Topical Encyclopedia Definition and General Overview:In the biblical context, "help" refers to the assistance, support, or aid provided by God or individuals to those in need. It encompasses both divine intervention and human acts of kindness and support. The concept of help is deeply rooted in the character of God as a provider and protector, as well as in the call for believers to emulate His compassion and generosity. Divine Help: The Bible frequently emphasizes God's role as a helper to His people. This divine help is often depicted as deliverance from trouble, provision in times of need, and guidance in moments of uncertainty. One of the most well-known affirmations of God's help is found in Psalm 121:1-2: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth" . This passage underscores the belief that true help comes from God, who is both the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Another significant reference is found in Hebrews 13:6, which states, "So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" . This verse highlights the assurance and courage that believers can have, knowing that God's help is ever-present and sufficient. Human Help: While divine help is paramount, the Bible also calls for believers to be instruments of help to others. This is seen in the numerous exhortations to love one's neighbor and to care for the needy. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of providing help to those in distress, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 6:2, instructs believers to "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" . This directive emphasizes the communal aspect of help, where believers are encouraged to support each other in times of difficulty. Help in Times of Trouble: The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who sought and received help from God during times of trouble. In the Old Testament, King David often cried out to God for help, as seen in Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble" . This assurance of God's readiness to help is a recurring theme in the Psalms. In the New Testament, the early church is depicted as a community that provided help to its members. Acts 2:44-45 describes how the believers "were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need" . This practice of mutual aid was a tangible expression of the love and unity that characterized the early Christian community. Help and Prayer: Prayer is a vital means through which believers seek God's help. The Bible encourages believers to approach God with their requests, trusting in His willingness to provide assistance. Philippians 4:6-7 exhorts believers: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This passage highlights the connection between seeking help through prayer and experiencing God's peace. Conclusion: The biblical concept of help is multifaceted, encompassing both divine assistance and human acts of kindness. It reflects God's character as a helper and calls believers to be active participants in providing help to others. Through prayer, community support, and acts of compassion, the biblical mandate to help is lived out in the lives of believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To furnish with strength or means for the successful performance of any action or the attainment of any object; to aid; to assist; as, to help a man in his work; to help one to remember; -- the following infinitive is commonly used without to; as, Help me scale yon balcony.2. (v. t.) To furnish with the means of deliverance from trouble; as, to help one in distress; to help one out of prison. 3. (v. t.) To furnish with relief, as in pain or disease; to be of avail against; -- sometimes with of before a word designating the pain or disease, and sometimes having such a word for the direct object. 4. (v. t.) To change for the better; to remedy. 5. (v. t.) To prevent; to hinder; as, the evil approaches, and who can help it? 6. (v. t.) To forbear; to avoid. 7. (v. t.) To wait upon, as the guests at table, by carving and passing food. 8. (v. i.) To lend aid or assistance; to contribute strength or means; to avail or be of use; to assist. 9. (v. t.) Strength or means furnished toward promoting an object, or deliverance from difficulty or distress; aid; ^; also, the person or thing furnishing the aid; as, he gave me a help of fifty dollars. 10. (v. t.) Remedy; relief; as, there is no help for it. 11. (n.) A helper; one hired to help another; also, the hole force of hired helpers in any business. 12. (v. t.) Specifically, a domestic servant, man or woman. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HELPWith the sense of that which brings aid, support, or deliverance, "help" (noun and vb.) represents a large variety of words in Hebrew and Greek (noun 7, verb 16). A principal Hebrew word is `azar, "to help," with the corresponding nouns `ezer, `ezrah; a chief Greek word is boetheo (Matthew 15:25 Mark 9:22, 24, etc.). True help is to be sought for in Yahweh, in whom, in the Old Testament, the believer is constantly exhorted to trust, with the renouncing of all other confidences (Psalm 20:2; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 46:1; 115:9, 10, 11; 121:2 Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14, etc.). In Romans 8:26 it is said, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity," the verb here (sunantilambanetai) having the striking meaning of to "take hold along with one." In the story of Eden, Eve is spoken of as "a help meet" for Adam (Genesis 2:18, 20). The idea in "meet" is not so much "suitability," though that is implied, as likeness, correspondence in nature (Vulgate, similem sibi). One like himself, as taken from him, the woman would be an aid and companion to the man in his tasks. Greek 4878. sunantilambanomai -- to take hold with at the side, hence to ... ... to take hold with at the side, hence to take a share in, generally to help. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sunantilambanomai Phonetic Spelling: (soon-an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4878.htm - 7k 996. boetheia -- help 4943. sunupourgeo -- to help together 484. antilempsis -- a laying hold of, help 5623. opheleo -- to help, benefit, do good 3685. oninemi -- to profit, help 3786. ophelos -- advantage, help 4902a. sunepitithemi -- to help in putting on 1884b. eparkeo -- to help, aid 4902. sunepomai -- to help in putting on Strong's Hebrew 7768. shava -- to cry out (for help)... 7767, 7768. shava. 7769 . to cry out (for help). Transliteration: shava Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-vah') Short Definition: cry. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7768.htm - 6k 5826. azar -- to help, succor 5828. ezer -- a help, helper 5833. ezrah -- help, helper, assistance 360. eyaluth -- my help 7769. shua -- a cry for help 3134. Yoezer -- "the LORD is a help," one of David's mighty men 7125. qirah -- against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way 44. Abiezer -- "my father is help," a Manassite, also a Benjamite 461. Eliezer -- "God is help," the name of several Israelites ... Library Destruction and Help Self-Help Costly and Fatal Help Mutual Help. Praying for Divine Help. Discourse viii. The Help of Religion. Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action? How Saints May Help the Devil Help in Time of Need. For Spiritual Help and Health. Thesaurus Help (1694 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To furnish with strength or means for the successful performance of any action or the attainment of any object; to aid; to assist; as, to help a man in ... /h/help.htm - 9k Help-meet Aid (20 Occurrences) Succor (8 Occurrences) Relations (92 Occurrences) Eliezer (14 Occurrences) Meroz (1 Occurrence) Confide (31 Occurrences) Assistance (4 Occurrences) Aramaeans (49 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about self-help methods? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “I believe; help my unbelief” in Mark 9:24? | GotQuestions.org Help: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Help (1694 Occurrences)Help appears 1694 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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