CINXE.COM

<!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: Chafe</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/chafe.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/1_timothy/5-11.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/c/chafe.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> > Chafe</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/c/chaereas.htm" title="Chaereas">◄</a> Chafe <a href="/topical/c/chafed.htm" title="Chafed">►</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="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <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="#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>In biblical terms, the concept of "chafe" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures, but the idea can be related to themes of irritation, friction, and discomfort, both physically and spiritually. The term "chafe" generally refers to the irritation caused by rubbing or friction, which can be applied metaphorically to describe emotional or spiritual discomfort.<br><br><b>Physical Chafing:</b><br><br>While the Bible does not explicitly mention "chafing" in the physical sense, it does address issues of physical discomfort and suffering. For instance, in the context of labor and toil, <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a> describes the curse upon Adam, where God says, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground." This passage highlights the physical challenges and discomforts that humanity would face as a result of the Fall.<br><br><b>Emotional and Spiritual Chafing:</b><br><br>The concept of emotional or spiritual chafing can be seen in the struggles and trials faced by individuals in the Bible. For example, the account of Job illustrates a profound sense of spiritual and emotional discomfort. Job experiences intense suffering and questions God's justice, leading to a period of spiritual chafing as he grapples with his faith and understanding of God's will. <a href="/job/3.htm">Job 3:1</a> states, "After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth." This expression of anguish reflects the inner turmoil and friction Job experiences.<br><br>Similarly, the Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" in <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-9</a> , which can be seen as a form of spiritual chafing. Paul writes, "To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" Here, the "thorn" represents a persistent source of discomfort that serves a greater purpose in Paul's spiritual journey.<br><br><b>Chafing in Relationships:</b><br><br>Interpersonal relationships in the Bible also reflect the concept of chafing, where friction and conflict arise between individuals. <a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a> states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This proverb suggests that while relationships can cause friction, they also have the potential to refine and strengthen individuals. The process of "sharpening" implies a form of chafing that ultimately leads to growth and improvement.<br><br>The account of Jacob and Esau provides another example of relational chafing. Their relationship is marked by conflict and tension, beginning with Jacob's deception to receive Esau's birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). Despite the initial friction, their eventual reconciliation in <a href="/bsb/genesis/33.htm">Genesis 33</a> demonstrates the possibility of healing and restoration.<br><br><b>Chafing as a Catalyst for Growth:</b><br><br>Throughout the Bible, instances of chafing—whether physical, emotional, or relational—often serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a> encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage underscores the idea that discomfort and friction can lead to spiritual maturity and completeness.<br><br>In summary, while the term "chafe" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in various forms of physical, emotional, and relational discomfort. These experiences, though challenging, are often depicted as opportunities for growth, refinement, and deeper reliance on God's grace and strength.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>v. t.</I>) To excite heat in by friction; to rub in order to stimulate and make warm.<p>2. (<I>v. t.</I>) To excite passion or anger in; to fret; to irritate.<p>3. (<I>v. t.</I>) To fret and wear by rubbing; as, to chafe a cable.<p>4. (<I>v. i.</I>) To rub; to come together so as to wear by rubbing; to wear by friction.<p>5. (<I>v. i.</I>) To be worn by rubbing; as, a cable chafes.<p>6. (<I>v. i.</I>) To have a feeling of vexation; to be vexed; to fret; to be irritated.<p>7. (<I>n.</I>) Heat excited by friction.<p>8. (<I>n.</I>) Injury or wear caused by friction.<p>9. (<I>n.</I>) Vexation; irritation of mind; rage.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">CHAFE</span><p>chaf (mar, "bitter"; hence, bitter of soul, deadly, destructive, ferocious, "as a bear robbed of her whelps"): Occurs only in <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8</a>; used by Hushai to characterize David's supposedly fierce mood at the time of Absalom's armed rebellion.<p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/finney/the_backslider_in_heart/iv_what_are_consequences_of.htm"><span class="l">What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He will <b>chafe</b> in almost every relation of life, will allow himself to be vexed,<br> and to get into such relations with some persons, and perhaps with many, that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iv what are consequences of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chapin/humanity_in_the_city/discourse_iv_the_symbols_of.htm"><span class="l">The Symbols of the Republic.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of Europe. It stretches itself out over three continents. The waves of<br> three oceans <b>chafe</b> against its shaggy sides. The energies <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse iv the symbols of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ward/a_coal_from_the_altar_to_kindle_the_holy_fire_of_zeale/the_fift_part.htm"><span class="l">The Fift Part.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But heere mee thinke I heare the lukewarme worldling of our times, fume & <b>chafe</b>,<br> and aske what needs all this adoe for zeale, as if all Gods people were not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the fift part.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_1_1855/conversion.htm"><span class="l">Conversion</span></a> <br><b>...</b> They take him up, give him remedies; and hastening to their hostel, they lay him<br> by the fire, and warm and <b>chafe</b> him, looking into his face with kindly anxiety <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/conversion.