Bible Dictionaries
Renew, Renewing

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

"to make new" (ana, "back" or "again," kainos, "new," not recent but different), "to renew," is used in the Passive Voice in 2 Corinthians 4:16 , of the daily renewal of "the inward man" (in contrast to the physical frame), i.e., of the "renewal" of spiritual power; in Colossians 3:10 , of "the new man" (in contrast to the old unregenerate nature), which "is being renewed unto knowledge," RV (cp. No. 3 in Ephesians 4:23 ), i.e., the true knowledge in Christ, as opposed to heretical teachings.

Note: This word has not been found elsewhere in Greek writings as yet, though No. 2 is, which would prevent the supposition that the Apostle coined a new word.

is a variant form of No. 1, used in Hebrews 6:6 , of the imposibility of "renewing" to repentance those Jews who professedly adhered to the Christian faith, if, after their experiences of it (not actual possession of its regenerating effects), they apostatized into their former Judaism. In the Sept., 2 Chronicles 15:8; Psalm 39:2; 103:5; 104:30; Lamentations 5:21 .

"to renew, make young" (ana, as in No. 1, and neos, "recent," not different), is used in Ephesians 4:23 , "be renewed (in the spirit of your mind)." The "renewal" here mentioned is not that of the mind itself in its natural powers of memory, judgment and perception, but "the spirit of the mind," which, under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, directs its bent and energies Godward in the enjoyment of "fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ," and of the fulfillment of the will of God. The word is frequent in inscriptions and in the papyri.

akin to A, No. 1, "a renewal," is used in Romans 12:2 , "the renewing (of your mind)," i.e., the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life; in Titus 3:5 , where "the renewing of the Holy Spirit" is not a fresh bestowment of the Spirit, but a revival of His power, developing the Christian life; this passage stresses the continual operation of the indwelling Spirit of God; the Romans passage stresses the willing response on the part of the believer.