Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "rail" in biblical context generally refers to speaking abusively or insultingly. It is often associated with reviling, mocking, or scornful speech. In the Bible, railing is considered a sinful behavior, indicative of a corrupt heart and contrary to the teachings of love and respect for others. Biblical References: 1. Old Testament Context: · In the Old Testament, railing is often seen in the context of blasphemy or speaking against God and His anointed. For example, in 2 Kings 19:22, the Assyrian king Sennacherib is accused of railing against the Lord: "Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!" 2. New Testament Context: · The New Testament continues to address the issue of railing, emphasizing the importance of pure speech among believers. In 1 Peter 3:9 , Christians are instructed: "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." · The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5:11 , warns the church to avoid associating with anyone who claims to be a brother but is guilty of various sins, including railing: "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." Moral and Ethical Implications: Railing is seen as a manifestation of a sinful nature and is contrary to the Christian call to love one's neighbor and to speak truth in love. It is often associated with other sins such as anger, malice, and slander. The Bible encourages believers to avoid such behavior and instead to cultivate speech that is edifying and gracious. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, railing is a reflection of the fallen human condition and the need for redemption through Christ. It underscores the importance of the transformation of the heart and mind, as believers are called to reflect the character of Christ in their speech and actions. The avoidance of railing is part of the sanctification process, where Christians are urged to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). Practical Application: In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their words, recognizing the power of speech to build up or tear down. The Bible provides guidance on how to address conflicts and disagreements in a manner that honors God and respects others. Believers are called to be peacemakers, to speak truthfully, and to use their words to encourage and uplift one another, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all interactions. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An outer cloak or covering; a neckerchief for women.2. (v. i.) To flow forth; to roll out; to course. 3. (n.) A bar of timber or metal, usually horizontal or nearly so, extending from one post or support to another, as in fences, balustrades, staircases, etc. 4. (n.) A horizontal piece in a frame or paneling. 5. (n.) A bar of steel or iron, forming part of the track on which the wheels roll. It is usually shaped with reference to vertical strength, and is held in place by chairs, splices, etc. 6. (n.) The stout, narrow plank that forms the top of the bulwarks. 7. (n.) The light, fencelike structures of wood or metal at the break of the deck, and elsewhere where such protection is needed. 8. (v. t.) To enclose with rails or a railing. 9. (v. t.) To range in a line. 10. (n.) Any one of numerous species of limicoline birds of the family Rallidae, especially those of the genus Rallus, and of closely allied genera. They are prized as game birds. 11. (v. i.) To use insolent and reproachful language; to utter reproaches; to scoff; -- followed by at or against, formerly by on. 12. (v. t.) To rail at. 13. (v. t.) To move or influence by railing. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAIL; RAILING; RAILER,ral, ral'-ing, ral'-er: To "rail" on (in modern usage "against") anyone is to use insolent or reproachful language toward one. It occurs in the Old Testament as the translation of charaph (2 Chronicles 32:17, "letters to rail on Yahweh"), and of `it (1 Samuel 25:14, of Nabal, "he railed at them," the English Revised Version "flew upon them," margin "railed on"). In the New Testament "to rail" is the translation of blasphemeo (Mark 15:29 Luke 23:39; "railing," 1 Timothy 6:4 2 Peter 2:11 Jude 1:9). The word loidoria, rendered railing" in 1 Peter 3:9 the King James Version, is in the Revised Version (British and American) "reviling," and loidoros, "railor," in 1 Corinthians 5:11 is in the Revised Version (British and American) "reviler." Greek 873. aphorizo -- to mark off by boundaries from, ie set apart ... off by boundaries from, ie set apart. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aphorizo Phonetic Spelling: (af-or-id'-zo) Short Definition: I rail off, separate ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/873.htm - 8k 987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely ... 486. antiloidoreo -- to revile in turn 2635. katalaleo -- to speak evil of 3679. oneidizo -- to reproach Strong's Hebrew 5860. iyt -- to scream, shriek... fly, rail A primitive root; to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively) -- fly, rail. 5859, 5860. iyt. 5860a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5860.htm - 5k 2778. charaph. -- to reproach 2838. chashuq -- a fillet or ring Library He Then Goes on to Rail against us after the Manner of Old Wives. ... One Antidote for Many Ills A Secret Life of Prayer. "What Mean These Stones?" Josh. Iv. 21 "This Thing is from Me" Thanksgiving Versus Complaining The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness. 1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush ... Answer to Objections: He who Prays Prays not Alone Voyage to India. Thesaurus Rail (8 Occurrences)... on. 12. (vt) To rail at. 13. (vt) To move or influence by railing. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RAIL; RAILING; RAILER,. ral ... /r/rail.htm - 11k Railing (9 Occurrences) Railer (1 Occurrence) Tread (60 Occurrences) Jude (4 Occurrences) Lee (3 Occurrences) Guard (185 Occurrences) Web (5 Occurrences) Wedge (3 Occurrences) Resources Do eucharistic miracles really happen? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to become all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:22)? | GotQuestions.org Rail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rail (8 Occurrences)Acts 23:4 2 Peter 2:10 Jude 1:8 Jude 1:10 2 Chronicles 32:17 Psalms 102:8 Lamentations 2:16 Lamentations 3:46 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |