Forfeits
Jump to: ConcordanceThesaurusGreekHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of forfeits often relates to the loss of rights, privileges, or possessions as a consequence of sin, disobedience, or failure to fulfill a vow or obligation. The idea of forfeiture is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the seriousness of covenantal relationships and the holiness of God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, forfeiture is frequently associated with the laws given to Israel. The Mosaic Law contains numerous instances where individuals could forfeit property or rights due to specific actions. For example, in Leviticus 27, the law outlines the redemption of things consecrated to the Lord, where failure to redeem could result in forfeiture. Leviticus 27:28 states, "But nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD."

The concept of forfeiture is also evident in the laws concerning vows. Numbers 30:2 emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows: "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." Failure to fulfill such vows could result in the forfeiture of one's word and standing before God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the idea of forfeiture is often spiritualized, focusing on the loss of eternal rewards or spiritual standing due to sin or lack of faith. Jesus speaks to the concept of forfeiting one's soul in Mark 8:36 : "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" This passage highlights the ultimate forfeiture—losing one's eternal soul for temporal gain.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the idea of forfeiture in the context of Christian liberty and responsibility. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 , Paul writes, "No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Here, the term "disqualified" can be understood as a form of forfeiture, where failing to live according to the gospel could result in losing the reward of faithful service.

Theological Implications

Theologically, forfeiture underscores the gravity of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant and the need for repentance and redemption. The concept also highlights the holiness and justice of God, who requires faithfulness and integrity from His people.

Forfeiture in the Bible is not merely punitive but also redemptive. It points to the need for a Savior who can restore what has been lost. Through Jesus Christ, believers find redemption and the restoration of what was forfeited through sin. Romans 5:18 states, "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men."

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the biblical concept of forfeiture serves as a call to examine one's life and commitments. It encourages faithfulness in fulfilling vows to God and others, understanding the weight of one's words and actions. It also serves as a warning against the pursuit of worldly gains at the expense of spiritual well-being.

In summary, the biblical notion of forfeits is a multifaceted concept that encompasses legal, spiritual, and moral dimensions, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will and to seek restoration through Christ when they fall short.
Greek
2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss
... Word Origin from zemia Definition to damage, suffer loss NASB Word Usage forfeit
(1), forfeits (2), suffer loss (2), suffered the loss of (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2210.htm - 8k
Strong's Hebrew
2398. chata -- to miss, go wrong, sin
... 5), cleansed (1), cleansing (1), commit (2), commits sin (1), committed (21), done
wrong (1), errs (1), fault (1), fear...loss (1), forfeits (1), indicted (1 ...
/hebrew/2398.htm - 6k
Library

Whether a Prince Forfeits his Dominion Over his Subjects, on ...
... OF APOSTASY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether a prince forfeits his dominion over his subjects,
on account of apostasy from the faith, so that they no longer owe him ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a prince forfeits his.htm

Whether Death is Essential to Martyrdom?
... Therefore it seems that the name of martyr should be accorded to a woman who forfeits
the integrity of the flesh for the sake of Christ's faith, rather than if ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether death is essential to.htm

The Home and the Boy
... This seems to be an unwritten, natural law of the boy's life, and the father often
forfeits this worship and respect of his boy by failing to afford him the ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/i the home and the.htm

A String of Pearls
... to growl there is danger. The man who stirs him 'forfeits his own life,'
or, at all events, imperils it. The word rendered 'sins ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a string of pearls.htm

Gifts and Talents.
... But as soon as by wilful disobedience he forfeits that favor, the Holy Spirit
departs from him and an evil spirit from the Lord troubles him. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

Specific Points. The Novelty of Marcion's God Fatal to his ...
... It cannot be born, therefore it lacks age. God, if old, forfeits the eternity
that is to come; if new, the eternity which is past. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii specific points the novelty.htm

Whether Derision is a Special Sin Distinct from those Already ...
... 1:12, "Our glory is this, the testimony of our conscience." Hence, on the other
hand, for doing a reprehensible, ie a vicious action, a man forfeits his honor ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether derision is a special.htm

Whether Man Can Rise from Sin Without the Help of Grace?
... stain, corruption of natural good, and debt of punishment. He incurs a stain, inasmuch
as he forfeits the lustre of grace through the deformity of sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether man can rise from.htm

Whether Pain Has the Nature of Evil More than Fault Has?
... something created, as sight, destroyed by blindness, or something uncreated, as
by being deprived of the vision of God, the creature forfeits its uncreated good ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pain has the nature.htm

Whether Meanness is a vice?
... Wherefore the Philosopher says that "the mean man after going to great expense forfeits
the good" of the magnificent work, "for the trifle" that he is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether meanness is a vice.htm

Thesaurus
Forfeits (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Forfeits (3 Occurrences). Matthew 16:26 For what will
it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? ...
/f/forfeits.htm - 7k

Forfeit (12 Occurrences)
... forfeit of his life. 3. (n.) Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive
fine; -- whence the game of forfeits. 4. (n.) Lost or ...
/f/forfeit.htm - 13k

Gains (19 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gains (19 Occurrences). Matthew 16:26 For what will it
profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? ...
/g/gains.htm - 11k

Profit (143 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits
his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? ...
/p/profit.htm - 35k

Gain (142 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gain (142 Occurrences). Matthew 16:26 For what will it
profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? ...
/g/gain.htm - 39k

Forgat (9 Occurrences)

/f/forgat.htm - 8k

Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit
a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? ...
/y/yet.htm - 35k

Loses (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Luke 9:25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole
world, and loses or forfeits his own self? (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/l/loses.htm - 10k

Forfeiting (1 Occurrence)

/f/forfeiting.htm - 6k

Roaring (28 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes
him to anger forfeits his own life. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/r/roaring.htm - 15k

Resources
Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org

What is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Gospel of Matthew - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Forfeits (3 Occurrences)

Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 9:25
For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?
(WEB NAS RSV)

Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Forfeits

Related Terms

Baalim (18 Occurrences)

Forgave (13 Occurrences)

Groves (32 Occurrences)

Forfeits (3 Occurrences)

Ear-rings (12 Occurrences)

Butler (9 Occurrences)

Ornament (23 Occurrences)

Waited (72 Occurrences)

Shewed (105 Occurrences)

Wonders (111 Occurrences)

Forfeiting
Top of Page
Top of Page