Sickliness, as understood in the biblical context, refers to a state of poor health or chronic illness. The Bible addresses the concept of sickness and health extensively, often linking physical ailments with spiritual lessons, divine discipline, or the fallen nature of the world.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sickness is sometimes portrayed as a consequence of sin or disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, God outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including various diseases: "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish" (Deuteronomy 28:22). This passage reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where health and prosperity are contingent upon faithfulness to God's law.

However, not all instances of sickness are directly attributed to personal sin. The account of Job illustrates that suffering and illness can occur even to the righteous. Job's afflictions were not a result of his wrongdoing but were allowed by God for a greater purpose, demonstrating that sickliness can also be a test of faith and character.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by numerous healings, emphasizing His authority over sickness and His compassion for the suffering. The Gospels record many instances where Jesus heals the sick, such as the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). These miracles serve as signs of the coming Kingdom of God and the restoration that Jesus brings.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of sickness in the early church. In 1 Corinthians 11:30, Paul notes that some members of the Corinthian church are "weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep" due to their improper observance of the Lord's Supper. This suggests that spiritual health and physical health are interconnected, and that communal sin can lead to physical consequences.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, sickliness is often seen as a manifestation of the fallen state of the world. Romans 8:22-23 speaks of creation groaning as it awaits redemption, indicating that sickness is part of the broader brokenness that affects all of creation. Yet, the Bible also offers hope for ultimate healing and restoration. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Practical Considerations

Believers are encouraged to respond to sickliness with prayer, faith, and practical care. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." This passage highlights the importance of community support and the power of prayer in addressing illness.

Furthermore, Christians are called to show compassion and care for the sick, following the example of Christ. Acts of mercy and service to those who are suffering are seen as integral to living out one's faith, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:36, "I was sick and you looked after Me."

In summary, sickliness in the Bible is a complex topic that encompasses themes of sin, suffering, faith, and redemption. It serves as a reminder of the brokenness of the world and the hope of restoration through Christ.(n.) The quality or state of being sickly.2470a. chalah -- to be weak or sick
... make you sick (1), makes the sick (1), pretend to be ill (1), pretended to be ill
(1), putting him to grief (1), serious (1), sick (13), sickliness (1), sickly ...
/hebrew/2470a.htm - 6k

German Missionary Society.
... In 1828, they commenced a mission at Liberia. Death became their opponent here,
and seven of their missionaries died through the sickliness of the climate. ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/german missionary society.htm

Of the Weaknesses which Even the Citizens of the City of God ...
... This sickliness"that is to say, that disobedience of which we spoke in the
fourteenth book"is the punishment of the first disobedience. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 6 of the weaknesses which.htm

To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral.
... rendered infirmity' has passed into Rabbinic language (Isteniseyah, {hebrew}), and
there means, not any particular disease, but sickliness, sometimes weakliness ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii to the disciples.htm

The Ministry of the New Covenant
... They are its children; they breathe its atmosphere; they share its health or sickliness;
they are dependent upon its fellowship and intercession. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xvi the ministry of.htm

Preface to the Third Edition.
... At the same time, it cannot be denied that the one-sidedness, the exaggerations
and multiform sickliness of the tendencies referred to may have contributed to ...
/.../preface to the third edition.htm

Absolute Surrender
... We are members of that sickly body, and the sickliness of the body will hinder us,
and break us down, unless we come to God, and in confession separate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/absolute surrender.htm

Psalm V.
... These then have embittered God, who by sin have fallen into such a state of sickliness,
that the food of truth, in which healthy souls delight, as if it were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm v.htm

Sickliness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being sickly.
Multi-Version Concordance Sickliness (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/s/sickliness.htm - 6k

Sickly (1 Occurrence)

/s/sickly.htm - 7k

Sickles (2 Occurrences)

/s/sickles.htm - 6k

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