Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "doctor" is not used in the same way as it is understood in contemporary contexts. The role of a doctor, as a healer or physician, is referenced in various parts of the Bible, often highlighting the practice of medicine and the spiritual implications of healing.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the practice of medicine is mentioned in several instances, though the term "doctor" is not explicitly used. The Hebrew word "rofe" (רופא) is often translated as "physician" or "healer." For example, in Genesis 50:2, Joseph commands his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father, Israel. This indicates the presence of medical practitioners in ancient times. The role of healers is also seen in the context of God's power to heal. In Exodus 15:26, God declares, "For I am the LORD who heals you," emphasizing that ultimate healing comes from God. This theme is recurrent throughout the Old Testament, where reliance on God for healing is encouraged, and the limitations of human physicians are acknowledged. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "iatros" (ἰατρός) is used to refer to a physician. One of the most notable references is found in the Gospel of Luke, where Luke himself is identified as a physician. Colossians 4:14 states, "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings." Luke's background as a doctor is significant, as it provides a unique perspective in his Gospel, where he often includes detailed accounts of Jesus' healing miracles. Jesus' own view of physicians is illustrated in Mark 2:17, where He says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." This statement underscores the spiritual dimension of healing, where Jesus positions Himself as the ultimate healer of both physical and spiritual ailments. Healing and Faith The Bible frequently connects physical healing with faith. In James 5:14-15, the early church is instructed, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." This passage highlights the importance of prayer and faith in the healing process, suggesting that spiritual intervention is paramount. The Role of Doctors While the Bible acknowledges the role of physicians, it consistently points to God as the ultimate source of healing. In 2 Chronicles 16:12, King Asa's reliance solely on physicians, rather than seeking the Lord, is criticized: "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians." This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking divine guidance alongside medical treatment. Conclusion The biblical perspective on doctors and healing is multifaceted, recognizing the value of medical practitioners while emphasizing the necessity of faith and reliance on God for true healing. The integration of physical and spiritual care is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to seek both medical and divine assistance in times of illness. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Luke 2:46; 5:17; Acts 5:34), a teacher. The Jewish doctors taught and disputed in synagogues, or wherever they could find an audience. Their disciples were allowed to propose to them questions. They assumed the office without any appointment to it. The doctors of the law were principally of the sect of the Pharisees. Schools were established after the destruction of Jerusalem at Babylon and Tiberias, in which academical degrees were conferred on those who passed a certain examination. Those of the school of Tiberias were called by the title "rabbi," and those of Babylon by that of "master." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A teacher; one skilled in a profession, or branch of knowledge learned man.2. (n.) An academic title, originally meaning a men so well versed in his department as to be qualified to teach it. Hence: One who has taken the highest degree conferred by a university or college, or has received a diploma of the highest degree; as, a doctor of divinity, of law, of medicine, of music, or of philosophy. Such diplomas may confer an honorary title only. 3. (n.) One duly licensed to practice medicine; a member of the medical profession; a physician. 4. (n.) Any mechanical contrivance intended to remedy a difficulty or serve some purpose in an exigency; as, the doctor of a calico-printing machine, which is a knife to remove superfluous coloring matter; the doctor, or auxiliary engine, called also donkey engine. 5. (n.) The friar skate. 6. (v. t.) To treat as a physician does; to apply remedies to; to repair; as, to doctor a sick man or a broken cart. 7. (v. t.) To confer a doctorate upon; to make a doctor. 8. (v. t.) To tamper with and arrange for one's own purposes; to falsify; to adulterate; as, to doctor election returns; to doctor whisky. 9. (v. i.) To practice physic. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DOCTORdok'-ter: (In Luke 2:46 didaskalos) "doctor" is equivalent to "teacher," which latter is the translation of the Revised Version (British and American). So in Luke 5:17 Acts 5:34, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) "doctors," "doctor," of the law (nomodidaskalos). See EDUCATION; RABBI; SCRIBES. Greek 1320. didaskalos -- an instructor ... doctor, master, teacher. From didasko; an instructor (genitive case or specially) -- doctor, master, teacher. see GREEK didasko. (didaskale) -- 31 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1320.htm - 7k 3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law Library The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler Wesley his Own Doctor Now if the Doctor did That, Though it was Only from Humility... Let the Doctor Figure to Himself the Gaudy Pageantry of a Divine ... To Misser Lorenzo Del Pino of Bologna, Doctor in Decretals ... Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler I Shall Now Only Add this Friendly Hint to the Doctor... A Second Time the Master Zachyas, Doctor of the Law... Letter viii (Circa AD 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London ... Thesaurus Doctor (5 Occurrences)... Hence: One who has taken the highest degree conferred by a university or college, or has received a diploma of the highest degree; as, a doctor of divinity, of ... /d/doctor.htm - 10k Require (46 Occurrences) Courts (59 Occurrences) Doctors (7 Occurrences) Lawyer (5 Occurrences) Judicial (2 Occurrences) Question (153 Occurrences) Zenas (1 Occurrence) Leech (1 Occurrence) Rabbi (51 Occurrences) Resources Who is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.orgWhat expertise does GotQuestions.org possess? | GotQuestions.org Should Christians go to doctors? | GotQuestions.org Doctor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Doctor (5 Occurrences)Matthew 9:12 Mark 2:17 Luke 5:31 Acts 5:34 Colossians 4:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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