Definition and Context:
In biblical literature, "bypaths" refer to secondary or less-traveled paths that deviate from the main road. These paths often symbolize deviation from the righteous or intended way, both physically and spiritually. The concept of bypaths is used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate the dangers of straying from God's commandments and the path of righteousness.

Biblical References:
The term "bypaths" is not frequently used in the Bible, but the concept is present in various passages that discuss the idea of straying from the correct path. One of the most illustrative uses of this concept is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet warns against the consequences of forsaking God's ways.

· Jeremiah 18:15 : "Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, in the ancient roads, and to walk on bypaths, not on the highway."

In this passage, the "bypaths" symbolize the Israelites' departure from the covenantal path established by God. Instead of following the "ancient roads" or the "highway" of God's commandments, they have chosen to follow their own desires, represented by the bypaths, leading to spiritual and moral decline.

Theological Implications:
The imagery of bypaths serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adhering to God's guidance. In the biblical worldview, the "highway" represents the clear and righteous path laid out by God, characterized by obedience, faithfulness, and trust in His promises. In contrast, bypaths represent human tendencies to seek alternative routes that may appear easier or more appealing but ultimately lead away from God's truth.

The use of bypaths in Scripture underscores the consequences of disobedience and the ease with which one can be led astray. It highlights the need for vigilance and discernment in maintaining one's spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the teachings and principles found in the Bible.

Practical Application:
For believers, the concept of bypaths serves as a cautionary tale about the subtlety of temptation and the ease with which one can drift from the path of righteousness. It encourages self-examination and a commitment to aligning one's life with biblical teachings. By recognizing the allure of bypaths, Christians are reminded to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life, ensuring that their journey remains aligned with His will.

Related Concepts:
· The Narrow Path: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus speaks of the narrow path that leads to life, contrasting it with the broad road that leads to destruction. This teaching complements the idea of bypaths by emphasizing the difficulty and discipline required to stay on the righteous path.
· Wisdom and Discernment: Proverbs frequently addresses the need for wisdom and discernment in choosing the right path, warning against the folly of straying into bypaths that lead to harm and destruction (Proverbs 4:26-27).

In summary, the concept of bypaths in the Bible serves as a metaphor for spiritual deviation and the importance of steadfastness in following God's ordained path. It calls believers to remain vigilant and committed to the teachings of Scripture, avoiding the temptations and distractions that lead away from a life of faithfulness and obedience.(n.) Plural of Bypath.BYPATHS

bi'-pathz.

See BYWAY.

5410b. nethibah -- path, pathway
... Word Origin from the same as nathib Definition path, pathway NASB Word Usage bypaths
(1), path (5), paths (12), streets (1), travelers* (1). 5410a, 5410b. ...
/hebrew/5410b.htm - 5k

The Heresy Traceable to Valentinus, an Able but Restless Man Many ...
... affections of motion. Sundry bypaths were then struck off therefrom, by Heraclean
and Secundus and the magician Marcus. Theotimus worked ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter iv the heresy traceable to.htm

Guidance in the Way
... have the sweet, gracious, companionable guidance of our Lord, let us be sure, to
begin with, that we are 'in the way,' and not in any of the bypaths into which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/guidance in the way.htm

Of the Way of Error and of Truth: that it is Single, Narrow, and ...
... But nevertheless all those paths which display an appearance of honours are not
different roads, but turnings off [1134] and bypaths, which appear indeed to be ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap vii of the way of.htm

But Perhaps, Some one Will Urge, the Ruler of the World Sent ...
... and, as if bereft of eyesight, should see nothing clearly, [3682] and, wandering
from the truth, [3683] should be led through uncertain bypaths of fancy? ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/39 but perhaps some one.htm

We Worship the Gods, You Say, by Means of Images. ...
... Through bypaths, as it were, then, and by assignments to a third party, [4622] as
they are called, they receive and accept your services; and before those to ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/9 we worship the gods.htm

Meantime, However, O You who Wonder and are Astonished at the ...
... Nor do I address those who, scattered through various bypaths of the schools, have
formed this and that insignificant party through diversity of opinion. ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/13 meantime however o you.htm

Genesis.
... The sun's now setting light, they recognise. 115 The sound of the Lord's voice,
and, trembling, haste. To bypaths. Then the Lord of heaven accosts. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/3 genesis.htm

Guelf and Ghibelline. (I)
... Frederick fled northwards before it, and found so much hostility in Lombardy that
it was only by bypaths and in disguise that he was able to make his way out ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter viii guelf and ghibelline.htm

Walamir and St. Telemachus
... head. Then he leant on my arm, and we walked by bypaths to my lodgings,
which the Bishop had assigned to me near the Lateran. