Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "allowance" can be understood as a provision or allocation given to individuals for their sustenance or specific needs. This concept is seen in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often reflecting God's provision for His people or the responsibilities of leaders and family members to provide for those under their care.Old Testament References 1. Royal Allowance: One of the clearest examples of allowance in the Bible is found in the context of the royal household. In 2 Kings 25:29-30, we read about Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, who was released from prison by the king of Babylon. The text states: "He changed his prison clothes, and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life." This daily portion or allowance was a sign of favor and provision, ensuring that Jehoiachin's needs were met. 2. Provision for the Priests and Levites: The Levitical system established by God included specific allowances for the priests and Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple. Numbers 18:8-24 outlines the portions of offerings and tithes that were designated for the Levites as their inheritance, since they did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. This system ensured that those who served in the house of the Lord were provided for. 3. Family Provision: The concept of allowance is also evident in the family structure, where the head of the household is responsible for providing for the family members. Proverbs 31:15 describes the virtuous woman who "rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants." This reflects the biblical principle of diligent provision and care within the family unit. New Testament Insights 1. Daily Bread: In the New Testament, the Lord's Prayer includes a request for daily provision: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). This petition acknowledges God's role as the ultimate provider and the source of all allowances necessary for life. 2. Support for Ministers: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, discusses the right of those who preach the gospel to receive material support. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, he states, "In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." This principle underscores the idea of allowance as a means of sustaining those dedicated to spiritual service. 3. Care for Widows and Orphans: The early church was instructed to care for widows and orphans, ensuring they received necessary support. James 1:27 emphasizes this responsibility: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." The church's role in providing for the vulnerable reflects the broader biblical theme of allowance as a means of demonstrating God's love and justice. Theological Implications The concept of allowance in the Bible highlights God's provision and the responsibility of His people to care for one another. It reflects the divine order in which resources are distributed to meet the needs of individuals and communities. Allowance, whether in the form of daily sustenance, support for religious leaders, or care for the needy, is a tangible expression of God's grace and the communal nature of the faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Approval; approbation.2. (n.) The act of allowing, granting, conceding, or admitting; authorization; permission; sanction; tolerance. 3. (n.) Acknowledgment. 4. (n.) License; indulgence. 5. (n.) That which is allowed; a share or portion allotted or granted; a sum granted as a reimbursement, a bounty, or as appropriate for any purpose; a stated quantity, as of food or drink; hence, a limited quantity of meat and drink, when provisions fall short. 6. (n.) Abatement; deduction; the taking into account of mitigating circumstances; as, to make allowance for the inexperience of youth. 7. (n.) A customary deduction from the gross weight of goods, different in different countries, such as tare and tret. 8. (n.) To put upon a fixed allowance (esp. of provisions and drink); to supply in a fixed and limited quantity; as, the captain was obliged to allowance his crew; our provisions were allowanced. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALLOW; ALLOWANCEa-lou', a-lou'-ans: The verb "to allow" is used in the King James Version to translate four different Greek words: Greek 4620. sitometrion -- a measured portion of food ... ration, portion of meat. From sitos and metron; a grain-measure, ie (by implication) ration (allowance of food) -- portion of meat. see GREEK sitos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4620.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 737. aruchah -- a meal, allowance... 736, 737. aruchah. 738 . a meal, allowance. Transliteration: aruchah Phonetic Spelling: (ar-oo-khaw') Short Definition: allowance. Word Origin pass. part. ... /hebrew/737.htm - 6k 548. amanah -- faith, support Library Allowance of Sacrifice for a Time. How There is a Twofold Reason for the Permission and Allowance of ... Of the Third Seal. Another Mode of Interpreting the Symbol of Wheat and Barley. The Answer How we Should not Exceed the Proper Measure of Food. "For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of ... Book 8 Footnotes The First Disciples: ii. Simon Peter Concerning Lowliness of Mind. Ephesians i. 14-Nov Thesaurus Allowance (11 Occurrences)... 6. (n.) Abatement; deduction; the taking into account of mitigating circumstances; as, to make allowance for the inexperience of youth. ... ALLOW; ALLOWANCE. ... /a/allowance.htm - 12k Rate (23 Occurrences) Pittance (1 Occurrence) Allow (86 Occurrences) Continual (55 Occurrences) Toleration (1 Occurrence) Ration (2 Occurrences) Diet (2 Occurrences) Size (39 Occurrences) Daily (111 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a salt covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org Allowance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Allowance (11 Occurrences)Luke 12:42 2 Corinthians 11:16 Genesis 47:22 1 Kings 11:18 2 Kings 25:30 Nehemiah 5:14 Nehemiah 5:18 Proverbs 15:17 Jeremiah 40:5 Jeremiah 52:34 Ezekiel 16:27 Subtopics Related Terms |