Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "fray" is not directly used in most modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept of a fray, understood as a conflict, battle, or skirmish, is prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. The Bible often addresses themes of conflict, both physical and spiritual, and provides guidance on how believers are to engage in and understand these struggles.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with accounts of physical battles and conflicts as the Israelites sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. One notable example is the battle of Jericho, where the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, followed God's instructions to bring down the walls of the city (Joshua 6). This event underscores the belief that God fights for His people and that victory in physical frays is often attributed to divine intervention. Another significant instance is the battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). This account highlights the theme of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds. David's victory over Goliath is not just a physical triumph but also a spiritual one, demonstrating that God empowers those who trust in Him. Spiritual Warfare The New Testament shifts the focus from physical battles to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, writes about the armor of God, emphasizing that the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-18). This passage encourages believers to equip themselves with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God to stand firm in spiritual frays. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 , Paul further elaborates on this theme: "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." This underscores the belief that spiritual battles require divine assistance and the use of spiritual tools rather than physical might. Jesus and Conflict Jesus Christ's ministry also involved various forms of conflict, though not in the traditional sense of physical battles. His teachings often challenged the religious authorities of the time, leading to numerous confrontations. In Matthew 10:34 , Jesus states, "Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." This metaphorical sword represents the division that His message would cause, as it calls individuals to make a decisive choice regarding their faith. Christian Conduct in Conflict The Bible provides guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves in the midst of conflict. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse encourages believers to seek peace and reconciliation whenever possible, reflecting the character of Christ. Moreover, in Matthew 5:9 , Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the value placed on those who actively seek to resolve conflicts and promote peace. In summary, while the term "fray" may not appear explicitly in the Bible, the concept of conflict is a significant theme throughout Scripture. Whether in physical battles or spiritual warfare, the Bible provides insights and instructions for believers on how to navigate these challenges with faith and integrity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Fight, or (v.) To become ragged at the ends.2. (v. t.) To frighten; to terrify; to alarm. 3. (v. t.) To bear the expense of; to defray. 4. (v. t.) To rub; to wear off, or wear into shreds, by rubbing; to fret, as cloth; as, a deer is said to fray her head. 5. (v. i.) To rub. 6. (v. i.) To wear out or into shreds, or to suffer injury by rubbing, as when the threads of the warp or of the woof wear off so that the cross threads are loose; to ravel; as, the cloth frays badly. 7. (n.) A fret or chafe, as in cloth; a place injured by rubbing. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FRAYfra (haradh, "to make afraid," "cause to tremble": the King James Version of Deuteronomy 28:26 Jeremiah 7:33 Zechariah 1:21; the Revised Version (British and American) "frighten," "terrify"). Greek 3750. osphresis -- the sense of smell, smelling ... the sense of smell, smelling. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: osphresis Phonetic Spelling: (os'-fray-sis) Short Definition: the sense of smell ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3750.htm - 6k 2480. ischuo -- to be strong, have power Strong's Hebrew 2729. charad -- to tremble, be terrified... be make afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray away, quake, tremble. A primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also ... /hebrew/2729.htm - 6k Library The Knight of God Introduction Vesalius the Anatomist {9} Good Earnests of Great Success The Christian's Book Footnotes Morning Hymn Christ Lag in Todesbanden. Christ was Laid in Death's Strong Bands ... The Soul Winner War! War! War! Thesaurus Fray (4 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To rub; to wear off, or wear into shreds, by rubbing; to fret, as cloth; as, a deer is said to fray her head. 5. (vi) To rub. ...FRAY. ... /f/fray.htm - 8k Fowls (61 Occurrences) Fowl (73 Occurrences) Onslaught (2 Occurrences) Fret (9 Occurrences) Fraudulently (2 Occurrences) Freckled (1 Occurrence) Carcases (24 Occurrences) Homicide (1 Occurrence) Carcass (30 Occurrences) Resources When can music be considered 'Christian music'? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gamaliel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Fray: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fray (4 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 28:26 Job 39:21 Jeremiah 7:33 Zechariah 1:21 Subtopics Related Terms |