The term "straineth" is an archaic English word that appears in the context of biblical translations, particularly in older versions of the Bible. It is derived from the verb "strain," which means to filter or to exert effort to remove impurities. In biblical usage, it often conveys the idea of meticulous attention to detail, sometimes to the point of missing the larger picture or more significant matters.

Biblical Context:

The most notable use of the concept related to "straineth" is found in the New Testament, where Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes regarding their focus on minor details of the law while neglecting more important principles. In Matthew 23:24, Jesus says, "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." . Here, the act of straining out a gnat symbolizes the Pharisees' excessive concern with minor ritual impurities, while "swallowing a camel" highlights their neglect of weightier matters such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Theological Implications:

The use of "straineth" in this context serves as a critique of legalism and hypocrisy. It underscores the danger of focusing on the minutiae of religious practice while ignoring the broader ethical and moral imperatives of the faith. This teaching of Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the core values of the Kingdom of God over rigid adherence to ceremonial laws.

Historical and Cultural Background:

In the cultural and historical setting of first-century Judaism, the Pharisees were known for their strict observance of the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders. They were meticulous in their efforts to maintain ritual purity, which included practices such as straining wine to remove any small, unclean insects like gnats. This practice, while intended to uphold the law, often led to an overemphasis on external compliance at the expense of internal righteousness.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the lesson of "straineth" serves as a reminder to maintain a balanced approach to faith. It calls Christians to uphold the principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness, ensuring that their religious practices do not overshadow the essence of the Gospel. It encourages a heart-centered devotion that aligns with the teachings of Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism and superficial religiosity.

Related Concepts:

· Legalism: The excessive adherence to law or formula, often at the expense of grace and mercy.
· Hypocrisy: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.
· Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness: Core values emphasized by Jesus as central to the life of a believer, as seen in Matthew 23:23.

In summary, the concept of "straineth" in biblical literature serves as a powerful metaphor for the potential misalignment between religious observance and the heart of God's commandments. It challenges believers to focus on the weightier matters of the law, ensuring that their faith is lived out with integrity and compassion.

Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... lost the whole. He that runneth, not only slackens nothing before the end,
but then even especially straineth his speed. This have ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vii hebrews iv 13-nov.htm

Straineth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Straineth (1 Occurrence). Job 40:17 He moveth his tail
like a cedar: The sinews of his thighs are knit together. (See JPS). ...
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Strained (2 Occurrences)

/s/strained.htm - 7k

Straining (4 Occurrences)

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