Compressed
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The term "compressed" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept can be related to various biblical themes and teachings that involve pressure, constraint, or the narrowing of paths and choices. In a spiritual sense, the idea of compression can be associated with the challenges and trials that believers face, as well as the disciplined life that Christianity often requires.

Narrow Path and Gate

One of the most direct biblical concepts related to compression is the "narrow path" or "narrow gate" mentioned by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 7:13-14 , Jesus teaches, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This passage suggests that the path to eternal life is compressed, requiring focus, discipline, and perseverance. The narrowness implies a restriction that demands a conscious choice to follow Christ amidst worldly temptations.

Trials and Tribulations

The concept of being compressed can also be seen in the trials and tribulations that believers endure. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , the Apostle Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." Here, the imagery of being "hard pressed" reflects a form of compression, where external pressures are intense, yet through faith, believers are sustained and not overcome.

Discipline and Self-Control

Compression can also be metaphorically linked to the discipline and self-control required in the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 , Paul uses the analogy of an athlete: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." The discipline described here involves a compression of desires and actions to align with God's will.

Spiritual Growth and Refinement

The process of spiritual growth can also be seen as a form of compression, where believers are refined and purified through various experiences. In James 1:2-4 , it is written, "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." The trials serve as a compressive force that shapes and strengthens the believer's faith.

Conclusion

While the term "compressed" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the form of narrow paths, trials, discipline, and spiritual refinement. These elements highlight the challenges and growth opportunities inherent in the Christian journey, emphasizing the need for steadfastness and reliance on God's strength.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (imp. & p. p.) of Compress.

2. (a.) Pressed together; compacted; reduced in volume by pressure.

3. (a.) Flattened lengthwise.

Greek
4727. stenazo -- to groan (within oneself)
... 4727 (from 4728 , "compressed, constricted") -- properly, to because of pressure
of being (like the forward pressure of ); (figuratively) to feel pressure from ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4727.htm - 7k
Strong's Hebrew
6697. tsur -- rock, cliff
... Or tsur {tsoor}; from tsuwr; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed);
generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as ...
/hebrew/6697.htm - 6k
Library

Now as a New Thickness of Darkness, Hardness, or Substantiality...
... And this same divine fiat, or creating power, which coagulated the grossness into
earth and stones, compressed or coagulated all that was substantial, or ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-33 now as a new.htm

Of the Voice.
... For the voice is not produced outside of the mouth, but within, and therefore that
opinion is more probable, that the breath, being compressed, when it has ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap xv of the voice.htm

Introduction
... Their style is compressed and turbulent, reflecting the brusque and impetuous nature
of their author (Trall., ch.4), as well as the irritation of a captive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction 2.htm

What Then? do the Gods Remain Always in Such Substances...
... In this way, then, it follows that we should understand that the gods contract
themselves in [4715] little statuettes, and are compressed till they become like ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/18 what then do the.htm

Works by the Rev. Marcus Dods, DD
... "When we compare it with even the best of the extant volumes on the same subject,
we are bound to acknowledge that Dr. Dods has compressed into the 247 pages ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/works by the rev marcus.htm

Preface
... condition of the Church in all parts of the world, from the time of our Lord down
to the end of the fifteenth century, the narrative being compressed into as ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/preface.htm

The Moral Reactions of Prayer
... incapable of prayer. The theory of religion is really the philosophy of prayer;
and the best theology is compressed prayer. The true ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter iii the moral reactions.htm

Vesalius the Anatomist {9}
... tenderness which he has never known. Alva, too, is there, stern, self-compressed,
most terrible, and yet most beautiful. He has a God on ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/vesalius the anatomist 9.htm

General Introduction.
... for the third grade of wisdom"is supported on the substance of a great and blessed
interpretation, and is as diffuse in meaning as it is compressed in words. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter i general introduction.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... Then, starting from the First Book of Chronicles and reading on to the end of Nehemiah,
we have, in a very compressed form, though enlarged in some parts, a ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Thesaurus
Compressed (1 Occurrence)
...Compressed (1 Occurrence). Matthew 7:14 how strait 'is' the gate, and compressed
the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! (YLT). ...
/c/compressed.htm - 7k

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)
... Their whole attitude was compressed in that one word of Nathanael, by which he voiced
his doubt, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46). ...
/n/nazarene.htm - 18k

Leading (101 Occurrences)
... YLT). Matthew 7:14 how strait 'is' the gate, and compressed the way that
is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! (YLT). ...
/l/leading.htm - 36k

Library
... As a large amount of text had frequently to be compressed into a small space, the
writing is sometimes so minute as to need the assistance of a magnifying ...
/l/library.htm - 16k

Whistle (3 Occurrences)
... gas or steam forced into a cavity, or against a thin edge, produces a sound more
or less like that made by one who whistles through the compressed lips; as, a ...
/w/whistle.htm - 9k

Firm (111 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Fixed; hence, closely compressed; compact; substantial; hard; solid; --
applied to the matter of bodies; as, firm flesh; firm muscles, firm wood. ...
/f/firm.htm - 34k

Finding (57 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 7:14 how strait 'is' the gate, and compressed the way that
is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! (YLT). ...
/f/finding.htm - 23k

Trip (4 Occurrences)
... lowering it. 10. (vt) To release, let fall, or see free, as a weight or
compressed spring, as by removing a latch or detent. 11. (n ...
/t/trip.htm - 9k

Raisins (9 Occurrences)
... they turn unto other gods, and love (margin "or them that love") cakes of raisins."
These are supposed to have been cakes of dried, compressed grapes offered ...
/r/raisins.htm - 12k

Reed (41 Occurrences)
... by the breath. In the clarinet it is a single fiat reed; in the oboe and
bassoon it is double, forming a compressed tube. 9. (n.) One ...
/r/reed.htm - 29k

Resources
Did God sacrifice Himself to Himself to save us from Himself because of a rule He made Himself? | GotQuestions.org

Compressed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Compressed (1 Occurrence)

Matthew 7:14
how strait 'is' the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it!
(YLT)

Subtopics

Compressed

Related Terms

Winks (3 Occurrences)

Perversities (2 Occurrences)

Compresseth (1 Occurrence)

Compressed (1 Occurrence)

Plot (53 Occurrences)

Bent (107 Occurrences)

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