The term "barest" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of biblical themes and narratives that emphasize minimalism, simplicity, and the essential nature of faith and obedience to God. The concept of "barest" can be explored through various scriptural passages that highlight the importance of relying on God with the most fundamental and sincere faith, devoid of excess or pretense.

Biblical Context and Themes

1. Simplicity and Humility: The Bible often emphasizes the value of simplicity and humility in one's relationship with God. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches about the importance of trusting God for our basic needs, encouraging believers not to worry about material possessions but to seek first the kingdom of God. This passage underscores the idea that the "barest" essentials are sufficient when one's faith is placed in God.

2. Faith as a Mustard Seed: In Matthew 17:20, Jesus speaks of faith as small as a mustard seed, illustrating that even the barest amount of genuine faith can accomplish great things. This teaching highlights the power and sufficiency of simple, unadorned faith in God's promises and power.

3. The Widow's Offering: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins, which were all she had, into the temple treasury. He commends her for giving out of her poverty, emphasizing that her offering, though the barest in monetary value, was the greatest in spiritual significance because it was given with complete trust and devotion.

4. The Manna in the Wilderness: In Exodus 16, God provides manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, teaching them to rely on Him daily for their sustenance. This narrative illustrates the principle of living with the barest necessities, trusting in God's provision each day without hoarding or excess.

5. Paul's Contentment: The Apostle Paul speaks of contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, where he states, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Paul emphasizes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him, indicating that even the barest circumstances are sufficient when one is empowered by faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

The concept of "barest" in a biblical sense invites believers to focus on the core of their faith and relationship with God. It challenges Christians to strip away the non-essential and to cultivate a heart that is fully reliant on God's grace and provision. This perspective encourages a life marked by contentment, gratitude, and trust, regardless of material wealth or external circumstances.

Practical Application

In practical terms, embracing the "barest" approach can lead to a more profound spiritual life. Christians are encouraged to evaluate their priorities, ensuring that their faith and devotion to God remain central. This may involve simplifying one's lifestyle, practicing generosity, and fostering a spirit of thankfulness for God's daily provision.

By understanding and applying the principles associated with the "barest" essentials of faith, believers can experience a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, characterized by trust, humility, and a focus on eternal values.

John iii. 22
... Ver.26. "They came," saith he, "unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was
with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold the same baptizeth ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix john iii 22.htm

He had Complied with Her Request.
... For I am sure that thou barest testimony to them in the exercise of a godly judgment,
[1380] and not through the influence of carnal favour. ...
/.../chapter iii he had complied with.htm

John Chapter iii. 22-29
... us see, then, what answer John gives: "They came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi,
he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xiii john chapter iii.htm

Introductory Essay.
... Scriptures. In this sense Augustin is eminently worthy of study. Of textual
details, he gives only the barest minimum of any value. His ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/introductory essay .htm

From St. Paul's Analogy of the Seed we Learn that the Body which ...
... The truth is, it is sown the barest grain, without a husk to cover it, without a
spike even in germ, without the protection of a bearded top, without the glory ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter lii from st pauls analogy.htm

Arrived
... We are come unto the City,. Where our living God art Thou; Thou Who barest our sin
and sorrow,. Who comest in joy to-morrow,. Thou communest with us now". ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/arrived.htm

A Burning, Fiery Furnace
... Reducing the expenditure of herself and of her once large household to the barest
minimum, she was still enabled to enjoy that luxury of doing good which was ...
/.../chapter lv a burning fiery.htm

The Secret of Gladness
... The formalist's form, whether it be the elaborate ritual of the Catholic Church,
or the barest Nonconformist service, or the silence of a Friends' meeting-house ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the secret of gladness.htm

The Gospel the Power of God
... He has given to us in his own rapid way a summary statement, abbreviated to the
very bone, and reduced to the barest elements, of what he meant by the Gospel. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gospel the power of.htm

Thwarting God's Purpose
... character, and heaven at last. That, as I take it, is in the barest outline
what is meant by the gospel of Jesus Christ. And now I want ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/thwarting gods purpose.htm

Barest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Barest (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV ASV). Isaiah 63:19 We are
thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name. ...
/b/barest.htm - 7k

Bargain (7 Occurrences)

/b/bargain.htm - 9k

Deserving (19 Occurrences)
... the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death:
but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark ...
/d/deserving.htm - 12k

Baptises (3 Occurrences)
... John 3:26 And they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with thee beyond
the Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, he baptises, and all come ...
/b/baptises.htm - 7k

Baptizeth (2 Occurrences)
... John 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee
beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and ...
/b/baptizeth.htm - 7k

Borest (1 Occurrence)
... Borest (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 63:19 We are become as they over whom thou never barest
rule, as they that were not called by thy name. (See JPS). ...
/b/borest.htm - 6k

Bareness (1 Occurrence)

/b/bareness.htm - 6k

Abiathar (29 Occurrences)
... The characteristic priestly function of Abiathar is thus expressed by Solomon:
"Because thou barest the ark of the Lord Yahweh before David my father" (1 Kings ...
/a/abiathar.htm - 29k

Wast (84 Occurrences)
... the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death:
but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark ...
/w/wast.htm - 33k

Buying (12 Occurrences)
... Even in case of an abundant harvest the proportion of the crop left by the landlord
and the tax-gatherer leaves the man and his family but the barest living at ...
/b/buying.htm - 23k

Barest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus