The term "straightened" in the context of the Bible often refers to being restricted, confined, or limited in some way. It can denote both physical and metaphorical constraints, reflecting a state of being pressed or hindered. This concept appears in various passages throughout Scripture, illustrating both human and divine experiences of limitation and the subsequent need for deliverance or relief.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the idea of being "straightened" is frequently associated with physical or circumstantial limitations. For example, in the book of Job, Job experiences profound suffering and feels confined by his circumstances. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "straightened" directly, the concept is evident in Job's lamentations about his restricted state due to his afflictions (Job 19:8: "He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has shrouded my paths in darkness").

The Psalms also reflect this theme, where the psalmists often cry out to God for relief from their distress and constraints. Psalm 118:5 states, "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free." Here, the psalmist contrasts the state of being "straightened" with the freedom granted by divine intervention.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of being "straightened" can be seen in the context of spiritual and emotional constraints. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the pressures and limitations he faces in his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 6:12 , Paul writes, "We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us." The implication here is that the Corinthians are "straightened" in their affections, limited in their capacity to fully embrace Paul's message and ministry.

The Gospels also provide insight into the theme of being "straightened." In Luke 13:11-13 , Jesus encounters a woman who has been physically crippled for eighteen years, described as being "bent over and unable to straighten up at all." Jesus heals her, symbolizing the release from physical and spiritual bondage, illustrating the power of Christ to liberate individuals from their "straightened" conditions.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of being "straightened" underscores the human condition of limitation and the need for divine intervention. It highlights the contrast between human weakness and God's power to deliver and restore. The Bible consistently portrays God as the one who frees individuals from their constraints, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.

In a broader sense, the notion of being "straightened" can also reflect the moral and ethical limitations imposed by sin. Humanity's fallen state results in a kind of spiritual confinement, from which only Christ can provide true liberation. Romans 8:21 speaks to this deliverance: "that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the concept of being "straightened" serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent in the human experience and the necessity of relying on God's strength and grace. It encourages Christians to seek God's intervention in times of distress and to trust in His ability to provide freedom and relief from all forms of bondage. The call to live in the freedom provided by Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith, urging believers to move beyond their constraints and embrace the abundant life offered through Jesus.352b. anakupto -- to lift oneself up
... Word Origin from ana and kupto Definition to lift oneself up NASB Word Usage straighten
(2), straightened (1), straightening (1). 352a, 352b. anakupto. 353 > ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/352b.htm - 5k8626. 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

Hebrews iii. 11-Jul
... and mildness [of the expression]: he said not "Rebuke," but "Exhort." Thus we are
required to bear ourselves towards those who are straightened by affliction. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vi hebrews iii 11-jul.htm

Baptism unto Repentance
... There are mountains and hills of pride and self-will that have to be levelled; crooked
and devious ways that have to be straightened; ruggednesses that have to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vi baptism unto repentance.htm

The Prince Returns
... toss of a coin and had lost it! At this the shepherd boy straightened himself
and gave attention. But he was wholly lost, the sick ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xii the prince returns.htm

Arria Met them in the Atrium. ...
... She straightened the folds of her tunic, and drew the transparent silk close to
her full, white bosom. It was all unconscious as the trick of a wooing bird. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 10 arria met them.htm

It was the Day Before the Nones of November in Rome. ...
... He lay comfortably in his great chair and began to read them. Presently
his body straightened, the wrinkles deepened in his brow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 18 it was the.htm

The Convicting Facts
... There is a typical instance of what sin is, in which, as in some anatomical preparation,
you may see all its fibres straightened out and made visible. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the convicting facts.htm

The Punishment of Atsu
... Presently he tossed it aside. Hardly had it left his hand before he hastened
to pick it up, straightened it out and re-read it feverishly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter viii the punishment of.htm

God in Human Garb.
... human shoes, hand-pegged, walking in freely amongst us that we might get our tangled
up ideas about God and ourselves and about life untangled, straightened out ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/god in human garb.htm

God's Ambassadors.
... Only as I come to God through Jesus to get the sin score straightened, and only
as I keep in sympathy with Jesus in the purpose of my life can I practice prayer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/gods ambassadors.htm

Suffering the Birth-Pains of a New Life.
... It acknowledged his sin, that life is forfeited by sin, his desire to have the sin
difficulty straightened out, and to be at one again with God. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/suffering the birth-pains of a.htm

Straightened (4 Occurrences)
...Straightened (4 Occurrences). ... 1 Kings 6:35 And he hath carved cherubs, and palms,
and openings of flowers, and overlaid with straightened gold the graved work. ...
/s/straightened.htm - 7k

Openings (27 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 1 Kings 6:35 And he hath carved cherubs, and palms, and openings of flowers,
and overlaid with straightened gold the graved work. (YLT). ...
/o/openings.htm - 14k

Palms (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:35 And he hath carved cherubs, and palms, and openings of flowers,
and overlaid with straightened gold the graved work. (YLT). ...
/p/palms.htm - 12k

Straightening (1 Occurrence)

/s/straightening.htm - 6k

Straighten (4 Occurrences)

/s/straighten.htm - 7k

Cherubs (52 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 1 Kings 6:35 And he hath carved cherubs, and palms, and openings of flowers,
and overlaid with straightened gold the graved work. (YLT). ...
/c/cherubs.htm - 22k

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