Privation, in a biblical context, refers to the state of being deprived of basic necessities or comforts of life. It is often associated with suffering, poverty, and the trials that believers may face in their spiritual journey. The concept of privation is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both physical and spiritual dimensions.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, privation is frequently depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God. The Israelites experienced privation during their wilderness wanderings due to their lack of faith and rebellion against God. In Deuteronomy 8:2-3 , Moses reminds the Israelites of their forty years in the desert, where God humbled them and allowed them to hunger, teaching them that "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."

The prophets also spoke of privation as a result of turning away from God. In the book of Amos, God warns of a coming famine, not of food or water, but of hearing the words of the LORD (Amos 8:11). This spiritual privation underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God's word.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, privation is often linked to the call of discipleship and the cost of following Christ. Jesus Himself experienced privation, as seen in His fasting for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2). This period of physical deprivation was a time of spiritual preparation and reliance on God.

The apostle Paul frequently wrote about his own experiences of privation for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:27 , Paul recounts his hardships, including "in toil and labor, in often sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, in frequent fasting, in cold and exposure." These experiences highlight the sacrifices made in the pursuit of spreading the message of Christ.

Spiritual Significance

Privation serves as a tool for spiritual growth and dependence on God. It is a reminder that earthly possessions and comforts are temporary, and true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Furthermore, privation can foster a deeper compassion for others. Believers are called to care for those in need, reflecting God's love and provision. In Matthew 25:35-40 , Jesus teaches that serving the hungry, thirsty, and needy is akin to serving Him.

Conclusion

While privation is often seen as a negative experience, it holds significant spiritual value in the biblical narrative. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision, grow in faith, and extend compassion to others. Through privation, the faithful are reminded of their dependence on God and the eternal hope found in Christ.1. (n.) The act of depriving, or taking away; hence, the depriving of rank or office; degradation in rank; deprivation.

2. (n.) The state of being deprived or destitute of something, especially of something required or desired; destitution; need; as, to undergo severe privations.

3. (n.) The condition of being absent; absence; negation.

1. alpha -- alpha
... Often used (usually an, before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from
aneu) in the sense of privation; so, in many words, beginning with this ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1.htm - 7k

5302. hustereo -- to come late, be behind, come short
... meet the need at hand (""). This (insufficiency, privation) naturally results
when a person is . Word Origin from husteros Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5302.htm - 8k

6862b. tsar -- straits, distress
... Origin from tsarar Definition straits, distress NASB Word Usage afflicted (1),
affliction (1), anguish (1), anguished (1), distress (17), privation (1), strait ...
/hebrew/6862b.htm - 5k

Whether Privation of Mode, Species and Order is the Effect of Sin?
... OF THE EFFECTS OF SIN, AND, FIRST, OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE GOOD OF NATURE (SIX
ARTICLES) Whether privation of mode, species and order is the effect of sin? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether privation of mode species.htm

Whether Privation of Mode, Species, and Order is the Effect of Sin
... Article Four Whether Privation of Mode, Species, and Order is the Effect of Sin.
Whether Privation of Mode, Species, and Order is the Effect of Sin ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article four whether privation of.htm

Whether the Demons' Intellect is Darkened by Privation of the ...
... THE PUNISHMENT OF THE DEMONS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the demons' intellect
is darkened by privation of the knowledge of all truth? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the demons intellect is.htm

The Privation of Memory is Forgetfulness.
... Book X. Chapter XVI."The Privation of Memory is Forgetfulness. 24. When ... remember.
But what is forgetfulness but the privation of memory? ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xvi the privation of memory.htm

Whether all Sins are Equal?
... So far as can be gathered from the words of Cicero the Stoics arrived at their
conclusion through looking at sin on the side of the privation only, in so far ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether all sins are equal.htm

Whether God Knows Evil Things?
... For the Philosopher (De Anima iii) says that the intellect which is not
in potentiality does not know privation. But "evil is the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god knows evil things.htm

Whether any Action is Indifferent in Its Species?
... For evil is the privation of good, according to Augustine (Enchiridion
xi). But ... Reply to Objection 1: Privation is twofold. One ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether any action is indifferent.htm

Whether it is Proper to the Father to be Unbegotten?
... But if it be taken in a privative sense, as every privation signifies imperfection
in the thing which is the subject of privation, it follows that the Person ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is proper to.htm

Whether Evil is a Nature?
... a nature. But evil and good are not opposed as privation and habit, but
as contraries, as the Philosopher shows (Praedic. x) by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether evil is a nature.htm

Whether Sin Has a Cause?
... an act, it can have a direct cause, even as any other act; but, so far as it is
inordinate, it has a cause, in the same way as a negation or privation can have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether sin has a cause.htm

Privation (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Privation (3 Occurrences). Philippians 4:11 I do not refer
to this through fear of privation, for (for my part) (WEY DBY). ...
/p/privation.htm - 7k

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

Maim (4 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/m/maim.htm - 8k

Privilege (9 Occurrences)

/p/privilege.htm - 9k

Privately (29 Occurrences)

/p/privately.htm - 15k

Quails (4 Occurrences)
... The Israelites were twice relieved in their privation by a miraculous supply of
quails, (1) in the wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:13), and (2) again at Kibroth ...
/q/quails.htm - 8k

Learnt (12 Occurrences)
... Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak as regards privation, for as to me I have learnt
in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself. (DBY). ...
/l/learnt.htm - 10k

Regards (43 Occurrences)
... Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak as regards privation, for as to me I have learnt
in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself. (DBY). ...
/r/regards.htm - 18k

Refer (4 Occurrences)
... refer to Himself. (WEY). Philippians 4:11 I do not refer to this through
fear of privation, for (for my part) (WEY). Colossians 2:22 ...
/r/refer.htm - 8k

Death (1610 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) Total privation or loss; extinction; cessation; as, the death of memory.
3. (vi) Manner of dying; act or state of passing from life. ...
/d/death.htm - 68k

Is God sovereign over death? | GotQuestions.org

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Privation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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