Affirm
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "affirm" is often associated with the act of confirming, asserting, or upholding truth and faith. It involves a declaration of belief or the reinforcement of a particular truth or promise. The concept of affirmation is woven throughout Scripture, where God's promises, truths, and the faith of believers are consistently affirmed.

Affirmation of God's Promises

The Bible is replete with instances where God affirms His promises to His people. In Genesis 22:16-18, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, saying, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." This affirmation underscores God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

Affirmation of Faith

Believers are called to affirm their faith in God and His Word. In Romans 10:9-10, the Apostle Paul writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." This passage highlights the importance of verbal affirmation of faith as a component of salvation.

Affirmation of Truth

The Bible emphasizes the affirmation of truth as a vital aspect of Christian living. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul encourages believers to speak the truth in love, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." Affirming truth is essential for spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.

Affirmation in the Early Church

The early church practiced affirmation through the creeds and confessions of faith. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." This reflects the practice of publicly affirming one's faith as a testimony to others.

Affirmation of God's Character

Scripture also affirms the character of God, declaring His attributes and nature. In Exodus 34:6-7, God proclaims His own character to Moses, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This affirmation serves as a foundation for understanding God's relationship with humanity.

Affirmation in Worship

Affirmation is a key component of worship, where believers declare the greatness and goodness of God. The Psalms are filled with affirmations of God's majesty and power. Psalm 145:10-11 states, "All You have made will give You thanks, O LORD, and Your saints will bless You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might." Through worship, believers affirm their devotion and reverence for God.

Affirmation of Identity in Christ

The New Testament affirms the believer's identity in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This affirmation of a transformed identity encourages believers to live in accordance with their new nature.

Affirmation of Hope

The Bible affirms the hope that believers have in Christ. In Hebrews 10:23, the author exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This affirmation of hope is rooted in the faithfulness of God and the assurance of His promises.

In summary, the concept of affirmation in the Bible encompasses the confirmation of God's promises, the declaration of faith, the upholding of truth, and the acknowledgment of one's identity and hope in Christ. Through affirmation, believers are encouraged to live out their faith with confidence and assurance in the truth of God's Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) to assert or confirm, as a judgment, decree, or order, brought before an appellate court for review.

2. (v. t.) To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true; -- opposed to deny.

3. (v. t.) To declare, as a fact, solemnly, under judicial sanction. See Affirmation.

4. (v. i.) To declare or assert positively.

5. (v. i.) To make a solemn declaration, before an authorized magistrate or tribunal, under the penalties of perjury; to testify by affirmation.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AFFIRM; AFFIRMATIVES

a-fur'-ma-tivs (diischurizomai). The verb "affirm" occurs in several passages of the New Testament in the sense of "assert" Luke 22:59 Acts 12:15; Acts 25:19 pha-sko; Romans 3:8 phemi; 1Ti 17, Titus 3:8 diabebaioomai. The Hebrew does not employ affirmative particles, but gives a positive reply by either repeating the word in question or by substituting the first person in the reply for the second person in the question, or by employing the formula: "Thou hast said" or "Thou hast rightly said." The Saviour used this idiom (su eipas) when answering Judas and Caiaphas (Matthew 26:25, 64). A peculiar elegance occasionally attaches to the interpretation of the Scriptures because of their use of an affirmative and a negative together, rendering the sense more emphatic; sometimes the negative occurs first, as in Psalm 118:17: "I shall not die, but live"; sometimes the affirmative precedes, as in Isaiah 88:1: "Thou shalt die, and not bye" John 1:20 is made peculiarly emphatic because of the negative placed between two affirmatives: "And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ."

Frank E. Hirsch

Greek
5335. phasko -- to affirm, assert
... to affirm, assert. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phasko Phonetic Spelling:
(fas'-ko) Short Definition: I assert, affirm, profess Definition: I assert ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5335.htm - 6k

1226. diabebaioomai -- to affirm confidently
... to affirm confidently. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diabebaioomai Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-ab-eb-ahee-o'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I assert ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1226.htm - 7k

1340. diischurizomai -- to lean upon, affirm confidently
... to lean upon, affirm confidently. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diischurizomai
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-is-khoo-rid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I assert ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1340.htm - 7k

3143. marturomai -- to summon as witness, to affirm
... to summon as witness, to affirm. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: marturomai
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-too'-rom-ahee) Short Definition: I call to witness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3143.htm - 6k

