The term "restraineth" is an archaic form of the verb "restrain," which means to hold back, control, or limit. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's sovereign power to control or limit human actions, emotions, or spiritual forces. The concept of restraint is significant in understanding God's interaction with humanity and the moral and spiritual boundaries He establishes.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Restraint: One of the primary ways "restraineth" is used in Scripture is to describe God's ability to hold back or limit certain actions or events. This can be seen in the context of divine judgment or mercy. For example, God may restrain His wrath to give people an opportunity for repentance. In Genesis 20:6, God says to Abimelech, "Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me; that is why I did not let you touch her." Here, God's restraint is an act of mercy and protection.

2. Human Restraint: The Bible also speaks to the need for individuals to exercise self-restraint, particularly in the face of temptation or anger. Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it back." This highlights the virtue of self-control as a reflection of wisdom and godliness.

3. Restraint of Evil: In the New Testament, the concept of restraint is also applied to the spiritual realm. In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, Paul speaks of a restraining force that holds back the "man of lawlessness" until the appointed time: "And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way." This passage suggests a divine or spiritual force that limits the manifestation of evil until God's predetermined time.

4. Moral and Ethical Restraint: The Bible encourages believers to live within the moral and ethical boundaries set by God. This involves restraining sinful desires and living in accordance with God's commandments. Galatians 5:16-17 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." Here, the Holy Spirit acts as a restraining influence against the sinful nature.

Theological Implications

The concept of restraint in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty and the importance of self-control in the life of a believer. It reflects the tension between human free will and divine intervention, illustrating how God can limit or permit actions according to His divine plan. Restraint is also a key aspect of Christian ethics, emphasizing the need for believers to live disciplined lives that honor God.

In summary, "restraineth" in the biblical context highlights God's control over the universe, the necessity of self-control in human behavior, and the spiritual forces at work in the world. It serves as a reminder of the boundaries God has set for the well-being of His creation and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes.

Because the Rapture of a Part of the Church Only, Would Leave the ...
... And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed
in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness doth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 because the rapture of.htm

2 Thessalonians ii. 9-Jun
... Homily IV. 2 Thessalonians ii. 6-9. 2 Thessalonians ii.6-9 "And now ye know that
which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. ...
/.../homily iv 2 thessalonians ii.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed
in his own season. For the mystery of iniquity doth already ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm

Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace
... but Grace draweth to God and to virtues, renounceth creatures, fleeth from the world,
hateth the desires of the flesh, restraineth vagaries, blusheth to be ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter liv of the diverse.htm

That He is the Righteous one whom the Jews Should Put to Death.
... We are esteemed by Him as frivolous, and He restraineth Himself from our ways, as
if from uncleanness; and He extols the last end of the righteous, and boasts ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/14 that he is the.htm

Trials of the Christian
... and affliction come not by chance, or by the good moods and gentle dispositions
of men; but the Lord doth hold them back from sin, the Lord restraineth them.2 ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiv trials of the christian.htm

From the Eleventh Chapter.
... The Apostle Paul also bears witness, for he says to the Thessalonians: "Let him
who now restraineth restrain, until he be taken out of the way; and then shall ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the eleventh chapter.htm

The Motives to this Oversight
... other men. If you will be the leaders against the prince of darkness,
he will spare you no further than God restraineth him. He ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 the motives to.htm

John xi. 49, 50
... For this end coming among them continually He escapeth, and restraineth them when
they take counsel [1843] to kill Him, and maketh them to be in perplexity ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxv john xi 49.htm

We must Guard against Anger, Before it Arises; if it Has Already ...
... "Better is he," as Solomon says, "that restraineth his anger, than he that taketh
a city," [148] for anger leads astray even brave men. 97. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi we must guard.htm

Restraineth (6 Occurrences)
...Restraineth (6 Occurrences). 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know that which restraineth,
to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. (ASV). ...
/r/restraineth.htm - 8k

Restraining (9 Occurrences)

/r/restraining.htm - 9k

Lightnings (17 Occurrences)
... Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty;
And he restraineth not 'the lightnings' when his voice is heard. (ASV NAS RSV). ...
/l/lightnings.htm - 11k

Let (16815 Occurrences)
... 2:7 the King James Version, "Only he who now letteth will let," where the Revised
Version (British and American) has, "Only there is one that restraineth now.". ...
/l/let.htm - 8k

Traitor (4 Occurrences)
... messengers unto So king of Egypt, and hath not caused a present to go up to the
king of Asshur, as year by year, and the king of Asshur restraineth him, and ...
/t/traitor.htm - 8k

Restrain (31 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS WBS). Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of
his majesty; And he restraineth not 'the lightnings' when his voice is heard. ...
/r/restrain.htm - 15k

Restrainest (2 Occurrences)

/r/restrainest.htm - 6k

Encountereth (1 Occurrence)
... Encountereth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 27:16 He that would restrain her restraineth
the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil. (ASV DBY). ...
/e/encountereth.htm - 6k

Betrayeth (6 Occurrences)
... thee? (KJV ASV WBS). Proverbs 27:16 He that would restrain her restraineth
the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil. (See JPS). ...
/b/betrayeth.htm - 7k

Stayeth (10 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty;
And he restraineth not the lightnings when his voice is heard. (See JPS). ...
/s/stayeth.htm - 9k

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