avoid the pitfalls of debt. Moral and Spiritual Obligations Beyond financial debts, the Bible speaks to the moral and spiritual obligations that individuals owe to God and to one another. In Matthew 6:12 , part of the Lord's Prayer reads, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Here, the term "debts" is used metaphorically to refer to sins or moral failings. The prayer highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, suggesting that believers owe it to others to forgive, just as they seek forgiveness from God. The concept of owing is also evident in the parable of the unforgiving servant found in Matthew 18:21-35. This parable illustrates the importance of mercy and forgiveness, as a servant who is forgiven a great debt by his master fails to show the same compassion to a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. The parable serves as a reminder of the moral obligation to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting the grace that believers have received from God. Love as a Perpetual Debt The notion of love as a perpetual debt is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Romans 13:8 not only advises against financial indebtedness but also elevates love as the ultimate obligation that believers owe to one another. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 13:34 , where He commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another." The call to love is presented as an ongoing duty that transcends all other obligations. In summary, the biblical concept of owing encompasses both financial and moral dimensions. Believers are encouraged to manage their financial obligations responsibly while recognizing the enduring moral and spiritual debts they owe to God and to one another, particularly the debt of love. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To possess; to have, as the rightful owner; to own.2. (v.) To have or possess, as something derived or bestowed; to be obliged to ascribe (something to some source); to be indebted or obliged for; as, he owed his wealth to his father; he owed his victory to his lieutenants. 3. (v.) Hence: To have or be under an obligation to restore, pay, or render (something) in return or compensation for something received; to be indebted in the sum of; as, the subject owes allegiance; the fortunate owe assistance to the unfortunate. 4. (v.) To have an obligation to (some one) on account of something done or received; to be indebted to; as, to owe the grocer for supplies, or a laborer for services. Greek 3784. opheilo -- to owe ... opheilo. 3785 . to owe. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: opheilo Phonetic Spelling: (of-i'-lo) Short Definition: I owe, ought Definition: I owe, ought. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3784.htm - 8k 4359. prosopheilo -- to owe besides Strong's Hebrew 2325. chub -- to be guilty... Also chayab {khaw-yab'}; a primitive root; properly, perhaps to tie, ie (figuratively and reflexively) to owe, or (by implication) to forfeit -- make endanger. ... /hebrew/2325.htm - 6k Library Ep. cxxii. You Owe Me, Even as a Sick Man, Tending... All to Christ I Owe. All to Christ I Owe. Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ... Whether a Prince Forfeits his Dominion Over his Subjects, on ... What is the Honor that Inferiors Owe to their Superiors. ? What Thanks and Praise to Thee we Owe An Exhortation to the Amorous Submission which we Owe to the ... The Forgiveness of Sins. Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Thesaurus Owe (10 Occurrences)... something) in return or compensation for something received; to be indebted in the sum of; as, the subject owes allegiance; the fortunate owe assistance to the ... /o/owe.htm - 10k Owed (10 Occurrences) Debt (48 Occurrences) Duty (90 Occurrences) Debtors (8 Occurrences) Debtor (7 Occurrences) Rest (831 Occurrences) Owing (7 Occurrences) Pay (212 Occurrences) Fellow (166 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about paying taxes? | GotQuestions.org Do Christians have to obey the laws of the land? | GotQuestions.org Owe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Owe (10 Occurrences)Matthew 18:28 Luke 16:5 Luke 16:7 Romans 13:7 Romans 13:8 Romans 15:27 Philemon 1:18 Philemon 1:19 Hebrews 11:3 Revelation 7:10 Subtopics Related Terms Fellow-servants (4 Occurrences) Fellowservants (4 Occurrences) |
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