Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
the Fourth Week of Advent
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Help
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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With the sense of that which brings aid, support, or deliverance, "help" (noun and vb.) represents a large variety of words in Hebrew and Greek (noun 7, verb 16). A principal Hebrew word is עזר , ‛āzar , "to help," with the corresponding nouns עזר , ‛ēzer , עזרה , ‛ezrāh ; a chief Greek word is βοηθέω , boēthéō ( Matthew 15:25; Mark 9:22 , Mark 9:24 , etc.). True help is to be sought for in Yahweh, in whom, in the Old Testament, the believer is constantly exhorted to trust, with the renouncing of all other confidences (Psalm 20:2; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 115:9 , Psalm 115:10 , Psalm 115:11; Psalm 121:2; Isaiah 41:10 , Isaiah 41:13 , Isaiah 41:14 , etc.). In Romans 8:26 it is said, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity," the verb here ( συναντιλαμβάνεται , sunantilambánetai ) having the striking meaning of to "take hold along with one." In the story of Eden, Eve is spoken of as "a help meet" for Adam (Genesis 2:18 , Genesis 2:20 ). The idea in "meet" is not so much "suitability," though that is implied, as likeness, correspondence in nature (Vulgate, similem sibi ). One like himself, as taken from him, the woman would be an aid and companion to the man in his tasks.
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Help'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/h/help.html. 1915.
