In biblical terminology, the term "rein" is often used metaphorically to refer to the innermost thoughts, emotions, and moral character of an individual. The word "rein" is derived from the Hebrew word "kilyah," which literally means "kidneys." In ancient Hebrew culture, the kidneys were considered the seat of emotion and moral decision-making, much like the heart is viewed in modern Western thought.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 7:9 : "Bring to an end the violence of the wicked, and establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds." In this verse, the term "minds" is translated from the Hebrew word for "reins," indicating God's ability to discern the deepest thoughts and intentions of individuals.

2. Psalm 26:2 : "Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and mind." Here, the psalmist invites God to scrutinize his innermost being, using "mind" to represent the reins, or the seat of his moral and emotional life.

3. Jeremiah 11:20 : "But, O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause." This passage highlights God's role as the ultimate judge who examines the heart and reins, ensuring that His judgments are based on a complete understanding of human character.

4. Revelation 2:23 : "Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds." In this New Testament context, the reins are again associated with the heart, emphasizing Christ's divine authority to evaluate and judge the moral and spiritual state of individuals.

Theological Significance:

The concept of the reins in Scripture underscores the belief in God's omniscience and His ability to perceive the hidden aspects of human nature. This understanding calls believers to a life of integrity and transparency before God, recognizing that nothing is concealed from His sight. The reins symbolize the depth of personal accountability to God, who not only observes outward actions but also discerns the motivations and intentions behind them.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the biblical use of "reins" challenges individuals to cultivate purity of thought and sincerity of heart. It serves as a reminder that true righteousness is not merely external but is rooted in the inner life. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in aligning their innermost desires with His will, fostering a life that reflects His holiness and truth.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the kidneys were often associated with emotions and decision-making processes. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the reins are frequently mentioned alongside the heart. The dual reference to heart and reins in Scripture highlights a comprehensive view of human nature, encompassing both emotional and rational faculties.

In summary, the biblical concept of "rein" provides profound insight into the nature of human morality and the divine capacity for judgment. It calls believers to a deeper awareness of their inner life and a commitment to living in accordance with God's righteous standards.1. (n.) The strap of a bridle by which the rider controls a horse.

2. (n.) Hence, an instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint.

3. (v. t.) To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.

4. (v. t.) To restrain; to control; to check.

5. (v. i.) To be guided by reins.

5424. phren -- midriff, heart, mind, thought
... Probably from an obsolete phrao (to rein in or curb; compare phrasso); the midrif
(as a partition of the body), ie (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5424.htm - 7k

But those Who, Giving the Rein to Lust...
... Book 3 Chapter 28. But those who, giving the rein to lust? 28. But those
who, giving the rein to lust, either wander about steeping ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 28 but those who.htm

Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland. Saviour of the Heathen, Known.
... 3. Der Jungfrau Leib schwanger ward Doch blieb Keuschheit rein bewahrt, Leucht
herfuer manch Tugend schon, Gott da war in seinem Thron. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/vi nun komm der heiden.htm

Wesley and his Horses
... I scarcely ever remember any horse (except, two, that would fall head over heels
anyway) to fall or make a considerable stumble while I rode with a slack rein. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley and his horses.htm

When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said ...
... "Proud son and daughter of Publius," said Antipater, drawing rein, "my heart ... "Son
of Herod," said Arria, drawing rein, "we cannot longer enjoy your company.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 19 when appius told.htm

Because the Rapture of a Part of the Church Only, Would Leave the ...
... and signs and lying wonders and will all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them
that perish." Then it will be that the Devil is allowed "free rein." Then it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 because the rapture of.htm

Assurance.
... It is said of Napoleon that while he was reviewing his army one day, his horse became
frightened at something, and the Emperor lost his rein, and the horse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/assurance.htm

The Day was Near Its End. ...
... The squad parted, passing on either side. All drew rein, and one, dismounting, stood
a moment looking down at her. ... Suddenly they drew rein, listening. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 25 the day was.htm

Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen G'Mein. Dear Christians, one and ...
... Dem Teufel ich gefangen lag, Im Tod war ich verloren, Mein' Suend' mich quaelet
Nacht und Tag, Darin war ich geboren, Ich fiel auch immer tiefer d'rein, Es war ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/i nun freut euch lieben.htm

Von Himmel Hoch Da Komm Ich Her. From Heaven Above to Earth I Come ...
... 3. Es ist der Herr Christ unser Gott, Der will euch fuehr'n aus aller Noth, Er
will eu'r Heiland selber sein, Von allen Suenden machen rein. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxix von himmel hoch da.htm

2 Cor. vii. 13
... rebuke, I have no apprehension of your being alienated; or again to boast, I fear
not to be convicted of falsehood; or to praise you as obeying the rein, or as ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 2 cor vii.htm

Rein (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.
4. (vt) To restrain; to control; to check. ...Rein (3 Occurrences). ...
/r/rein.htm - 7k

Libertine
... 3. (n.) One free from restraint; one who acts according to his impulses and desires;
now, specifically, one who gives rein to lust; a rake; a debauchee. ...
/l/libertine.htm - 7k

Restrain (31 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To draw back tightly, as a rein. 3. (vt) To hinder from unlimited enjoinment;
to abridge. 4. (vt) To limit; to confine; to restrict. ...
/r/restrain.htm - 15k

Reimburse (1 Occurrence)

/r/reimburse.htm - 7k

Reined (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Rein. Multi-Version Concordance
Reined (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 9:23 Joram turned his hands ...
/r/reined.htm - 6k

Praetorian (2 Occurrences)
... Akad. Sitzungsber., 1895, 501; Ramsay, Paul the Traveler and the Rein Citizen,
357; Workman, Persecution in the Early Church, 35). ...
/p/praetorian.htm - 15k

Bridle (12 Occurrences)
... against Jerusalem. (3.) Another word, re'sen, was employed to represent a
halter or bridle-rein, as used Psalm 32:9; Isaiah 30:28. In ...
/b/bridle.htm - 15k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... by "withes" (Judges 16:7 the Revised Version, margin "bowstring"); by "cord" (Job
30:11), where some think it may mean "bowstring," or possibly "rein" of a ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

Targum
... his way on the earth. It is, however, in the poetical passages that the
writer gives loose rein to paraphrase. As an example the ...
/t/targum.htm - 38k

Guard (185 Occurrences)
... Akad. Sitzungsber., 1895, 501; Ramsay, Paul the Traveler and the Rein Citizen,
357; Workman, Persecution in the Early Church, 35). ...
/g/guard.htm - 55k

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Rein: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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