Topical Encyclopedia Aid, in the biblical context, refers to assistance, support, or help provided to individuals or groups in need. The concept of aid is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing compassion, charity, and the responsibility of believers to care for one another. Aid can be understood in various forms, including physical, spiritual, and emotional support.Old Testament In the Old Testament, the principle of aiding others is established through the laws and teachings given to the Israelites. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions for aiding the poor and needy. For instance, Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This commandment highlights the importance of providing for those in need by allowing them to glean from the fields. The account of Ruth and Boaz further illustrates the practice of aid through gleaning. Boaz, a man of standing, extends kindness and protection to Ruth, a Moabite widow, by allowing her to glean in his fields and ensuring her safety (Ruth 2:8-9). This narrative exemplifies the spirit of generosity and care for the vulnerable. New Testament The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of aiding others, particularly through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of compassion and aid to those in need. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus teaches about the final judgment, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." This passage underscores the significance of aiding others as a reflection of one's faith and love for Christ. The early church also exemplified the practice of aid. Acts 2:44-45 describes the communal life of the believers: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal sharing ensured that no one among them lacked basic necessities. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages believers to aid one another. In Galatians 6:2, he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Paul also commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity in aiding the saints in Jerusalem, despite their own poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Spiritual Aid Beyond physical aid, the Bible also speaks to the importance of spiritual aid. Believers are called to support one another in their spiritual journeys, offering encouragement, prayer, and guidance. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Conclusion The biblical mandate for aid is clear and multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual support. It is a reflection of God's love and compassion, calling believers to act as His hands and feet in a world in need. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To support, either by furnishing strength or means in cooperation to effect a purpose, or to prevent or to remove evil; to help; to assist.2. (v. t.) Help; succor; assistance; relief. 3. (n.) The person or thing that promotes or helps in something done; a helper; an assistant. 4. (n.) A subsidy granted to the king by Parliament; also, an exchequer loan. 5. (n.) A pecuniary tribute paid by a vassal to his lord on special occasions. 6. (n.) An aid-de-camp, so called by abbreviation; as, a general's aid. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AIDad (chazaq, "to strengthen," "to aid"): A military term used only once in Old Testament in the King James Version (Judges 9:24) and displaced in the Revised Version (British and American) by the literal rendering, "who strengthened his hands." The men of Shechem supported Abimelech in his fratricidal crime, with money, enabling him to hire men to murder his brethren. The fundamental idea in the word, as used in the Old Testament, is "abounding strength." Greek 997. boetheo -- to come to the aid of ... to come to the aid of. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: boetheo Phonetic Spelling: (bo-ay-theh'-o) Short Definition: I come to the rescue of Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/997.htm - 7k 1947. epikouria -- aid, assistance 3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ... 1884b. eparkeo -- to help, aid 3875. parakletos -- called to one's aid 996. boetheia -- help 1884. eparkeo -- accursed 2023. epichoregeo -- to supply 4836. sumparaginomai -- to be present together 3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger Strong's Hebrew 5789. ush -- to lend aid, come to help... 5788b, 5789. ush. 5790 . to lend aid, come to help. Transliteration: ush Phonetic Spelling: (oosh) Short Definition: hasten. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5789.htm - 5k 2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen 5833. ezrah -- help, helper, assistance 3444. yeshuah -- salvation 5826. azar -- to help, succor 5828. ezer -- a help, helper 5583. sead -- to support, sustain Library The Aid Without which a Thing Does not Come to Pass, and the Aid ... For Birth is an Aid Towards an Individual's Becoming Famous... Invoking God's Aid. Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid Pelagius Posits God's Aid Only for Our "Capacity. " We Need Divine Aid in the Use of Our Powers. Illustration from ... But they Answer and Speak, Saying, "If the Will of Man Without any ... That the Grace of God not Only Gives Remission of Sins, but Also ... As He is Going to Reply to the Slanders of his Opponents He ... The Gospel is in the Old Testament, and Indeed in the Whole ... Thesaurus Aid (20 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) A pecuniary tribute paid by a vassal to his lord on special occasions. 6. (n.) An aid-de-camp, so called by abbreviation; as, a general's aid. Int. ...AID. ... /a/aid.htm - 13k Help (1694 Occurrences) Adullam (10 Occurrences) Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Vault (2 Occurrences) Asmoneans Favor (184 Occurrences) Recourse (1 Occurrence) Engage (20 Occurrences) Dependent (35 Occurrences) Resources Is being a sperm/egg donor a sin? Is it a sin to use a sperm/egg donor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to bear one another's burdens? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org Aid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Aid (20 Occurrences)Acts 17:5 Acts 20:35 Acts 21:28 Romans 12:8 Romans 15:25 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ephesians 4:16 Philippians 4:16 Hebrews 2:18 Genesis 50:24 Genesis 50:25 Exodus 13:19 Ruth 1:6 2 Samuel 21:17 Psalms 22:19 Psalms 35:2 Psalms 106:4 Isaiah 38:14 Isaiah 50:4 Ezekiel 29:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |