Topical Encyclopedia Painfulness, as a concept, is deeply woven into the fabric of the human experience and is addressed throughout the Bible. It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, and is often seen as a consequence of the fallen state of the world due to sin. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the nature, purpose, and response to painfulness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, painfulness is frequently associated with the consequences of sin and disobedience. The fall of man in Genesis introduces pain as a part of the human condition. God tells Eve, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children" (Genesis 3:16). This passage highlights the introduction of pain as a direct result of the fall. The Book of Job provides a profound exploration of suffering and painfulness. Job, a righteous man, experiences intense physical and emotional pain, losing his health, wealth, and family. Despite his suffering, Job maintains his faith, declaring, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job's account illustrates the mystery of suffering and the importance of trusting God amidst pain. The Psalms often express the emotional aspect of painfulness, with David and other psalmists crying out to God in their distress. Psalm 6:6 states, "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." These expressions of anguish reveal the raw human response to pain and the need for divine intervention. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, painfulness is addressed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself experienced profound suffering, culminating in His crucifixion. Isaiah's prophecy, quoted in the New Testament, describes Jesus as "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). His suffering was redemptive, providing a pathway for humanity's salvation. The Apostle Paul frequently writes about suffering and painfulness in his epistles. In Romans 8:18 , he offers a perspective on suffering, stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." Paul emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly pain in light of eternal glory. Paul also speaks of his own experiences with painfulness, referring to a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 . He explains that despite his pleas for relief, God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This passage highlights the sufficiency of God's grace in enduring pain and the strength found in reliance on Him. Theological Reflections Painfulness, from a biblical perspective, serves various purposes. It can be a tool for discipline, as seen in Hebrews 12:11 : "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." Pain can also lead to spiritual growth, drawing individuals closer to God and fostering dependence on His strength. Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to support one another in times of painfulness. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The Christian community is called to provide comfort and aid to those experiencing suffering. Ultimately, the Bible assures believers of the hope and comfort found in God amidst painfulness. Revelation 21:4 offers a future promise: "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 eschatological vision provides assurance of a time when painfulness will be eradicated, and eternal joy will prevail. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PAINFULNESSpan'-fool-nes (mochthos): In the summary of his missionary labors in 2 Corinthians 11:27 the King James Version, Paul uses this word. The Revised Version (British and American) renders it "travail," which probably now expresses its meaning more closely, as in modern usage "painfulness" is usually restricted to the condition of actual soreness or suffering, although we still use "painstaking" in the sense of careful labor. The Greek word is used for toil or excessive anxiety, as in Euripides (Medea, 126), where it refers to that care for her children which she had lost in her madness. Tyndale uses "painfulness" in 1 John 4:18 as the translation of kolasis, which the King James Version renders "torment" and the Revised Version (British and American) "punishment." Greek 3449. mochthos -- toil, hardship ... painfulness, travail. From the base of mogis; toil, ie (by implication) sadness -- painfulness, travail. see GREEK mogis. (mochthon) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3449.htm - 6k Library Examples of True Eloquence Drawn from the Epistles of Paul and the ... Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer. The Life of Mr. John Welwood. Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ... Of Meditation Upon Death In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Again... Further Still, the Educated Man Observes that those Sections which ... Journey to Laodicea. The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith section 4 Thesaurus Painfulness (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PAINFULNESS. pan'-fool-nes ... Macalister. Multi-Version Concordance Painfulness (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians ... /p/painfulness.htm - 7k Laboriousness (1 Occurrence) Weariness (44 Occurrences) Painfully (2 Occurrences) Paining (3 Occurrences) Resources Does God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.orgPainfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Painfulness (1 Occurrence)2 Corinthians 11:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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