In the context of biblical literature, the term "hampered" refers to being hindered or obstructed in progress or movement. This concept can be seen throughout Scripture, where individuals, groups, or even spiritual endeavors face obstacles that impede their intended course or mission. The Bible provides numerous examples of both physical and spiritual hindrances, illustrating the challenges faced by God's people and the divine assistance available to overcome them.

Old Testament Examples

1. Israelites in the Wilderness: The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land is replete with instances where they were hampered by various obstacles. In Exodus 14:10-12, the Israelites find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, expressing fear and doubt. Despite this, God intervenes, parting the sea to allow their passage.

2. Nehemiah's Rebuilding Efforts: Nehemiah faced significant opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 4:7-8, adversaries conspired to fight against Jerusalem and create confusion. Despite these efforts to hamper the work, Nehemiah and the people persevered through prayer and vigilance.

New Testament Examples

1. Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered hindrances in his missionary journeys. In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Paul writes, "For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us." Here, Paul attributes the hindrance to spiritual opposition, recognizing the role of the enemy in attempting to thwart the spread of the Gospel.

2. The Parable of the Sower: In Matthew 13:22, Jesus explains that the seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. These distractions and concerns act as spiritual hindrances, preventing the word from taking root and bearing fruit.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of being hampered is not limited to physical barriers but extends to spiritual challenges as well. Believers are often warned about the potential for spiritual hindrances that can impede their walk with God. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles," suggesting that spiritual progress requires intentional effort to remove obstacles.

Divine Assistance

Despite the presence of hindrances, Scripture consistently affirms God's ability to provide aid and deliverance. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise of divine support underscores the belief that while believers may face obstacles, they are not left to overcome them alone.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and prayerful, seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome any hindrances they may encounter. Ephesians 6:10-11 advises, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness in facing and overcoming obstacles.

In summary, the concept of being hampered in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual challenges that can impede progress. Through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's strength, believers are equipped to overcome these hindrances and fulfill their divine purpose.(imp. & p. p.) of Hamper.

The Partnership of Service.
... Where men have failed to go the Spirit has been hampered in speaking to men. He
has spoken, but the story of salvation through Jesus has not been known. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the partnership of service.htm

Partial Weavings of the Strands.
... and fully. But they are hampered by their mental swaddling-clothes, in
which they have been wrapped up in school-days. They never ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/partial weavings of the strands.htm

Christ Thwarted
... His power. But still there was a restriction. And what sort of a 'could
not' was it that thus hampered Him in His work? We know ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ thwarted.htm

The Hymns of Isaac Watts
... About his scholarship we observe that, vast as it was, he amassed it under
the difficulties which hampered all Dissenters till 1870. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the hymns of isaac watts.htm

The Servant as his Lord
... Is there anything, then, within the glory to which I, in my poor, struggling, hampered,
imperfect life here on earth, can feel that my character is being shaped ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the servant as his lord.htm

Prudence and Faith
... importance to you and me than either the one or the other,"our own personal relation
to Jesus Christ and discipleship to Him, have been hampered, and are ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/prudence and faith.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able
to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Gifts to the Flock
... But the substance is the declaration that, to any and every soul, no matter how
ringed about with danger, no matter how hampered and hindered in work, no ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the gifts to the flock.htm

Biographical Sketch.
... freedom of conscience. The Lutheran preachers felt themselves hampered
by it in the discharge of their duties. Regarding, as they ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/biographical sketch.htm

The Tongue.
... It is well known that Luther complained of this epistle, that it did not contain
the Gospel; for men who are hampered by a system will say"even of an ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

Hampered (2 Occurrences)
...Hampered (2 Occurrences). Galatians 5:1 Christ having made us gloriously free--stand
fast and do not again be hampered with the yoke of slavery. (WEY). ...
/h/hampered.htm - 7k

Gloriously (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Galatians 5:1 Christ having made us gloriously free--stand fast and
do not again be hampered with the yoke of slavery. (WEY). ...
/g/gloriously.htm - 8k

Hamper (1 Occurrence)

/h/hamper.htm - 7k

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)
... character of the writing. Nowhere is criticism less hampered by problems
of authenticity and inspiration. No question arises, at ...
/h/hebrews.htm - 70k

Hampers (4 Occurrences)

/h/hampers.htm - 7k

Step (41 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Proverbs 4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you
run, you will not stumble. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/step.htm - 19k

Stumble (89 Occurrences)
... Your foot won't stumble. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 4:12 When
you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble. ...
/s/stumble.htm - 34k

Essenes
... A man bound to a woman is hampered by his affection, is no longer a free man but
a slave" (compare 1 Corinthians 7:1. Paul mentions the same difficulties in ...
/e/essenes.htm - 38k

Steps (113 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Proverbs 4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you
run, you will not stumble. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS NIV). ...
/s/steps.htm - 34k

Slavery (31 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Galatians 5:1 Christ having made us gloriously free--stand fast
and do not again be hampered with the yoke of slavery. (WEY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/slavery.htm - 36k

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