Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Vindication in the biblical context refers to the act of God proving the righteousness or innocence of His people, often in the face of false accusations or unjust treatment. It involves God’s intervention to uphold justice, defend His followers, and demonstrate His faithfulness to His promises. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, vindication is frequently associated with God’s deliverance of Israel from their enemies and His establishment of justice. The Hebrew word often translated as "vindicate" is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), which means to judge or to govern. Vindication is seen as a divine act where God judges in favor of the righteous. One of the clearest examples of vindication is found in the account of Joseph. Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, God ultimately vindicates Joseph by elevating him to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 39-41). Similarly, in the Psalms, David often cries out for vindication, trusting in God to defend him against his adversaries. Psalm 26:1 states, "Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering." New Testament Context: In the New Testament, vindication is closely linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate act of vindication, proving His divine nature and the truth of His teachings. Romans 1:4 declares that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead." Believers are also assured of vindication through their faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of the future vindication of believers in Romans 8:33-34 : "Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us." Theological Significance: Vindication is a demonstration of God’s justice and faithfulness. It reassures believers that God is aware of their struggles and will ultimately set things right. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God as a righteous judge who defends the innocent and punishes the wicked. The theme of vindication also emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and justice, even when facing persecution or false accusations. 1 Peter 2:12 advises, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." Practical Implications: For Christians, the assurance of vindication provides comfort and hope in times of trial. It encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God will ultimately reveal the truth and reward their faithfulness. This assurance also motivates believers to act justly and to leave vengeance to God, as instructed in Romans 12:19 : "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Conclusion: While the Bible does not promise immediate vindication in every situation, it assures believers that God is just and will ultimately vindicate His people. This promise is a source of strength and encouragement, urging Christians to live righteously and trust in God’s perfect justice. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of vindicating, or the state of being vindicated; defense; justification against denial or censure; as, the vindication of opinions; his vindication is complete.2. (n.) The claiming a thing as one's own; the asserting of a right or title in, or to, a thing. Greek 1557. ekdikesis -- vengeance, vindication ... vengeance, vindication. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ekdikesis Phonetic Spelling: (ek-dik'-ay-sis) Short Definition: a defense, vengeance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1557.htm - 7k 627. apologia -- a speech in defense 5098. timoria -- punishment, vengeance Strong's Hebrew 6664. tsedeq -- rightness, righteousness... fairly (1), just (10), just cause (1), justice (3), righteous (15), righteously (6), righteousness (76), righteousness' (1), rightly (1), vindication (1), what ... /hebrew/6664.htm - 6k 6666. tsedaqah -- righteousness 3682. kesuth -- a covering Library A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened, Vindication of Christian Women. A Further vindication of the Scripture Narrative of the Creation ... St. Peter's Further vindication St. Paul not Superior to St. Peter ... A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ... A vindication of the Prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the ... A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory Thesaurus Vindication (14 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act of vindicating, or the state of being vindicated; defense; justification against denial or censure; as, the vindication of opinions; his ... /v/vindication.htm - 10k Retribution (14 Occurrences) Justification (6 Occurrences) Punishments (31 Occurrences) Vindicators (1 Occurrence) Vindicating (2 Occurrences) Truthfulness (3 Occurrences) Defence (48 Occurrences) Maintenance (4 Occurrences) Meaning (41 Occurrences) Resources What is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Job mean when he said “my redeemer lives” in Job 19:25? | GotQuestions.org What is evidential apologetics? | GotQuestions.org Vindication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vindication (14 Occurrences)Romans 15:8 2 Corinthians 7:11 Genesis 20:16 Job 6:29 Psalms 17:2 Psalms 24:5 Psalms 35:27 Psalms 37:6 Psalms 98:2 Psalms 103:6 Isaiah 54:17 Isaiah 62:2 Jeremiah 51:10 Joel 2:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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