The term "abstaineth" is an archaic form of the verb "abstain," which means to deliberately refrain from doing something. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to refraining from certain behaviors, foods, or practices that are considered sinful or unwise according to biblical teachings. The concept of abstaining is closely tied to themes of self-control, holiness, and obedience to God's commandments.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 15:20 : In the early church, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem wrote to the Gentile believers, instructing them to "abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood." This directive was part of the decision made at the Jerusalem Council to help Gentile converts adhere to certain practices that would not offend Jewish believers.

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 : The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." Here, abstaining is linked to living a life of holiness and self-control, aligning with God's will.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 : Paul further advises the Thessalonians to "abstain from every form of evil." This broad command encourages believers to avoid not only evil actions but also anything that might appear evil or lead to sin.

4. 1 Peter 2:11 : The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This passage highlights the spiritual battle believers face and the importance of abstaining from sinful desires to maintain spiritual integrity.

Theological Implications:

The call to abstain is often associated with the pursuit of holiness and the desire to live a life pleasing to God. It reflects a conscious decision to avoid actions and behaviors that are contrary to God's commands. Abstaining is not merely about following rules but is deeply connected to the transformation of the believer's character and the cultivation of virtues such as self-control, purity, and love.

Practical Applications:

In practical terms, abstaining can involve various aspects of life, including dietary choices, moral decisions, and lifestyle practices. For instance, some Christians choose to abstain from alcohol, certain foods, or entertainment that they believe could lead them away from their faith. The principle of abstaining is also applied in contexts such as fasting, where believers voluntarily refrain from food or other activities to focus on prayer and spiritual growth.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the biblical era, abstaining from certain foods and practices was often a way to maintain ritual purity and distinguish the people of God from surrounding nations. The early church grappled with how to integrate Gentile believers, leading to specific instructions on what they should abstain from to maintain unity and respect for Jewish customs.

Overall, the concept of abstaining in the Bible is a multifaceted one, encompassing moral, spiritual, and communal dimensions. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to live a life set apart for God, marked by discipline and devotion.

The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... Another committeth adultery and fornication, and abstaineth from meats; yet in his
fasting he worketh evil, and by his power and his wealth perverteth many ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/x the testament of asher concerning.htm

A Discourse On
... of strange fashion. We were accounted of him as base metal, and he abstaineth
from our ways as from uncleannesses. The latter end ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom ...
... Whoso then abstaineth from unlawful seeing, unlawful hearing, unlawful smelling,
unlawful tasting, and unlawful touching, by reason of his uncorruptness [3090 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xliii on the words.htm

That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted
... others. If a man sometimes abstaineth for the sake of humility or some
sound cause, he is to be commended for his reverence. But ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x that holy communion.htm

Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ...
... his ways are different. We are esteemed of him as counterfeits; and he
abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness. He extols the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of davids reign and.htm

Expository Treatise against the Jews.
... We are esteemed of him as counterfeits, and he abstaineth from our ways as from
filthiness, and pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed." [1574] And again ...
/.../expository treatise against the jews.htm

Appendix.
... unto us even to behold, for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another
fashion; we are esteemed of him as counterfeits, he abstaineth from our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

Scriptural Christianity
... have the knowledge of God; he calleth himself the child of the Lord, his life is
not like other men's; his ways are of another fashion; he abstaineth from our ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 4 scriptural christianity.htm

The Singer of Pietism
... From Hell's defiance. When Jesus' love I see,. It me constraineth,. So that from
carnal glee. My soul abstaineth. When heaven to me is dear,. Its joys attractive ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter nine the singer of.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... 7. Hence with evidently good reason is he that useth such language called
a fool: and he that abstaineth from it is commended as wise. ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Abstaineth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abstaineth (2 Occurrences). Job 1:8 And Jehovah
said to Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that ...
/a/abstaineth.htm - 7k

Abstaining (1 Occurrence)

/a/abstaining.htm - 6k

Abstained (2 Occurrences)

/a/abstained.htm - 7k

Swallow (38 Occurrences)
... Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a
perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and abstaineth from evil? ...
/s/swallow.htm - 24k

Firm (111 Occurrences)
... Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a
perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and abstaineth from evil? ...
/f/firm.htm - 34k

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