Topical Encyclopedia The term "austere" is used in the Bible to describe a character or demeanor that is stern, harsh, or severe. It is most notably found in the Parable of the Ten Minas in the Gospel of Luke. In this parable, Jesus uses the word to describe the character of a nobleman, representing God, who entrusts his servants with money to manage in his absence.Biblical Reference: · Luke 19:21-22 : "For I was afraid of you, because you are an austere man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an austere man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow." In this passage, the servant describes the master as "austere," indicating a perception of the master as demanding and exacting. The master, in turn, uses the servant's own words to judge him, highlighting the servant's failure to act responsibly with what was entrusted to him. The use of "austere" here underscores the seriousness with which God expects His followers to steward the gifts and responsibilities He has given them. Theological Implications: The concept of austerity in this context can be understood as a reflection of God's holiness and justice. God is depicted as a righteous judge who expects His servants to be faithful and diligent. The severity associated with the term "austere" serves to remind believers of the importance of accountability and the consequences of neglecting one's duties. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, a master or nobleman was often seen as a figure of authority and power, with the right to demand strict adherence to his commands. The use of "austere" in the parable would resonate with the audience's understanding of a ruler's expectations and the seriousness of failing to meet them. Application for Believers: For Christians, the depiction of God as "austere" in this parable serves as a call to faithful stewardship. Believers are encouraged to use their talents, resources, and opportunities wisely, knowing that they will be held accountable for their actions. The parable challenges Christians to live with a sense of responsibility and urgency, recognizing the gravity of their calling and the expectation of divine judgment. Related Concepts: · Stewardship: The responsibility to manage and utilize resources and gifts given by God. · Judgment: The divine evaluation of human actions, often associated with accountability and recompense. · Holiness: The attribute of God that denotes His purity, righteousness, and separation from sin. The term "austere" thus serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness with which God views the responsibilities He entrusts to His people, urging them to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Simple; unadorned; sour; astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; an austere instructor.2. (a.) Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life. 3. (a.) Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AUSTEREos-ter' austeros, "harsh," ("rough"): Twice used by Christ in the parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:21, 22), and of special significance as illustrating the false conception of God cherished by the sinful and disobedient. The fear resident in a guilty conscience sees only sternness and severity in God's perfect righteousness. The word may be made an eminent study in the psychology of an evil heart. Wrongdoing eclipses the soul's vision of God's love and pictures His righteousness as harsh, unfeeling, partial, unjust, forbidding. The awfulness of sin may thus be seen in its power so to pervert the soul as to make goodness seem evil, justice unjust, and even love unlovely. Compare "hard" skleros, "dried up," "harsh" in the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:24). Greek 840. austeros -- harsh, severe ... austere, strict. From a (presumed) derivative of the same as aer (meaning blown); rough (properly as a gale), ie (figuratively) severe -- austere. see GREEK aer ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/840.htm - 6k Library Whether it was Becoming that Christ Should Lead an Austere Life in ... Whether Christ's Temptation Should have Taken Place after his Fast ... Felicitous Phrases How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It. Jesus About his Father's Business The Servants and the Pounds. Acts xv. 35 How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It. Christ and Zacch??us the Salvation of the Body as Denied by ... The Parable of the Pounds. Thesaurus Austere (2 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Simple; unadorned; sour; astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; an austere instructor. ...AUSTERE. ... /a/austere.htm - 8k Author (5 Occurrences) Knewest (11 Occurrences) Layedst (2 Occurrences) Tirshatha (5 Occurrences) Takest (17 Occurrences) Rough (24 Occurrences) Reapest (3 Occurrences) Rugged (7 Occurrences) Difficult (31 Occurrences) Resources What is moralism? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be a monk? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ambrose of Milan? | GotQuestions.org Austere: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Austere (2 Occurrences)Luke 19:21 Luke 19:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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