Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "lighten" in the Bible often refers to the act of making something lighter, either in weight or in brightness. It can denote the alleviation of burdens or the illumination of darkness. The concept of lightening is both physical and metaphorical, symbolizing relief, understanding, and divine presence. Biblical References: 1. Physical Lightening: In the context of physical burdens, "lighten" is used to describe the reduction of weight or load. For example, in Exodus 18:22, Jethro advises Moses to appoint judges to help him, saying, "Let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you." This advice was intended to lighten Moses' load by sharing the responsibilities of leadership. 2. Spiritual and Emotional Lightening: The Bible frequently uses "lighten" to describe the alleviation of spiritual or emotional burdens. In Psalm 38:4, David laments, "For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear." The plea for forgiveness and divine intervention is a request for God to lighten the burden of sin. 3. Illumination and Enlightenment: "Lighten" is also used in the sense of bringing light or understanding. In Psalm 13:3, David prays, "Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death." Here, the request is for God to enlighten his understanding and provide clarity in times of distress. 4. Divine Presence and Guidance: The presence of God is often associated with light, which lightens the path of believers. In John 1:9, it is written, "The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world." This passage refers to Jesus Christ as the Light who enlightens humanity, offering guidance and salvation. 5. Metaphorical Lightening: In a metaphorical sense, "lighten" can refer to the easing of life's trials through faith and trust in God. Matthew 11:30 states, "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Jesus invites believers to take on His yoke, promising that it will lighten their burdens through His strength and support. Theological Significance: The concept of lightening in the Bible underscores the transformative power of God's presence and intervention. It highlights the relief that comes from divine assistance, whether in the form of physical help, spiritual enlightenment, or emotional comfort. The imagery of lightening burdens and illuminating darkness serves as a powerful reminder of God's role as a source of strength and guidance for believers. Through faith, individuals can experience the lightening of their burdens and the illumination of their paths, drawing closer to the divine purpose and understanding. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To descend; to light.2. (v. i.) To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of lightning; to flash. 3. (v. i.) To grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to brighten; to clear, as the sky. 4. (v. t.) To make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets. 5. (v. t.) To illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten. 6. (v. t.) To emit or disclose in, or as in, lightning; to flash out, like lightning. 7. (v. t.) To free from trouble and fill with joy. 8. (v. t.) To make lighter, or less heavy; to reduce in weight; to relieve of part of a load or burden; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden. 9. (v. t.) To make less burdensome or afflictive; to alleviate; as, to lighten the cares of life or the burden of grief. 10. (v. t.) To cheer; to exhilarate. Greek 797. astrapto -- to lighten, flash forth ... to lighten, flash forth. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: astrapto Phonetic Spelling: (as-trap'-to) Short Definition: I flash, am lustrous Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/797.htm - 6k 2893. kouphizo -- to make light (in weight) 1546. ekbole -- a throwing out, ie spec. a throwing overboard (of ... 5316. phaino -- to bring to light, to cause to appear 4160. poieo -- to make, do 1823. exastrapto -- to flash or gleam like lightning, be radiant 602. apokalupsis -- an uncovering Strong's Hebrew 965. bazaq -- a lightning flash... flash of lightning. From an unused root meaning to lighten; a flash of lightning -- flash of lightning. 964, 965. bazaq. 966 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/965.htm - 5k 7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling 5050. nagah -- to shine 1299. baraq -- to flash (of lightning) Library A Light to Lighten the Gentiles Carol. CMD A Light to Lighten the Gentiles. Psalm LXVII. Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles. December the Nineteenth the Sun of Righteousness Epiphany 92. From the Eastern Mountains Heaven. Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings The Dedication Sin Overcoming and Overcome Thesaurus Lighten (19 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets. ... /l/lighten.htm - 13k Lightens (4 Occurrences) Lightened (11 Occurrences) Lighted (36 Occurrences) Jettison (1 Occurrence) Lighter (10 Occurrences) Likenesses (4 Occurrences) Israel (27466 Occurrences) Tumors (8 Occurrences) Task (37 Occurrences) Resources Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Polycarp? | GotQuestions.org What is the Key of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org Lighten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lighten (19 Occurrences)Luke 2:32 Acts 27:18 Acts 27:38 Revelation 21:23 Exodus 18:22 1 Samuel 6:5 2 Samuel 22:29 1 Kings 12:4 1 Kings 12:9 1 Kings 12:10 2 Chronicles 10:4 2 Chronicles 10:9 2 Chronicles 10:10 Ezra 9:8 Nehemiah 9:12 Psalms 13:3 Psalms 18:28 Psalms 97:4 Jonah 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |