Perspire
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Definition and Context:
Perspiration, commonly known as sweating, is the process by which the body releases moisture through the skin's sweat glands. This physiological response is primarily a means of regulating body temperature. In the biblical context, perspiration is not frequently mentioned, but it is symbolically significant in certain passages, often associated with labor, toil, and the human condition post-Fall.

Biblical References:
The concept of perspiration is most directly referenced in the context of the curse upon Adam after the Fall. In Genesis 3:19, God declares to Adam, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." . This passage highlights the toil and labor that became part of human existence as a result of sin entering the world. The "sweat of your brow" signifies the effort and hardship that would now accompany the task of providing sustenance.

Symbolism and Theological Implications:
Sweat, as mentioned in Genesis, symbolizes the struggle and effort required in a fallen world. It serves as a reminder of humanity's separation from the ease and abundance of Eden. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of sin and the altered state of creation, where work, once a joyful stewardship, became laborious and fraught with difficulty.

In the New Testament, while perspiration is not explicitly mentioned, the concept of labor and toil continues to be significant. Jesus, in His humanity, experienced physical exertion and fatigue, though the Gospels do not specifically mention Him sweating. His life and ministry, however, were marked by tireless service and sacrifice, reflecting the ultimate redemption from the curse of sin.

Related Concepts:
· Labor and Toil: The broader theme of labor is prevalent throughout Scripture, with numerous exhortations to work diligently and faithfully. Proverbs 14:23 states, "In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." . The New Testament also encourages believers to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

· Human Condition Post-Fall: The introduction of sweat as a consequence of the Fall is part of the larger narrative of human sin and redemption. Romans 8:20-21 speaks of creation being subjected to futility, yet also points to the hope of liberation through Christ.

· Christ's Redemptive Work: While sweat is a symbol of the curse, Christ's redemptive work offers hope and restoration. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain," indicating the ultimate reversal of the curse.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to view their labor as an act of worship and service to God. While sweat and toil are part of the current human experience, Christians are encouraged to find purpose and fulfillment in their work, knowing that it is not in vain when done for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). The promise of eternal rest and restoration provides hope and motivation to persevere through the challenges of this life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. i.) To excrete fluids through the pores of the skin; to sweat.

2. (v. i.) To be evacuated or excreted, or to exude, through the pores of the skin; as, a fluid perspires.

3. (v. t.) To emit or evacuate through the pores of the skin; to sweat; to excrete through pores.

Library

Of the Mass.
... This article concerning the Mass will be the whole business of the Council. [The
Council will perspire most over, and be occupied with this article concerning ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

On the Wit of Whistler
... all costs. Artists of a large and wholesome vitality get rid of their art
easily, as they breathe easily, or perspire easily. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xvii on the wit of.htm

A Rationale of Sleep, of Yawning, and of Dreams .
... fault with those who were about him for filling intestines with dung and putting
them upon him: and when his body was rapidly tending to perspire he blamed ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xiii a rationale of sleep.htm

Rom. v. 12
... saliva of words away from them, but taking it in their hand with much lewdness,
they smear it on again, so as to be coagulating, and hard to perspire through. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x rom v 12.htm

Thesaurus
Perspire (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vt) To emit or evacuate through the pores of the skin; to sweat; to excrete
through pores. Multi-Version Concordance Perspire (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/perspire.htm - 7k

Sweat (3 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Sweat. 2. (vi) To excrete sensible moisture from the pores of the skin;
to perspire. 3. (vi) Fig.: To perspire in toil; to work hard; to drudge. ...
/s/sweat.htm - 14k

Persuade (20 Occurrences)

/p/persuade.htm - 15k

Person's (3 Occurrences)

/p/person's.htm - 7k

Resources
Perspire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Perspire (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel 44:18
They shall have linen tires on their heads, and shall have linen breeches on their waists; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Perspire

Related Terms

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Win (27 Occurrences)

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Persuaded (40 Occurrences)

Persuading (6 Occurrences)

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Judaeus

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Get (2204 Occurrences)

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Influence (13 Occurrences)

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Force (250 Occurrences)

Tempt (18 Occurrences)

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Reason (438 Occurrences)

Rid (39 Occurrences)

Rightly (45 Occurrences)

Entreat (55 Occurrences)

Ears (449 Occurrences)

Edify (5 Occurrences)

Dissuade (2 Occurrences)

Desirous (31 Occurrences)

Drawer (1 Occurrence)

Misleading (8 Occurrences)

Mehetabeel

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Mislead (13 Occurrences)

Manifested (48 Occurrences)

Plead (64 Occurrences)

Persuasive (4 Occurrences)

Prevail (50 Occurrences)

Perspire (1 Occurrence)

Beguile (10 Occurrences)

Bring (1372 Occurrences)

Barab'bas (10 Occurrences)

Balaam (62 Occurrences)

Brief (7 Occurrences)

Terror (137 Occurrences)

Compel (10 Occurrences)

Credence (20 Occurrences)

Confidence (103 Occurrences)

Consciences (12 Occurrences)

Curse (211 Occurrences)

Coax (1 Occurrence)

Allure (1 Occurrence)

Argue (21 Occurrences)

Anxiety (24 Occurrences)

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

Secure (78 Occurrences)

Shimshai (4 Occurrences)

Trouble (477 Occurrences)

Best (252 Occurrences)

Free (454 Occurrences)

Tells (38 Occurrences)

Thirst (40 Occurrences)

Try (84 Occurrences)

Save (375 Occurrences)

Trust (201 Occurrences)

Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences)

Pleased (172 Occurrences)

Elisha (70 Occurrences)

Deceive (48 Occurrences)

Revealed (129 Occurrences)

Fashion (24 Occurrences)

Water (4571 Occurrences)

Beware (51 Occurrences)

Satan (50 Occurrences)

Manifest (74 Occurrences)

Care (466 Occurrences)

Governor (78 Occurrences)

Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Famine (99 Occurrences)

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