1263. diamarturomai -- to affirm solemnly
... to affirm solemnly. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diamarturomai Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-am-ar-too'-rom-ahee) Short Definition: I give solemn evidence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1263.htm - 8k

5346. phemi -- to declare, say
... affirm, say. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make
known one's thoughts, ie Speak or say -- affirm, say. Compare lego. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5346.htm - 7k

4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust
... 4100 (from 4102 , "faith," derived from 3982 , "persuade, be persuaded") -- (affirm,
have confidence); used of persuading oneself (= human believing) and with ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4100.htm - 12k

720. arneomai -- to deny, say no
... 720 -- properly, deny (refuse); hence, , refuse to affirm or to confess
(identify with); disown (repudiate). See also 4716 ("cross"). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/720.htm - 8k

4837. sumparakaleo -- to exhort together, pass. to be strengthened ...
... 4837 (from 4862 , "together " and 3870 , "to (exhort) -- properly, affirm together,
as people who are intimately joined heartily agree (used only in Ro 1:12). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4837.htm - 7k

3513. ne -- by (a particle of affirmation employed in oaths)
... Word Origin probably an intens. form of nai Definition by (a particle of affirmation
employed in oaths) NASB Word Usage affirm (1). by, as sure as. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3513.htm - 6k

Library

"Will You Affirm that to be False, which with a Strong Voice Truth ...
... Book XII Chapter XV "Will you affirm that to be false, which with a strong
voice Truth tells me? "Will you affirm that to be false ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xv will you affirm.htm

Ninth Tractate. Against those that Affirm the Creator of the ...
... AGAINST THOSE THAT AFFIRM THE CREATOR OF THE KOSMOS AND THE KOSMOS ITSELF
TO BE EVIL: [GENERALLY QUOTED AS "AGAINST THE GNOSTICS"]. ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/ninth tractate against those that.htm

Fragment xii. From this Record, Therefore, we Affirm that Ogygus ...
... Julius Africanus. Fragment XII. From this record, therefore, we affirm that
Ogygus, from whom the first flood in Attica? From this ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xii from this record.htm

And we Affirm Indeed the Existence of Certain Spiritual Essences.. ...
... Chapter XXII. And we affirm indeed the existence of certain spiritual
essences? And we affirm indeed the existence of certain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxii and we affirm.htm

I Ask, Father, I Affirm Not: O My God...
... Book XI Chapter XVII I ask, Father, I affirm not: O my God? I ask, Father,
I affirm not: O my God, rule and guide me. "Who will ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvii i ask father.htm

Against those who Affirm that Earthly Bodies Cannot be Made ...
... Book XIII. Chapter 17."Against Those Who Affirm that Earthly Bodies Cannot
Be Made Incorruptible and Eternal. These same philosophers ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 17 against those who affirm.htm

The Pelagians Affirm that God in the Case of Abraham and Sarah ...
... Book II. Chapter 23 [X.]"The Pelagians Affirm that God in the Case of Abraham
and Sarah Aroused Concupiscence as a Gift from Heaven. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 23 x the pelagians affirm.htm

I Affirm that not one of the Faithful Has ever a Crown Upon his ...
... Chapter II. I affirm that not one of the Faithful has ever a crown upon
his head? I affirm that not one of the Faithful has ever ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter ii i affirm that.htm

There are Two Propositions, Moreover, which we Affirm...
... Book I. Chapter 3. " 4. There are two propositions, moreover, which we affirm? ...
Likewise there are two other propositions which we affirm,"that. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 3 4 there.htm

But as Regards his Saying, "Nor Let any one Affirm that what They. ...
... Book IV. Chapter 6. " 9. But as regards his saying, "Nor let any one affirm
that what they? "9. But as regards his saying, "Nor ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 6 9 but.htm

Thesaurus
Affirm (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AFFIRM; AFFIRMATIVES. a-fur'-ma-tivs
(diischurizomai). ... Multi-Version Concordance Affirm (7 Occurrences). ...
/a/affirm.htm - 10k

Swear (99 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth
of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also ...
/s/swear.htm - 39k

Testify (110 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To bear witness to; to support the truth of by testimony; to affirm
or declare solemnly. 5. (vt) To affirm or declare under ...
/t/testify.htm - 36k

Maintain (50 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To bear the expense of; to support; to keep up; to supply with what is
needed. 5. (vt) To affirm; to support or defend by argument. ...
/m/maintain.htm - 21k

