Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "helpless" in the Bible often refers to individuals or groups who are unable to defend themselves, provide for their needs, or change their circumstances without divine intervention. This state of vulnerability is frequently addressed in Scripture, highlighting God's compassion and provision for those who are powerless.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often associated with helplessness is "dal," which can mean poor, weak, or lowly. The plight of the helpless is a recurring theme, particularly in the Psalms and the Prophets. For instance, Psalm 82:3-4 commands, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." This passage underscores the responsibility of God's people to act justly on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. The account of the Israelites in Egypt is a profound example of helplessness. Enslaved and oppressed, they cried out to God, who heard their pleas and delivered them through Moses (Exodus 3:7-8). This narrative illustrates God's attentiveness to the cries of the helpless and His power to rescue them. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "asthenēs" is often used to describe those who are weak or powerless. Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by His compassion for the helpless. In Matthew 9:36 , it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' response to the helpless was not only to teach and heal but also to offer Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The Apostle Paul also addresses the state of helplessness in a spiritual context. In Romans 5:6 , he writes, "For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Here, Paul emphasizes humanity's inability to save itself from sin, highlighting the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death for redemption. God's Provision for the Helpless Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a refuge and strength for the helpless. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This assurance is echoed in the promises of God's care and provision for those who trust in Him. The Bible also calls believers to emulate God's concern for the helpless. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This directive reflects the biblical mandate to support and defend those who are vulnerable. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of helplessness serves as a reminder of human dependency on God and the call to reflect His compassion and justice in the world. Through His Word, God assures the helpless of His presence and provision, inviting believers to participate in His work of mercy and deliverance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Destitute of help or strength; unable to help or defend one's self; needing help; feeble; weak; as, a helpless infant.2. (a.) Beyond help; irremediable. 3. (a.) Bringing no help; unaiding. 4. (a.) Unsupplied; destitute; -- with of. Greek 5497. cheiragogos -- leading by the hand ... the hand. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: cheiragogos Phonetic Spelling: (khi-rag-o-gos') Short Definition: one who leads a helpless person by ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5497.htm - 6k 772. asthenes -- without strength, weak 1459. egkataleipo -- to leave behind, ie (in a good sense) let ... Strong's Hebrew 647a. aphunah -- perhaps helpless... 647, 647a. aphunah. 647b . perhaps helpless. Transliteration: aphunah Short Definition: overcome. Word Origin from the same as ophan ... /hebrew/647a.htm - 5k 647. Aphiyach -- perhaps helpless 1800b. dal -- low, weak, poor, thin 372. Iezer -- "region of help," two Israelites 7503. raphah -- sink, relax 369. ayin -- nothing, nought 3027. yad -- hand 410. el -- God, in pl. gods Library The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation. "Now it is Only Thus Helpless and Useless in Religion... Psalm 142 God is the Hope of the Helpless. Psalm 142. God is the Hope of the Helpless. The Helplessness of the Gospel Early Afflictions Christ the Great Physician. Impossible with Man, Possible with God The Withered Hand Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit Thesaurus Helpless (27 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Destitute of help or strength; unable to help or defend one's self; needing help; feeble; weak; as, a helpless infant. ...Helpless (27 Occurrences). ... /h/helpless.htm - 14k Shepherd (76 Occurrences) Ambush (39 Occurrences) Unfortunate (4 Occurrences) Lurks (3 Occurrences) Draws (20 Occurrences) Catches (7 Occurrences) Seizes (16 Occurrences) Hiding (53 Occurrences) Hapless (3 Occurrences) Resources God helps those who help themselves - is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to a “Daughter of Zion”? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.org Helpless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Helpless (27 Occurrences)Matthew 9:36 Romans 5:6 Exodus 23:5 Nehemiah 5:5 Job 5:16 Psalms 10:8 Psalms 10:9 Psalms 10:10 Psalms 10:12 Psalms 10:14 Psalms 41:1 Psalms 69:20 Psalms 88:15 Proverbs 28:3 Proverbs 28:15 Isaiah 14:30 Isaiah 25:4 Isaiah 26:6 Isaiah 51:20 Jeremiah 6:24 Jeremiah 48:45 Jeremiah 49:24 Jeremiah 50:43 Daniel 10:8 Daniel 10:16 Amos 2:7 Amos 8:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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