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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Refrained</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/refrained.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/john/19-33.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/refrained.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Refrained</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/refrain_of_restoration.htm" title="Refrain of Restoration">◄</a> Refrained <a href="/topical/r/refraineth.htm" title="Refraineth">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "refrained" in the Bible often denotes the act of holding back, restraining oneself, or abstaining from a particular action or emotion. This concept is significant in various biblical narratives and teachings, illustrating themes of self-control, divine intervention, and moral decision-making.<br><br><b>Old Testament Usage</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, "refrained" is frequently used to describe moments when individuals or God Himself exercises restraint. One notable instance is found in <a href="/genesis/45.htm">Genesis 45:1</a>, where Joseph, upon revealing his identity to his brothers, "could no longer refrain himself" and wept openly. This moment of emotional release follows a period of self-restraint, highlighting Joseph's control over his emotions despite the intense personal history with his brothers.<br><br>Another example is in <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6-7</a>, where David refrains from killing King Saul, despite having the opportunity. David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." Here, David's restraint is rooted in his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's justice, demonstrating a profound level of self-control and faith.<br><br><b>New Testament Usage</b><br><br>In the New Testament, the concept of refraining is often associated with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles on self-control and love. For instance, in <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a>, believers are instructed to "not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This teaching encourages Christians to refrain from retaliatory actions, promoting a lifestyle of forgiveness and blessing others.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>Theologically, the act of refraining is closely linked to the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). It is seen as a virtue that believers are called to cultivate, reflecting the character of Christ. The ability to refrain from sin, anger, or revenge is viewed as evidence of spiritual maturity and reliance on the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b>Practical Applications</b><br><br>In practical terms, refraining is an essential aspect of Christian ethics and daily living. It involves making conscious choices to avoid sin, control one's tongue, and act in love towards others. This discipline is encouraged through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The biblical concept of refraining underscores the importance of self-control and reliance on God's wisdom and timing. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life that honors God through disciplined actions and attitudes.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>imp. & p. p.</I>) of Refrain.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2308.htm"><span class="l">2308. chadal -- to cease</span></a><br><b>...</b> failed (1), gave (1), hold back (1), leave (5), let my alone (1), neglects (1),<br> never mind (2), no (1), past (1), quit (1), refrain (6), <b>refrained</b> (1), refuse <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2308.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/2814.htm"><span class="l">2814. chashah -- to be silent, inactive, or still</span></a><br><b>...</b> to be silent, inactive, or still NASB Word Usage calmed (1), hushed (1), keep silent<br> (4), keeping silent (1), kept (1), kept silent (1), <b>refrained</b> (1), silent <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2814.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/anonymous/the_cloud_of_unknowing/here_beginneth_the_five_and_5.htm"><span class="l">Of the First Secondary Power, Imagination by Name; and of the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> For unless it be <b>refrained</b> by the light of grace in the Reason, else it will never<br> cease, sleeping or waking, for to portray diverse unordained images of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the five and 5.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/recognitions_of_clement_/chapter_xxiv_why_god_permits_evil.htm"><span class="l">Why God Permits Evil.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> unworthy suffering and unseemly feebleness on the part of the Creator, who should<br> so fear the actings of those who as yet were not, that He <b>refrained</b> from His <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxiv why god permits evil.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_saint_matthew/homily_lxxiv_woe_unto_you.htm"><span class="l">"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> own defense, as, for instance, "We would not have been partakers with them," (for<br> they who refrain not from the Lord, how should they have <b>refrained</b> from the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxiv woe unto you.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_17_1871/the_masters_professionthe_disciples_pursuit.htm"><span class="l">The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Association. "I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:<br> lo, I have not <b>refrained</b> my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/exposition_on_the_book_of_psalms/mem.htm"><span class="l">Mem.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But what cometh next, doth not seem to apply to the Head, but to the Body: "I have<br> <b>refrained</b> my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy words" (ver.101). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/mem.htm</font><p><a href="/library/basil/basil_letters_and_select_works/vi_basil_as_archbishop.htm"><span class="l">Basil as Archbishop.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> [162] While Gregory boldly called the Spirit God, Basil, from poor motives, <b>refrained</b><br> from any clear and distinct enunciation of the divinity of the Third <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../basil/basil letters and select works/vi basil as archbishop.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_sovereignty_of_god/foreword_to_the_first_edition.htm"><span class="l">Foreword to the First Edition</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We have purposely <b>refrained</b> from quoting freely from these deeply taught theologians,<br> because we desired that the faith of our readers should stand not in the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/foreword to the first edition.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cyprian/the_seventh_council_of_carthage_under_cyprian/translators_introduction_to_treatises_attributed.htm"><span class="l">Translator's Introduction to Treatises Attributed to Cyprian on <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> genuine Opuscula, and says: "I have not thought it fit to prejudice any one amid<br> the diversity of opinions on the subject, but have <b>refrained</b> from separating <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../translators introduction to treatises attributed.