The term "eschew" is an archaic English word that means to deliberately avoid or abstain from something. In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe the act of shunning evil and choosing righteousness. The concept of eschewing is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of Scripture, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God by avoiding sin and evil.

Biblical Usage:

The word "eschew" is famously used in the King James Version of the Bible, particularly in the book of Job and 1 Peter. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "eschew," the concept is still present in its translations.

1. Job 1:1 : "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." In this verse, Job is described as a man who "shuns evil," which aligns with the concept of eschewing. Job's character is marked by his deliberate avoidance of sin and his commitment to living a life that honors God.

2. 1 Peter 3:11 : "He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." Here, the apostle Peter instructs believers to "turn away from evil," which is synonymous with eschewing. This directive is part of a broader exhortation to live righteously and seek peace, reflecting the Christian call to holiness.

Theological Significance:

Eschewing evil is a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics and morality. It involves a conscious decision to reject sin and its influences, aligning one's life with the will of God. This concept is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing but also about actively pursuing what is good and righteous.

The act of eschewing is closely tied to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). A reverent fear of God motivates believers to turn away from evil and live in accordance with His commandments. This is seen in the life of Job, who is described as fearing God and shunning evil, demonstrating that eschewing is both a moral and spiritual discipline.

Practical Application:

For Christians, eschewing evil involves a daily commitment to holiness and integrity. It requires vigilance and discernment to recognize and avoid the temptations and influences that lead to sin. This can be achieved through regular prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

Moreover, eschewing evil is not only about personal piety but also about influencing the world positively. By rejecting sin and living righteously, believers serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to Christ through their example.

In summary, the biblical concept of eschewing is a call to actively avoid evil and pursue righteousness, reflecting a life dedicated to God and His purposes.From old French eschever, "to flee from" (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3; 1 Peter 3:11). 1. (v.) To shun; to avoid, to keep one's self clear of; as to eschew immorality.

2. (v.) To escape from; to avoid.

ESCHEW

es-choo' (cur; ekklino):

Only 4 times in the King James Version (Job 1:1, 8; Job 2:3 1 Peter 3:11), in all of which the American Standard Revised Version renders by the appropriate form of "turn away from."

1578. ekklino -- to deviate, to turn away (from someone or ...
... 2), turned aside (1). avoid, eschew, go out of the way. From ek and klino; to
deviate, ie (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1578.htm - 7k5493. sur -- to turn aside
... behead, bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get you, go aside,.
Or suwr (Hosea 9:12) {soor}; a primitive root; to turn off ...
/hebrew/5493.htm - 7k

Either Then we are to Eschew Lies by Right Doing...
... Section 41. Either then we are to eschew lies by right doing? 41. Either
then we are to eschew lies by right doing, or to confess ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 41 either then we.htm

That a Man Should Weigh Each Thought and Each Stirring after that ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER That a man should weigh each thought and each
stirring after that it is, and always eschew recklessness in venial sin. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eleventh chapter.htm

Of the Setting of Man's Life
... doing. There are three things also that save cleanness of mouth: avisedness
of speech; to eschew mickle speech; and to hate lying. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv of the setting.htm

That God's Lover Forsakes the World, Idleness and Irksomeness: and ...
... they are not perceived by others lying in wait, in as mickle as they are aware;
and hiding covetousness under the title of ghostly rest, they eschew loss of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter x that gods lover.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... an archangel. Wherefore, O woman, eschew such vain words, and be ever
mindful of God that created thee, and pray to Him. For He ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... ruins of the poor country. And how wilt thou join in that? Or how can thou
eschew it, if thou walk with them? If it were no more ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... certain barbarous names, and, as they think, of angels, but, to speak the truth,
of demons, which suggest things to them: whose doctrine eschew, that ye may ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

The Cloud of Unknowing
... HERE BEGINNETH THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER That a man should weigh each thought and each
stirring after that it is, and always eschew recklessness in venial sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/

Against Lying
... Section 41. Either then we are to eschew lies by right doing? [ Prev]
[Top] [Next ]. Against Lying Christian Bookshelf. >.
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/

But Some Man Will Say, Would Then those Midwives and Rahab have ...
... Nay verily, those Hebrew women, if they were such as that sort of persons of whom
we ask whether they ought ever to tell a lie, would both eschew to say aught ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 34 but some man.htm

Eschew (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (v.) To shun; to avoid, to keep one's self clear of;
as to eschew immorality. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ESCHEW. ...
/e/eschew.htm - 7k

Ensue (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ensue (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew
evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. (KJV). ...
/e/ensue.htm - 7k

Eschewed (1 Occurrence)

/e/eschewed.htm - 6k

Shun (14 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To avoid; to keep clear of; to get out of the way
of; to escape from; to eschew; as, to shun rocks, shoals, vice. ...
/s/shun.htm - 10k

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)
... Cross, or even of Francis, who "of all ascetics approached most nearly to the spirit
of the Master." Jesus did not flee from the world, or eschew the amenities ...
/a/abstinence.htm - 25k

Essenes
... as three. The first he discusses is the Essenes. They are very devotional
and temperate and eschew matrimony. They despise wealth ...
/e/essenes.htm - 38k

Eschatology

/e/eschatology.htm - 70k

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