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hutton/history_of_the_moravian_church/chapter_vi_luke_of_prague.htm"><span class="l">Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Church he must first lay down his rank. But now that rule was beginning to<br> gall and <b>chafe</b>. They were winning golden opinions on every <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bacon/the_hymns_of_martin_luther/xxxii_von_himmel_kam_der.htm"><span class="l">Von Himmel Kam Der Engel Schaar. To Shepherds, as they Watched by <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> 4. What harm can sin and death then do? The true God now abides with you: Let<br> hell and Satan chide and <b>chafe</b>, God is your fellow-ye are safe. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxxii von himmel kam der.htm</font><p><a href="/library/naylor/heart_talks/talk_thirty_fret_not_thyself.htm"><span class="l">Fret not Thyself</span></a> <br><b>...</b> FRET NOT THYSELF. To fret means to <b>chafe</b>, to be irritated, to be uneasy, to be troubled<br> and bothered. It is just the opposite of peaceful, trustful rest. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty fret not thyself.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_d/talitha_cumi.htm"><span class="l">Talitha Cumi</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The father's impatience would be satisfied when they were on their way, but how<br> he would <b>chafe</b>, and think every moment an age, while Jesus stayed, as if at <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/talitha cumi.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_about_jesus/theres_more_of_god_since.htm"><span class="l">There's More of God Since Jesus Went Back.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> daily round. Did no temptation come those years to <b>chafe</b> a bit and fret<br> and wonder and yearn after the great outside world? Who <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/theres more of god since.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_xlviii_to_pammachius.htm"><span class="l">Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If men of the world <b>chafe</b> under the notion that they occupy a position inferior<br> to that of virgins, I wonder that clergymen and monks"who both live celibate <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlviii to pammachius.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/chafe.htm"><span class="l"><b>Chafe</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (vt) To excite passion or anger in; to fret; to irritate. 3. (vt) To fret and<br> wear by rubbing; as, to <b>chafe</b> a cable. <b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>CHAFE</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/chafe.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fret.htm"><span class="l">Fret (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (vt) To rub; to wear away by friction; to <b>chafe</b>; to gall; hence, to eat away;<br> to gnaw; as, to fret cloth; to fret a piece of gold or other metal; a worm <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fret.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rub.htm"><span class="l">Rub (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sandpaper. 2. (vt) To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction;<br> to graze; to <b>chafe</b>; as, the boat rubs the ground. 3 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rub.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/chide.htm"><span class="l">Chide (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) Fig.: To be noisy about; to <b>chafe</b> against. <b>...</b> 4. (vi) To make a<br> clamorous noise; to <b>chafe</b>. 5. (n.) A continuous noise or murmur. Int. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/chide.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gall.htm"><span class="l">Gall (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7. (vt) To fret and wear away by friction; to hurt or break the skin of by rubbing;<br> to <b>chafe</b>; to injure the surface of by attrition; as, a saddle galls the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gall.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/worry.htm"><span class="l">Worry (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4. (vi) To feel or express undue care and anxiety; to manifest disquietude or pain;<br> to be fretful; to <b>chafe</b>; as, the child worries; the horse worries. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/worry.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fray.htm"><span class="l">Fray (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> frays badly. 7. (n.) A fret or <b>chafe</b>, as in cloth; a place injured by rubbing.<br> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FRAY. fra (haradh <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fray.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/enrol.htm"><span class="l">Enrol (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Timothy 5:11 But the younger widows you must not enrol; for as soon as they begin<br> to <b>chafe</b> against the yoke of Christ, they want to marry, (WEY RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/enrol.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/chaereas.htm"><span class="l">Chaereas</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/chaereas.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/chafed.htm"><span class="l">Chafed (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of <b>Chafe</b>. Multi-Version Concordance<br> Chafed (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/chafed.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-anarchy.html">What does the Bible say about anarchy/anarchism? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/chafe.htm">Chafe: 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">Chafe (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">1 Timothy 5:11</a></span><br />But the younger widows you must not enrol; for as soon as they begin to <span class="boldtext">chafe</span> against the yoke of Christ, they want to marry,<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/chafe.htm">Chafe</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chaff.htm">Chaff (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/whelps.htm">Whelps (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fret.htm">Fret (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fretted.htm">Fretted (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/embittered.htm">Embittered (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/demetrius.htm">Demetrius (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bitter.htm">Bitter (203 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bitterness.htm">Bitterness (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chafe.htm">Chafe (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoulder.htm">Shoulder (72 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/chaereas.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Chaereas"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Chaereas" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/chafed.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Chafed"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Chafed" /></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>