Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "worn-out" is a theme that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing physical exhaustion, spiritual depletion, or the wearing down of one's faith and resolve. This entry explores the biblical understanding of being worn-out, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.Physical Exhaustion In the Bible, physical weariness is a common human experience, often depicted in the lives of key biblical figures. For instance, in the Old Testament, we see the Israelites experiencing physical exhaustion during their journey through the wilderness. In Deuteronomy 25:18, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites when they were "weary and worn out," highlighting the vulnerability that comes with physical fatigue. The prophet Elijah also experienced physical and emotional exhaustion after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah, overwhelmed and worn-out, sits under a broom tree and prays for death, saying, "I have had enough, LORD." This moment underscores the reality of human limitations and the need for divine intervention and rest. Spiritual Depletion Spiritual weariness is another dimension of being worn-out, often resulting from prolonged trials, persecution, or the burden of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the spiritually weary, offering rest and renewal. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This passage emphasizes the restorative power of Christ for those who are spiritually depleted. The Apostle Paul also acknowledges the challenges of spiritual weariness in his epistles. In Galatians 6:9, he encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Here, Paul recognizes the potential for spiritual fatigue but urges perseverance, promising a future reward for steadfastness. Wearing Down of Faith The Bible also addresses the gradual wearing down of faith, often due to external pressures or internal struggles. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes seeds that fall among thorns, representing those who hear the word but are worn down by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, ultimately failing to mature (Luke 8:14). The Book of Hebrews offers encouragement to those whose faith is being worn down. Hebrews 12:1-3 exhorts believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us," fixing their eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross. This passage serves as a reminder that faith can be renewed and strengthened through focus on Christ and His example. Divine Renewal and Strength Throughout Scripture, the solution to being worn-out is often found in divine renewal and strength. Isaiah 40:29-31 beautifully captures this promise: "He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak... those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This passage reassures believers that God provides the necessary strength to overcome weariness. In conclusion, the Bible acknowledges the reality of being worn-out, whether physically, spiritually, or in faith. Yet, it consistently points to God's provision of rest, renewal, and strength for those who seek Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Consumed, or rendered useless, by wearing; as, worn-out garments.Greek 1278. diaponeomai -- to toil through, to be worn out or annoyed ... to toil through, to be worn out or annoyed. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaponeomai Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ap-on-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1278.htm - 7k 3820. palaios -- old, ancient 2872. kopiao -- to grow weary, toil 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak 3822. palaioo -- to make or declare old Strong's Hebrew 1087. baleh -- worn-out... 1086, 1087. baleh. 1088 . worn-out. Transliteration: baleh Phonetic Spelling: (baw-leh') Short Definition: worn-out. ... old. From balah; worn out -- old. ... /hebrew/1087.htm - 6k 1094. belo -- worn-out things, rags Library An Account of the General Conference of 1796 The Plagues The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ... In Her Wanderings on that Quest, She Reaches the Confines of ... The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved Chapter xviii Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ... Argument from the Destruction of Jerusalem and Desolation of Judea ... Manasseh The Effects of the Divine Graces in the Soul. The Inestimable ... Thesaurus Worn-out (4 Occurrences)Worn-out. Worn, Worn-out. Worried . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Consumed, or rendered useless, by wearing; as, worn-out garments. ... /w/worn-out.htm - 7k Worn (29 Occurrences) Rag Rags (6 Occurrences) E'bed-Mel'ech (6 Occurrences) Ebed-melech (6 Occurrences) Ebedmelech (6 Occurrences) Entereth (40 Occurrences) Ropes (32 Occurrences) Worried (6 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome ministry burnout? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie? | GotQuestions.org Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Worn-out (4 Occurrences)Joshua 9:5 Jeremiah 38:11 Jeremiah 38:12 Ezekiel 23:43 Subtopics Related Terms |