Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "lessen" in the Bible often relates to the idea of decreasing, diminishing, or reducing in quantity, importance, or intensity. This theme can be seen in various contexts, including humility, the reduction of sin, and the diminishing of earthly concerns in favor of spiritual growth.Humility and Self-Denial One of the most prominent biblical themes related to "lessen" is the call to humility and self-denial. John the Baptist exemplifies this attitude in John 3:30, where he states, "He must increase; I must decrease" . This verse highlights the necessity for believers to lessen their own importance and desires to allow Christ to take precedence in their lives. The act of decreasing oneself is seen as a pathway to spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will. Reduction of Sin The Bible also speaks to the need to lessen or eliminate sin from one's life. In Romans 6:12-13, Paul urges believers, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness" . Here, the reduction of sin is portrayed as a crucial step in living a life that honors God. Diminishing Earthly Concerns Scripture often encourages believers to lessen their focus on earthly concerns and instead prioritize spiritual matters. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" . This passage calls for a reduction in the emphasis on material wealth and a greater focus on eternal values. The Role of Trials Trials and tribulations can also serve to lessen one's reliance on worldly things and increase dependence on God. James 1:2-4 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . Through trials, believers may find that their attachment to worldly concerns is lessened, leading to a deeper faith and reliance on God. Conclusion The biblical concept of "lessen" encompasses a range of spiritual principles, including humility, the reduction of sin, and the prioritization of spiritual over earthly matters. Through these teachings, believers are encouraged to decrease their own desires and concerns to allow for a greater focus on God's will and eternal values. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune.2. (v. i.) To become less; to shrink; to contract; to decrease; to be diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened. Greek 1642. elattoo -- to make less (in rank or influence) ... decrease, make lower. From elasson; to lessen (in rank or influence) -- decrease, make lower. see GREEK elasson. (elattousthai) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1642.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4591. maat -- to be or become small, diminished, or few... A primitive root; properly, to pare off, ie Lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective) -- suffer to ... /hebrew/4591.htm - 6k 2637. chaser -- to lack, need, be lacking, decrease 7918. shakak -- to decrease, abate 1639. gara -- to diminish, restrain, withdraw 2820. chasak -- to withhold, refrain Library Whether Reasons in Support of what we Believe Lessen the Merit of ... Whether Pain or Sorrow is Assuaged by Tears? Upon Compassion. Preached the First Sunday in Lent. Bishop Hosius Said: this Also we Ought to Decree... The Third Epistle of the Same to the Same. Whether Man is Preserved by this Sacrament from Future Sins? Whether Christ Should have Worked Miracles? Building for Community Service The Use of Money Whether it was Necessary for the Restoration of the Human Race ... Thesaurus Lessen (4 Occurrences)... 1. (v.) To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank ... /l/lessen.htm - 7k Diminish (22 Occurrences) Degrade (1 Occurrence) Naaman (19 Occurrences) Narrow (21 Occurrences) Less (93 Occurrences) Lessened (2 Occurrences) Lessau Weaken (5 Occurrences) Injure (16 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian observe Earth Day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about PTSD? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about rescuing people from the consequences of their sins? | GotQuestions.org Lessen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lessen (4 Occurrences)Exodus 5:8 Exodus 5:19 Numbers 17:5 Job 16:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |