Definition and Context
Straightening, in a biblical context, often refers to the act of making something upright, correct, or aligned with God's will. It can be both a physical and metaphorical concept, symbolizing the correction of moral or spiritual paths. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of straight paths to describe righteous living and adherence to God's commandments.

Biblical References

1. 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." This passage emphasizes the importance of relying on God for guidance. The promise of straight paths is contingent upon trust and acknowledgment of the Lord, suggesting that straightening one's life is a divine act in response to faith and obedience.

2. 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 prophecy, later associated with John the Baptist, speaks to the preparation for the coming of the Lord. The imagery of straightening the path signifies readiness and purification, aligning with God's purpose.

3. Luke 13:10-13 : "On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, 'Woman, you are set free from your disability.' Then He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God." This miracle performed by Jesus illustrates the physical and spiritual liberation that comes from divine intervention. The act of straightening here is both a healing and a restoration to wholeness.

Theological Implications

Straightening is often associated with repentance and transformation. In the New Testament, John the Baptist's call to "make straight the way for the Lord" (John 1:23) is a call to repentance and preparation for the Messiah. The act of straightening one's path is symbolic of turning away from sin and aligning oneself with God's righteousness.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The concept of straightening in the Bible serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance in one's spiritual journey. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance to correct their paths and live in accordance with His will. The process of straightening involves humility, repentance, and a commitment to follow God's commandments.

Practical Application

In practical terms, straightening can involve making ethical decisions, seeking forgiveness, and striving for integrity in all aspects of life. It is a call to live a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, characterized by love, justice, and mercy. Believers are urged to examine their lives regularly, ensuring that their actions and thoughts are aligned with biblical principles.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 - 5k

1882. epanorthosis -- correction
... correction. From a compound of epi and anorthoo; a straightening up again, ie
(figuratively) rectification (reformation) -- correction. see GREEK epi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1882.htm - 7k

God's Character Our Resting-Place
... not interfering with the holiness, nor the holiness with the love; absolutely sovereign,
yet infinitely gracious; the sovereignty not straightening the grace ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter iii gods character our.htm

Emancipated Slaves
... The emphatic picture of the men stooping beneath the yoke, and then straightening
themselves up, erect, illustrates the joyful freedom which Christ gives. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/emancipated slaves.htm

Now was the Day Come Wherein I was in Deed to be Freed of My...
... Thee, by what inward goads Thou tamedst me; and how Thou hast evened me, lowering
the mountains and hills of my high imaginations, straightening my crookedness ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv now was the.htm

John ix. 1, 2
... so also God joineth together and completeth our body, as it were a house decayed,
healing the withered hand, bracing the palsied limbs, straightening the lame ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvi john ix 1.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... If you have no power, it may be there is some sin that needs to be confessed,
something in your life that needs straightening out. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... the inward goads by which thou didst subdue me and how thou broughtest me low, leveling
the mountains and hills of my thoughts, straightening my crookedness ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book nine the end of.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks
... he was thinking, not of personal edification, nor of private benefits to be obtained,
but of the "avenging of God's elect"; that is, of straightening out the ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter v the kingdom of.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... (3) The solution of Job"Job struggles long and persistently with the problem; a
few times he seems to have a glimpse of a possible straightening-out of the ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... Directly Sidorov comes in, a guard goes up to him, places him under the measuring
frame, raising him under his chin, and straightening his legs. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Straightening (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Straightening (1 Occurrence). John 8:10 Jesus, standing
up, saw her and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? ...
/s/straightening.htm - 6k

Repair (26 Occurrences)
... In 1 Maccabees 14:34 occurs "reparation" (modern English "repairs") for epanorthosis,
"straightening up." MO Evans. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/r/repair.htm - 17k

Extension (2 Occurrences)
... fragments into the same straight line. 5. (n.) The straightening of a limb,
in distinction from flexion. 6. (n.) A written engagement on ...
/e/extension.htm - 7k

Comb (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An instrument with teeth, for straightening,
cleansing, and adjusting the hair, or for keeping it in place. ...
/c/comb.htm - 8k

Straightened (4 Occurrences)

/s/straightened.htm - 7k

Straightforward (7 Occurrences)

/s/straightforward.htm - 8k

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