The term "forward" in the context of the Bible often refers to a disposition or behavior that is contrary, perverse, or obstinate. It is used to describe individuals or actions that deviate from the path of righteousness and wisdom. The concept of being forward is frequently associated with rebellion against God's commandments and a refusal to adhere to His guidance.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "forward" is "iqqesh," which means twisted or perverse. This term is used to describe those who are morally crooked or who deviate from the path of righteousness. For example, in Proverbs 2:12-15, the text warns against those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, describing them as "those who are crooked in their ways and devious in their paths."

Proverbs 4:24 advises, "Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech." Here, the admonition is to avoid forwardness in speech, which is indicative of a heart that is not aligned with God's truth.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being forward is less frequently addressed directly, but the underlying principles remain. The Greek word "skolios," meaning crooked or perverse, is used in Acts 2:40 , where Peter exhorts the people, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." This call to avoid the forwardness of the generation underscores the importance of aligning oneself with the teachings of Christ rather than the perverse ways of the world.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, being forward is seen as a rejection of divine wisdom and guidance. It is often associated with pride, stubbornness, and a refusal to submit to God's authority. The forward person is contrasted with the righteous, who are described as humble, teachable, and obedient to God's will.

Proverbs 3:32 states, "For the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright." This verse highlights the divine disapproval of forwardness and the favor shown to those who walk in integrity.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions to ensure they are not exhibiting forwardness. This involves cultivating a spirit of humility, seeking wisdom, and being open to correction. James 1:21 advises, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls."

The call to avoid forwardness is a call to pursue holiness and righteousness, aligning one's life with the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ. By doing so, believers can avoid the pitfalls of a forward heart and live in a manner that is pleasing to God.4260. probaino -- to go forward
... to go forward. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: probaino Phonetic Spelling:
(prob-ah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I go forward Definition: I go forward ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4260.htm - 6k

4389. protrepo -- to turn forward, urge forward
... to turn forward, urge forward. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: protrepo Phonetic
Spelling: (prot-rep'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I encourage, exhort ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4389.htm - 6k

4264. probibazo -- to lead forward, lead on
... to lead forward, lead on. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: probibazo Phonetic
Spelling: (prob-ib-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I urge forward Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4264.htm - 6k

1901. epekteino -- to extend, mid. to stretch forward
... to stretch forward. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epekteino Phonetic Spelling:
(ep-ek-ti'-nom-ahee) Short Definition: I strain after Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1901.htm - 7k

4298. prokopto -- to cut forward (a way), advance
... to cut forward (a way), advance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prokopto
Phonetic Spelling: (prok-op'-to) Short Definition: I advance, make progress ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4298.htm - 7k

4281. proerchomai -- to go forward, go on
... to go forward, go on. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: proerchomai Phonetic
Spelling: (pro-er'-khom-ahee) Short Definition: I go before, precede Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4281.htm - 7k

4312. propetes -- falling forward, headlong
... falling forward, headlong. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: propetes Phonetic
Spelling: (prop-et-ace') Short Definition: impulsive, rash, reckless ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4312.htm - 7k

4390. protrecho -- to run forward, ie run in advance
... to run forward, ie run in advance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: protrecho
Phonetic Spelling: (prot-rekh'-o) Short Definition: I outrun Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4390.htm - 6k

4274. prodromos -- a running forward, going in advance
... a running forward, going in advance. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
prodromos Phonetic Spelling: (prod'-rom-os) Short Definition: a precursor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4274.htm - 7k

4255. proaireo -- to bring forth or forward
... to bring forth or forward. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: proaireo Phonetic
Spelling: (pro-ahee-reh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I propose, purpose ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4255.htm - 6k

6277. athaq -- forward, arrogant
... 6276, 6277. athaq. 6278 . forward, arrogant. Transliteration: athaq
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-thawk') Short Definition: arrogantly. ...
/hebrew/6277.htm - 6k

5265. nasa -- to pull out or up, set out, journey
... root Definition to pull out or up, set out, journey NASB Word Usage blow (1),
continuing* (1), departed (3), go about (1), go forward (1), journeyed (56 ...
/hebrew/5265.htm - 6k

