In the context of the Bible, refrains are repeated phrases or verses that occur within a passage or across different passages. These repetitions serve various purposes, such as emphasizing a particular theme, aiding in memorization, or enhancing the poetic and liturgical quality of the text. Refrains are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments and are integral to the structure and message of the Scriptures.

Old Testament Refrains

One of the most notable examples of refrains in the Old Testament is found in the Psalms. The Psalms, being poetic and often used in worship, frequently employ refrains to emphasize key themes and facilitate congregational participation. Psalm 136 is a prime example, where the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, underscoring God's enduring mercy and faithfulness.

Another example is found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21, and 10:4, the refrain "Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised" is repeated, highlighting the persistent judgment of God upon Israel due to their continued disobedience.

New Testament Refrains

In the New Testament, refrains are less frequent but still present. The book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic and liturgical style, contains several refrains. For instance, the phrase "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 2:7) is repeated at the end of each letter to the seven churches, emphasizing the importance of heeding the divine message.

The Gospels also contain refrains, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the refrain "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you..." (Matthew 5:21-22) to contrast the traditional interpretations of the Law with His authoritative teaching, thereby reinforcing His role as the fulfillment of the Law.

Theological Significance

Refrains in the Bible often serve to underscore theological truths. They can highlight God's attributes, such as His mercy, justice, and sovereignty. For example, the refrain in Psalm 136 not only emphasizes God's loving devotion but also recounts His mighty acts in creation and history, thus inviting the worshiper to respond in gratitude and praise.

In prophetic literature, refrains often serve as a call to repentance or a warning of impending judgment. The repeated refrain in Isaiah serves as a stark reminder of God's righteous anger against sin and the need for Israel to return to Him.

Liturgical and Devotional Use

Refrains have been used throughout church history in liturgical settings, echoing the structure found in the Psalms and other biblical texts. They provide a means for congregational participation and reflection, allowing worshipers to meditate on key truths and respond in worship.

In personal devotion, refrains can aid in memorization and meditation, helping believers internalize the truths of Scripture. The repetitive nature of refrains makes them powerful tools for reflection and prayer, as they draw the believer's focus back to the central message of the passage.

In summary, refrains in the Bible are a literary and theological device that enrich the text, providing emphasis, aiding in memorization, and enhancing the worship experience. They invite readers and worshipers alike to engage deeply with the truths of Scripture, reflecting on God's character and His dealings with humanity.

He Proceeds to Confute the Work of Pelagius; He Refrains as yet ...
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 7 [VII.]"He Proceeds to
Confute the Work of Pelagius; He Refrains as Yet from Mentioning Pelagius ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 vii he proceeds to.htm

Letter cxlv. (AD 412 or 413. )
... 4. In vain, however, does any one think himself to have gained the victory over
sin, if, through nothing but fear of punishment, he refrains from sin; because ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxlv a d 412 or.htm

Through Grace we have Both the Knowledge of Good, and the Delight ...
... said of Him, "Not according to our sins hath He dealt with us, nor hath He recompensed
us according to our iniquities;" [584] and when He refrains from doing ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 33 through grace we have.htm

Whether Continence is a virtue?
... man from that which is lawful, but only from unlawful things: for a gloss on
Gal.5:23, "Faith, modesty," etc., says that by continence a man refrains even from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether continence is a virtue.htm

Whether virginity is Unlawful?
... ii, 2), that "he who revels in every pleasure, and abstains from not even one, is
intemperate: but he who refrains from all is loutish and insensible ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether virginity is unlawful.htm

Whether the Priest Can Bind and Loose According to his Own ...
... Therefore just as sometimes the physician prudently refrains from giving a medicine
sufficiently efficacious to heal the disease, lest a greater danger should ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the priest can bind 2.htm

Whether the New Law is Distinct from the Old Law?
... iii, D, 40]; since when a man refrains from some sins through fear of being punished,
his will does not shrink simply from sin, as does the will of a man who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the new law is 2.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... To pleasant songs my work was erstwhile given, and bright were all my labours
then; but now in tears to sad refrains am I compelled to turn. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

New Testament Hymns
... Poetic refrains are obvious in the following: For of him, and through him, and
to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever (Rom.11:36),. ...
/.../christian hymns of the first three centuries/iii new testament hymns.htm

Liturgical Hymns
... thinks of it as not a true hymn, but a source and model of hymnody.[24] Improvised
eucharistic prayer was interrupted by congregational refrains which provided ...
/.../messenger/christian hymns of the first three centuries/iv liturgical hymns.htm

Refrains (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Refrains (3 Occurrences). Romans 14:6 He who
regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's ...
/r/refrains.htm - 7k

Regards (43 Occurrences)
... so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the
Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it ...
/r/regards.htm - 18k

Master's (52 Occurrences)
... so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the
Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it ...
/m/master's.htm - 23k

Sacred (140 Occurrences)
... so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the
Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it ...
/s/sacred.htm - 36k

Eating (151 Occurrences)
... so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the
Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it ...
/e/eating.htm - 38k

Refresh (18 Occurrences)

/r/refresh.htm - 13k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the
Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

Refraineth (2 Occurrences)

/r/refraineth.htm - 6k

Sick (117 Occurrences)
... rabbinical tracts. "He that visits the sick lengthens his life, he who refrains
shortens it," says Rabbi Ischanan in Nedharim 29. In ...
/s/sick.htm - 44k

Sickness (40 Occurrences)
... rabbinical tracts. "He that visits the sick lengthens his life, he who refrains
shortens it," says Rabbi Ischanan in Nedharim 29. In ...
/s/sickness.htm - 29k

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