Confidently (32 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 1:7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand
neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. (ASV NIV). ...
/c/confidently.htm - 15k

Confidence (103 Occurrences)
... confidence" for "thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust" (Philippians 3:4);
"confidently" for "constantly" (Acts 12:15); "confidently affirm" for "affirm...
/c/confidence.htm - 39k

Affirmatives
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AFFIRM; AFFIRMATIVES. a-fur'-ma-tivs
(diischurizomai). The verb "affirm" occurs in several passages ...
/a/affirmatives.htm - 7k

Sinlessness
... Not Sinless: On the other hand, "we the rest," contemplated as true believers, are
warned by the general teaching of Scripture never to affirm sinlessness as ...
/s/sinlessness.htm - 10k

Pentateuch
... It is not necessary for us to affirm that the whole is an original composition;
but we affirm that the evidences clearly demonstrate that Moses was the author ...
/p/pentateuch.htm - 77k

Affinity (4 Occurrences)

/a/affinity.htm - 10k

Resources
Do the Qur'an and Muhammad affirm or reject the Bible? Should a Muslim read the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the supremacy of Christ and what are its implications? | GotQuestions.org

What is the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Affirm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Affirm (7 Occurrences)

Romans 3:8
Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Romans 4:9
This declaration of blessedness, then, does it come simply to the circumcised, or to the uncircumcised as well? For Abraham's faith--so we affirm--was placed to his credit as righteousness.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 15:31
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
(WEB NAS)

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
(See NAS RSV)

1 Timothy 1:7
desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NIV)

Titus 3:8
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Jeremiah 23:31
Lo, I 'am' against the prophets, An affirmation of Jehovah, Who are making smooth their tongue, And they affirm -- an affirmation.
(Root in YLT)

Subtopics

Affirm

Related Terms

Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)

Affirm (7 Occurrences)

Jehoz'adak (7 Occurrences)

Recompensed (20 Occurrences)

She-al'ti-el (10 Occurrences)

Inspection (23 Occurrences)

Despising (25 Occurrences)

Simile (61 Occurrences)

Gomor'rah (23 Occurrences)

Nebuchadrez'zar (31 Occurrences)

Affrighted (60 Occurrences)

Recount (39 Occurrences)

Entirely (39 Occurrences)

Babylonians (48 Occurrences)

Yesternight (4 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Oath (286 Occurrences)

Omniscience

Gatherer (5 Occurrences)

Inspecting (5 Occurrences)

Instability (1 Occurrence)

Inspect (22 Occurrences)

Fortunes (30 Occurrences)

Fallest (4 Occurrences)

Falsehoods (4 Occurrences)

Testimony (175 Occurrences)

Testify (110 Occurrences)

Reckless (8 Occurrences)

Recklessness (1 Occurrence)

Diest (10 Occurrences)

Divinations (10 Occurrences)

Protest (37 Occurrences)

Chalde'a (9 Occurrences)

Continuator (4 Occurrences)

Acquit (11 Occurrences)

Sweetness (11 Occurrences)

Successor (10 Occurrences)

Anymore (47 Occurrences)

Uncovered (78 Occurrences)

Gin (10 Occurrences)

Jehoi'akim (34 Occurrences)

Honouring (23 Occurrences)

Chalde'ans (74 Occurrences)

Pierced (63 Occurrences)

Prophesying (58 Occurrences)

Shut (237 Occurrences)

Reference (23 Occurrences)

Prophesied (57 Occurrences)

Posterity (38 Occurrences)

Provoking (29 Occurrences)

Zedeki'ah (62 Occurrences)

Devices (43 Occurrences)

Profitable (34 Occurrences)

Smooth (39 Occurrences)

Passeth (100 Occurrences)

Discrepancies

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)

Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)

Reviling (47 Occurrences)

Levitical (19 Occurrences)

Trembling (72 Occurrences)

Proclaimed (114 Occurrences)

Destroying (64 Occurrences)

Suburbs (75 Occurrences)

Warriors (75 Occurrences)

Gathering (71 Occurrences)

Ruled (84 Occurrences)

Slept (74 Occurrences)

Despised (96 Occurrences)

Perished (76 Occurrences)

Hiding (53 Occurrences)

Declares (378 Occurrences)

Fulness (76 Occurrences)

Awake (83 Occurrences)

Sayings (134 Occurrences)

Howling (11 Occurrences)

Yes (511 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Nehel'am (3 Occurrences)

Affinity
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