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edwards/the_expositors_bible_the_epistle_to_the_hebrews/preface.htm"><span class="l">Preface.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The writer has purposely <b>refrained</b> from discussing the question of the authorship<br> of the Epistle, simply because he has no new light to throw on this standing <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../edwards/the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/preface.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/the_wonders_of_prayer/prayers_answered.htm"><span class="l">Prayers Answered</span></a> <br><b>...</b> spared. This was just the money which the tradesman could spare, and was<br> intending to propose, but <b>refrained</b> from mentioning it. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/refrained.htm"><span class="l"><b>Refrained</b> (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Refrained</b> (14 Occurrences). John 19:33 Then they came to Jesus Himself: but when<br> they saw that He was already dead, they <b>refrained</b> from breaking His legs. (WEY) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/refrained.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/refrain.htm"><span class="l">Refrain (33 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See RSV NIV). Psalms 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:<br> lo, I have not <b>refrained</b> my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/refrain.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jehoram.htm"><span class="l">Jehoram (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> At Kir-haraseth Mesha made a final stand. The Israelites <b>refrained</b> from pressing<br> their victory further, and returned to their own land. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jehoram.htm - 30k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gasping.htm"><span class="l">Gasping (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and <b>refrained</b><br> myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gasping.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tenderness.htm"><span class="l">Tenderness (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> habitation, Where 'is' Thy zeal and Thy might? The multitude of Thy bowels and<br> Thy mercies Towards me have <b>refrained</b> themselves. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tenderness.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/refraineth.htm"><span class="l">Refraineth (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/refraineth.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dionysia.htm"><span class="l">Dionysia</span></a><br><b>...</b> These had peculiar doctrines and observances. They had their foundation in Orphic<br> mysticism. The members <b>refrained</b> from eating the flesh of animals. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dionysia.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dagon.htm"><span class="l">Dagon (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The sacred writer adds that from that time on the priests of Dagon and all those<br> that entered the house of Dagon <b>refrained</b> from stepping upon the miphtan of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dagon.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/panting.htm"><span class="l">Panting (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (YLT). Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and <b>refrained</b><br> myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/panting.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beauteous.htm"><span class="l">Beauteous (15 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Thy zeal and Thy might? The multitude of Thy bowels and Thy mercies Towards<br> me have <b>refrained</b> themselves. (YLT). Jeremiah 3:19 And <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beauteous.htm - 11k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/David-loyal-Saul.html">Why was David so loyal to Saul after everything Saul had done to him? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/death-of-Saul.html">Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-do-you-say-that-I-am.html">Why did Jesus ask the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/refrained.htm">Refrained: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Refrained (14 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/19-33.htm">John 19:33</a></span><br />Then they came to Jesus Himself: but when they saw that He was already dead, they <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> from breaking His legs.<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm">2 Corinthians 1:23</a></span><br />But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn't come to Corinth to spare you.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a></span><br />When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn't a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and went out, and <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> himself, and said, Set on bread.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-4.htm">2 Samuel 12:4</a></span><br />A traveler came to the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man who had come to him, but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man who had come to him."<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/esther/5-10.htm">Esther 5:10</a></span><br />Nevertheless Haman <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/29-9.htm">Job 29:9</a></span><br />The princes <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalms 39:2</a></span><br />I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Psalms 40:9</a></span><br />I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/119-101.htm">Psalms 119:101</a></span><br />I have <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Isaiah 42:14</a></span><br />I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/63-15.htm">Isaiah 63:15</a></span><br />Look attentively from the heavens, And see from Thy holy and beauteous habitation, Where 'is' Thy zeal and Thy might? The multitude of Thy bowels and Thy mercies Towards me have <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> themselves.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/14-10.htm">Jeremiah 14:10</a></span><br />Thus says Yahweh to this people, Even so have they loved to wander; they have not <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> their feet: therefore Yahweh does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/haggai/1-10.htm">Haggai 1:10</a></span><br />Therefore, over you <span class="boldtext">refrained</span> have the heavens from dew, And the land hath refrained its increase.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/refrained.htm">Refrained</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/refrained.htm">Refrained (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/washeth.htm">Washeth (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wanteth.htm">Wanteth (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/refrains.htm">Refrains (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/transgression.htm">Transgression (70 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/refrain_of_restoration.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Refrain of Restoration"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Refrain of Restoration" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/refraineth.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Refraineth"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Refraineth" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>