Topical Encyclopedia The term "bereft" refers to a state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved, often used in the context of loss, particularly the loss of a loved one. In the Bible, the experience of being bereft is a common human condition that is addressed with compassion and understanding. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that reflect on the nature of loss and the comfort that God offers to those who are grieving.Biblical Examples of Bereavement: 1. Job's Loss: One of the most poignant examples of being bereft is found in the account of Job. Job experienced profound loss, losing his children, wealth, and health. Despite his suffering, Job remained faithful to God. In Job 1:21 , he declares, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job's response to his bereavement is a testament to his unwavering faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 2. Naomi and Ruth: The Book of Ruth provides another illustration of bereavement. Naomi, after losing her husband and two sons, expresses her grief and sense of emptiness. In Ruth 1:20-21 , she says, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty." Despite her loss, Naomi's account is one of redemption and hope, as God provides for her through her daughter-in-law Ruth. 3. David's Mourning: King David also experienced being bereft, particularly in the loss of his son Absalom. In 2 Samuel 18:33 , David laments, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" David's grief is a powerful expression of a father's love and the deep sorrow that accompanies the loss of a child. Theological Reflections on Bereavement: The Bible acknowledges the reality of grief and loss, yet it also offers hope and comfort. Believers are encouraged to find solace in God's presence and promises. In Matthew 5:4 , Jesus assures, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This beatitude highlights the compassionate nature of God, who draws near to the brokenhearted. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 , provides encouragement to those who are bereft, stating, "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." This passage underscores the Christian hope in the resurrection and eternal life, offering comfort to those who mourn. Practical Implications for Believers: In times of bereavement, Christians are called to support one another, bearing each other's burdens as instructed in Galatians 6:2 : "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The community of faith plays a vital role in providing comfort and encouragement to those who are grieving. Moreover, believers are reminded of the promise of God's presence. Psalm 34:18 assures, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This verse emphasizes that God is intimately aware of and responsive to the pain of His people, offering His presence as a source of strength and healing. In summary, the Bible addresses the experience of being bereft with empathy and hope, pointing to God's ultimate plan of redemption and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. p.) of Bereave.2. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Bereave. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFTbe-rev', be-rev'-er, be-reft': Bereave is frequently used in the Old Testament in the (now almost obsolete) meaning of "to deprive," "to take away," especially with reference to loss of children. The Hebrew word used here is shakhol, "to be childless," or in the Piel "to make childless" (compare Genesis 42:36 et al.). In the King James Version Ecclesiastes 4:8 (from the Hebrew chacer, "to lack") we read "and bereave my soul of good" (the Revised Version (British and American) "deprive"), and in Ezekiel 36:14 (from Hebrew kashal, "to stumble"), "neither bereave thy nations any more" (the Revised Version, margin "cause to stumble"). Greek 642. aporphanizo -- to be bereaved ... from 575 , "separate from" and 3737 , "leave as an orphan") -- properly, to orphan; (figuratively) , leaving someone defenseless -- like an orphan, bereft of a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/642.htm - 7k 650. apostereo -- to defraud, deprive of Strong's Hebrew 4480. min -- from... because (92), because* (86), before (12), before* (117), beforehand* (1), behind* (10), belongs (1), below (1), below* (10), beneath* (7), bereft* (1), beside ... /hebrew/4480.htm - 8k 369. ayin -- nothing, nought 7604. shaar -- to remain, be left over Library 1St Day of Month. Pardoning Grace. Our Creation and God's Incarnation Most Intimately Connected. As ... O, Death, be not Thou Boastful, Over the Just That Therefore the Baptism of John was not the Same as the Baptism ... Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause. The Attractive Power of God The Divine Dilemma and Its Solution in the Incarnation "Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ... He Restoreth My Soul. Thesaurus Bereft (9 Occurrences)... BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT. ...Bereft is found in 1 Timothy 6:5 (from the Greek apostereo, "to rob") "bereft of the truth" (the King James Version "destitute"). ... /b/bereft.htm - 10k Bereaver (1 Occurrence) Bereave (10 Occurrences) Bered (2 Occurrences) Berekiah (11 Occurrences) Fatherless (44 Occurrences) Corrupted (28 Occurrences) Comfortless (1 Occurrence) Hosea (6 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of Easter? What does Easter mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.org What did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bereft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bereft (9 Occurrences)1 Thessalonians 2:17 1 Timothy 6:5 Genesis 27:45 Ruth 1:5 Psalms 76:5 Isaiah 3:26 Jeremiah 10:14 Jeremiah 46:19 Lamentations 3:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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