Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "straighten" in biblical context often refers to making something right, correcting a path, or aligning with God's will. It can be both literal, as in making a physical path straight, and metaphorical, as in correcting one's life or actions to align with divine principles. Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 40:3-4 : "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.'" · This passage is often associated with John the Baptist's ministry, emphasizing the preparation for the coming of the Lord by making paths straight. It signifies the removal of obstacles and the call to repentance and righteousness. 2. Proverbs 3:5-6 : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." · Here, the promise of God is to straighten the paths of those who trust and acknowledge Him. It highlights the importance of reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. 3. Luke 3:4-5 : "As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."'" · This New Testament reference reiterates the prophecy from Isaiah, underscoring the mission of John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and moral rectitude. Theological Implications: · Repentance and Righteousness: The concept of straightening is closely tied to repentance and the pursuit of righteousness. It involves turning away from sin and aligning one's life with God's commandments and teachings. · Divine Guidance: The promise that God will make paths straight for those who trust in Him suggests a divine intervention in the lives of believers, guiding them through life's complexities and challenges. · Preparation for the Messiah: The call to make paths straight is a preparatory action for the coming of the Messiah, both in the historical context of Jesus' first coming and in the eschatological anticipation of His return. Practical Application: · Personal Reflection: Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and identify areas that need correction or alignment with God's will. This involves a commitment to spiritual growth and moral integrity. · Community and Ministry: The call to straighten paths can also be applied to communal and ministerial efforts, where believers work together to remove obstacles that hinder the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In summary, the biblical concept of "straighten" encompasses both a personal and communal call to align with God's will, prepare for His presence, and trust in His guidance for a righteous and fulfilling life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make straight; to reduce from a crooked to a straight form.2. (v. t.) To make right or correct; to reduce to order; as, to straighten one's affairs; to straighten an account. 3. (n.) A variant of Straiten. Greek 352b. anakupto -- to lift oneself up ... 352a, 352b. anakupto. 353 . to lift oneself up. Transliteration: anakupto Short Definition: straighten. Word Origin from ana and ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/352b.htm - 5k 2116. euthuno -- to make straight 1930. epidiorthoo -- to correct in addition 1357. diorthosis -- a correction, a reform 2720. kateuthuno -- to make straight 461. anorthoo -- to set upright, set straight again Strong's Hebrew 8626. taqan -- to become straight... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to become straight NASB Word Usage arranged (1), straighten (1), straightened (1). set in order, make straight. ... /hebrew/8626.htm - 6k 8627. teqan -- to be in order Library Internal Foes. Christ and the Little Children The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Introduction Little Jennie's Sickness and Death The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ... An Irresistible Plan. What I must Do. Letter ix. To Maximus the Philosopher. In the Country He Gives his Attention to Literature, and Explains ... Thesaurus Straighten (4 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To make right or correct; to reduce to order; as, to straighten one's affairs; to straighten an account. ...Straighten (4 Occurrences). ... /s/straighten.htm - 7k Straight (196 Occurrences) Infirmity (22 Occurrences) Fully (153 Occurrences) Riddle (11 Occurrences) Eighteen (22 Occurrences) Bent (107 Occurrences) Crookbacked (1 Occurrence) Crook-backed (1 Occurrence) Caused (468 Occurrences) Resources What is orthopraxy/orthopraxis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that all Cretans are liars? | GotQuestions.org Who was Titus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Straighten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Straighten (4 Occurrences)Luke 13:11 Luke 21:28 Titus 1:5 Ecclesiastes 7:13 Subtopics Related Terms |