Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "sparing" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of withholding, showing mercy, or exercising restraint. It is often associated with God's mercy towards humanity, as well as the call for believers to show mercy and restraint in their dealings with others. Biblical References: 1. God's Mercy and Restraint: The concept of sparing is frequently associated with God's mercy. In the Old Testament, God often spares His people from deserved judgment due to His covenantal love and mercy. For instance, in the book of Ezekiel, God expresses His desire to spare His people despite their rebellion: "But I will spare some, so that some of you will escape the sword among the nations when you are scattered through the countries" (Ezekiel 6:8). 2. Human Mercy and Restraint: Believers are called to emulate God's sparing nature by showing mercy and restraint towards others. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This verse highlights the balance between discipline and mercy, suggesting that sparing should not be confused with neglect but should be an expression of love and care. 3. Sparing in Judgment: The New Testament also speaks to the idea of sparing in the context of judgment. In 2 Peter 2:4-5 , it is noted that God did not spare the angels who sinned, nor did He spare the ancient world, except for Noah and his family. This illustrates that while God is merciful, He is also just, and His sparing is not indiscriminate but aligned with His righteous purposes. 4. Apostolic Example: The Apostle Paul provides an example of sparing in his dealings with the Corinthian church. In 2 Corinthians 1:23 , Paul writes, "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth." Here, Paul demonstrates restraint and consideration for the spiritual well-being of the church, choosing to delay his visit to avoid causing them further distress. 5. Sparing in Sacrifice: The ultimate act of sparing is seen in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:32 declares, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?" This verse underscores the depth of God's love and the extent of His mercy, as He did not spare His own Son to bring salvation to humanity. Theological Implications: The concept of sparing is deeply intertwined with the themes of mercy, justice, and love in the Bible. It reflects God's character as both just and merciful, and it serves as a model for believers to follow in their relationships with others. Sparing is not merely about withholding punishment but is an active expression of love and grace, seeking the ultimate good of others in alignment with God's will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spare.2. (a.) Spare; saving; frugal; merciful. Greek 5339. pheidomai -- to spare, forbear ... forbear. Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to spare, forbear NASB Word Usage refrain (1), spare (8), sparing (1). forbear, spare. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5339.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2550. chamal -- to spare... 2), have compassion (1), have pity (4), have...pity (1), mercy (1), ruthlessly* (1), show pity (1), spare (11), spared (5), spares (2), sparing (5), unsparing ... /hebrew/2550.htm - 6k Library Whether God is Omnipotent? Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You ... Matt. xxiii. 14 A Difficulty, How we are Justified in the Blood of the Son of God. Whether Treachery, Fraud, Falsehood, Perjury, Restlessness ... Matt. xvi. 24 Titus iii. 11-Aug Of the Affections and their Use; of Patience, and the Chief Good ... Love and Remorse Acts xx. 17-21 Thesaurus Sparing (17 Occurrences)...Sparing (17 Occurrences). Acts 20:29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ... /s/sparing.htm - 11k Spare (80 Occurrences) Spareth (9 Occurrences) Saul (371 Occurrences) Quarter (33 Occurrences) Vicious (3 Occurrences) Unsparing (1 Occurrence) Outward (17 Occurrences) Jonah (30 Occurrences) Grievous (73 Occurrences) Resources Why did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.org Why will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)? | GotQuestions.org Sparing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sparing (17 Occurrences)Acts 20:29 1 Corinthians 7:28 2 Corinthians 1:23 Joshua 11:11 Joshua 11:14 Job 16:5 Job 27:22 Proverbs 13:24 Proverbs 17:27 Proverbs 21:26 Proverbs 25:27 Isaiah 30:14 Isaiah 30:20 Jeremiah 50:14 Lamentations 2:17 Lamentations 2:21 Habakkuk 1:17 Subtopics Related Terms |