The concept of "tighten" in the Bible is not directly referenced with the specific term as it is understood in modern English. However, the idea of tightening, in the sense of making firm, secure, or more stringent, can be seen in various biblical principles and narratives. This entry explores the thematic presence of tightening in Scripture, focusing on its spiritual, moral, and communal implications.

Spiritual Discipline and Commitment

The notion of tightening can be associated with spiritual discipline and the commitment required in the life of a believer. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often speaks of the need for self-control and discipline in the Christian walk. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 , Paul writes, "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Here, the metaphor of athletic training implies a tightening of one's lifestyle to achieve spiritual goals.

Moral and Ethical Standards

The Bible frequently calls for a tightening of moral and ethical standards among God's people. In the Old Testament, the Law given to Israel through Moses served as a means to tighten the moral fabric of the community, setting them apart as a holy nation. Deuteronomy 6:17 states, "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has commanded you." This call to diligence reflects a tightening of adherence to God's commands.

In the New Testament, Jesus intensifies the moral expectations of the Law, urging His followers to go beyond mere external compliance. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This teaching exemplifies a tightening of moral standards, focusing on the heart's intentions rather than just outward actions.

Community and Church Discipline

The early church also practiced a form of tightening through church discipline to maintain purity and order within the community. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 , Paul addresses a case of immorality in the Corinthian church, instructing them to "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." This directive underscores the necessity of tightening communal boundaries to preserve the integrity of the church.

Covenantal Faithfulness

The theme of tightening is evident in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to tighten their faithfulness to Him, often using the imagery of a marriage covenant. In Hosea 2:19-20 , God declares, "And I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD." This passage highlights the expectation of a tightened, exclusive commitment to God, akin to the fidelity expected in marriage.

Conclusion

While the specific term "tighten" may not appear in the biblical text, the underlying concept is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for spiritual discipline, moral integrity, communal purity, and covenantal faithfulness. These themes reflect a divine call to a life that is firmly anchored in God's will and purpose.(v. t.) To draw tighter; to straiten; to make more close in any manner.328. anazonnumi -- to gird up
... 328 (from 303 , " to down" and 2224 , "gird, take out slack") -- properly, raise
up a tunic (= "tighten the belt"), "girding oneself"; (figuratively) getting ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/328.htm - 7k2115. zur -- to press down and out
... close, rush, thrust together. A primitive root (compare tsowq); to press together,
&? Tighten -- close, rush, thrust together. see HEBREW tsowq. 2114b, 2115. ...
/hebrew/2115.htm - 6k

A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... To pass from hand to hand [1207] the tardy coils. To tighten the girth's noose:
straitly to bind. 70 The tiller's struggles; or, with breast opposed,. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/1 a strain of jonah.htm

The Speaking Voice
... They tighten the muscles of the throat and mouth, instead of liberating these muscles
and allowing the voice to flow naturally and harmoniously. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/the speaking voice.htm

In the Quarrel Earlier Alluded to Between the Energetic ...
... The Tory sometimes talks as if he wanted to tighten the domestic bonds that do not
exist; the Socialist as if he wanted to loosen the bonds that do not bind ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 44 in the quarrel.htm

The Heart-Strings of God.
... The heart itself breaks under the tension of love and grief, grieved and grieving
love. But the strings only strengthen and tighten under the strain of use. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the heart-strings of god.htm

The Traitor Prince.
... in that. He is willing even to be caricatured, or to be left out of reckoning,
if so he may tighten his grip. These suggestions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the traitor prince.htm

'The Girdle of Truth'
... indeed, is not thinking of the soldier's belt, but he is, no doubt, remembering
many a time when, in the toils of the fishing-boat, he had to tighten his robes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the girdle of truth.htm

General Survey.
... the Protestant Churches would simplify and liberalize their elaborate standards
of former days rather than increase their bulk and tighten their authority. ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 100 general survey.htm

To the Severity of God There Belong Accessory Qualities ...
... if, when you thought the doctor necessary, you were to find fault with his instruments,
because they cut, or cauterize, or amputate, or tighten; whereas there ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi to the severity of.htm

The End of Ahab's Selfish Family
... Elisha the prophet called one of the followers of the prophets and said to him,
"Tighten your belt, take this flask of oil in your hand and go to Ramoth in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the end of ahabs selfish.htm

Elisha Healing the Sick Boy
... lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me?'". Elisha said to Gehazi, "Tighten
your belt, take my staff in your hand and go! If you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/elisha healing the sick boy.htm

Tighten (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tighten (1 Occurrence). Judges 16:13 Delilah said
to Samson, "Until now, you have mocked me and told me lies. ...
/t/tighten.htm - 6k

Tight (9 Occurrences)
... money or the money market. Cf. Easy, 7. 12. (vt) To tighten. Multi-Version
Concordance Tight (9 Occurrences). James 1:26 If anyone ...
/t/tight.htm - 10k

Key (8 Occurrences)
... 15. (n.) Fig: The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance. 16. (vt) To
fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. Int. ...
/k/key.htm - 14k

Tightfisted (1 Occurrence)

/t/tightfisted.htm - 6k

Brace (3 Occurrences)
... building. 14. (vt) To draw tight; to tighten; to put in a state of tension;
to strain; to strengthen; as, to brace the nerves. 15. ...
/b/brace.htm - 9k

Stretch (73 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To make tense; to tighten; to distend forcibly. 5. (vt) To draw or pull
out to greater length; to strain; as, to stretch a tendon or muscle. ...
/s/stretch.htm - 31k

Straiten (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract;
to confine. 2. (vt) To make tense, or tight; to tighten. ...
/s/straiten.htm - 10k

Swifter (6 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The forward shroud of a lower mast. 4. (vt) To tighten, as slack standing
rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/swifter.htm - 8k

Tighten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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