Topical Encyclopedia The term "off" in the context of the Bible can refer to various actions or states of separation, removal, or cessation. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses throughout the Scriptures. Understanding the use of "off" in biblical texts can provide insight into the spiritual and moral teachings of the Bible.1. Separation from Sin: The concept of being "off" from sin is a recurring theme in the Bible. Believers are called to separate themselves from sinful behaviors and influences. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." This call to be "off" from sin emphasizes the need for holiness and purity in the life of a believer. 2. Removal of Obstacles: The Bible often speaks of removing or cutting off anything that hinders one's relationship with God. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus teaches, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." This hyperbolic language underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of removing anything that leads to spiritual downfall. 3. Cessation of Old Ways: The idea of putting "off" the old self is central to the transformation expected in a Christian's life. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs believers, "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This passage highlights the transition from a life of sin to one of righteousness. 4. Divine Judgment and Cutting Off: The Bible also uses the term "off" in the context of divine judgment, where God cuts off nations or individuals due to their disobedience. In Psalm 37:9, it is written, "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." This reflects the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God leads to separation from His blessings. 5. Covenantal Separation: In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often instructed to be "off" from the practices of surrounding nations to maintain their covenant relationship with God. Leviticus 20:26 states, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." This separation was both physical and spiritual, ensuring that the Israelites remained distinct as God's chosen people. 6. Spiritual Warfare: The New Testament speaks of putting "off" the works of darkness as part of spiritual warfare. Romans 13:12 encourages believers, "The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." This metaphorical use of "off" signifies the rejection of sinful deeds and the embrace of a life characterized by the light of Christ. In summary, the concept of "off" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from the physical act of removal to the spiritual act of separation from sin and darkness. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the transformative power of a life dedicated to God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a general sense, denoting from or away from; as:2. (adv.) Denoting distance or separation; as, the house is a mile off. 3. (adv.) Denoting the action of removing or separating; separation; as, to take off the hat or cloak; to cut off, to pare off, to clip off, to peel off, to tear off, to march off, to fly off, and the like. 4. (adv.) Denoting a leaving, abandonment, departure, abatement, interruption, or remission; as, the fever goes off; the pain goes off; the game is off; all bets are off. 5. (adv.) Denoting a different direction; not on or towards: away; as, to look off. 6. (adv.) Denoting opposition or negation. 7. (interj.) Away; begone; -- a command to depart. 8. (prep.) Not on; away from; as, to be off one's legs or off the bed; two miles off the shore. 9. (a.) On the farther side; most distant; on the side of an animal or a team farthest from the driver when he is on foot; in the United States, the right side; as, the off horse or ox in a team, in distinction from the nigh or near horse or ox; the off leg. 10. (a.) Designating a time when one is not strictly attentive to business or affairs, or is absent from his post, and, hence, a time when affairs are not urgent; as, he took an off day for fishing: an off year in politics. 11. (n.) The side of the field that is on the right of the wicket keeper. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUTTING OFFSee CONCISION; PUNISHMENTS. PLUCKING OFF THE HAIR pluk'-ing. Greek 1562. ekduo -- to take off, to put off ... to take off, to put off. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekduo Phonetic Spelling: (ek-doo'-o) Short Definition: I put off, take off, strip off Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1562.htm - 6k 660. apotinasso -- to shake off 555. apekdusis -- a stripping off 1621. ektinasso -- to shake off or out 631. apomasso -- to wipe off 609. apokopto -- to cut off 1581. ekkopto -- to cut off, cut down, cut out, fig. to frustrate 659. apotithemi -- to put off, lay aside 4048. periregnumi -- to tear off all around 1575. ekklao -- to break off Strong's Hebrew 7096. qatsah -- to cut off... 7095, 7096. qatsah. 7097 . to cut off. Transliteration: qatsah Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-tsaw') Short Definition: off. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7096.htm - 6k 6584. pashat -- to strip off, make a dash, raid 3772. karath -- to cut off, cut down 5423. nathaq -- to pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off 1214. batsa -- to cut off, break off, gain by violence 5394. nashal -- to slip or drop off, draw off, clear away 8025. shalaph -- to draw out or off 7112. qatsats -- cut off 7082. qasas -- to strip off 1548. galach -- to be bald, shave, shave off Library A Day Off. Neighbours Far Off Off Duty How Brother Juniper Cut Off the Foot of a Pig to Give it to a Sick ... Are Then Your Deities Carried Off by Force, and do they Seize by ... Whether Heretics and those who are Cut Off from the Church Can ... I have Put Off My Coat; How Shall I Put it On? I have Washed My ... Aristobulus is Taken Off by Pompey's Friends, as is his Son ... Of Putting Off Cloaks. Three Afternoons Off the Track Thesaurus Off (5363 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a general sense, denoting from or away from; as: 2. (adv.) Denoting distance or separation; as, the house is a mile off. ... /o/off.htm - 8k Far-off (14 Occurrences) Cut-off (2 Occurrences) Off-scouring (1 Occurrence) Off-times (1 Occurrence) Off-hand (1 Occurrence) Boxed-off (1 Occurrence) Cutting-off (1 Occurrence) Well-off (1 Occurrence) Cutteth (37 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to shake the dust off your feet? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus mean we should literally pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9? | GotQuestions.org If you have a lot of debt, can you temporarily stop tithing while paying off the debt? | GotQuestions.org Off: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Off (5363 Occurrences)Off is found 5363 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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