3318. yatsa -- to go or come out
... 121), brought me forth (2), brought our forth (1), brought about (1), brought forth
(6), bulges (1), came (97), came forth (7), came forward (2), carried (1 ...
/hebrew/3318.htm - 8k

4605. maal -- above, upwards
... Word Origin from alah Definition above, upwards NASB Word Usage above (7), above*
(32), covered* (1), exceedingly (1), forward (2), greater (1), greatly (1 ...
/hebrew/4605.htm - 6k

5066. nagash -- to draw near, approach
... root Definition to draw near, approach NASB Word Usage approach (7), approached
(12), bring (10), bring here (1), bring forth (1), bring forward (1), bring ...
/hebrew/5066.htm - 6k

1973. haleah -- out there, onwards, further
... back, beyond, hence, forward, hitherto, thence, forth, yonder. From the
primitive form of the article (hal); to the distance, ie ...
/hebrew/1973.htm - 6k

5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... 1), excel (1), fail (2), flood (1), ford (1), forded (1), forth (1), freed (1),
go (9), go on your way (1), go across (1), go along (1), go forward (1), go ...
/hebrew/5674a.htm - 7k

6924. qedem -- front, east, formerly
... Short Definition: aforetime. aforetime, ancient time, before, east end,
part, side eternal, everlasting, forward, Or qedmah {kayd ...
/hebrew/6924.htm - 6k

3943. laphath -- to twist, turn, grasp with a twisting motion
... to twist, turn, grasp with a twisting motion. Transliteration: laphath Phonetic
Spelling: (law-fath') Short Definition: forward. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3943.htm - 6k

3276. yaal -- to confer or gain profit or benefit
... set forward, can do good, be, have profit, able. A primitive root; properly,
to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively ...
/hebrew/3276.htm - 6k

"Forward. "
... THE CHURCH. XXXVIII. "FORWARD.". Ymlaen, ymlaen, chwi filwyr Duw 8,8,8,8,8,4. Advance,
advance, ye hosts of God,. Unfurl the standard stained with blood: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/xxxviii forward.htm

Forward. January 3.
... Forward. January 3. Let us forward. God leads us. Though blind, shall we
be afraid to follow? I do not see my way: I do not care ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /forward january 3.htm

With Regard, Indeed, to Your Bringing Forward to us Other Bands of ...
... Book IV. 3 With regard, indeed, to your bringing forward to us other bands
of unknown gods? With regard, indeed, to your bringing ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/3 with regard indeed to.htm

How the Forward and the Faint-Hearted are to be Admonished.
... How the forward and the faint-hearted are to be admonished. (Admonition 9.)
Differently to be admonished are the forward and the faint-hearted. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii how the forward.htm

You Bring Forward Arguments against Us, and Speculative Quibblings ...
... Book II. 12 You bring forward arguments against us, and speculative quibblings? ...
pro-fer-etis--"Will you," or, "You will bring forward," etc. ...
/.../12 you bring forward arguments.htm

Forward
... FORWARD. This little book, whose design is to lead the devout Bible student
into the Green Pastures of the Good Shepherd, thence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/forward.htm

It is Worth While to Bring Forward the Words Themselves Also...
... Book VII. 31 It is worth while to bring forward the words themselves also?
It is worth while to bring forward the words themselves ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/31 it is worth while.htm

Forward! be Our Watchword
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 531. Forward! be our watchword. 6.5., 12 lines ... Boniface:
Henry Gadsby, 1875. Henry Alford, 1871. Forward! be our watchword,. ...
/.../processionals 531 forward be our.htm

Passages Brought Forward from Scripture to Show that "Made" Does ...
... Book III. Chapter V. Passages brought forward from Scripture to show that
"made" does not always mean the same? Passages brought ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v passages brought forward.htm

Go Forward, Christian Soldier
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 535. Go forward, Christian soldier. 7.6.7.6.D. ... Laurence
Tuttiett, 1861. Go forward, Christian soldier,. Beneath his banner true! ...
/.../processionals 535 go forward christian.htm

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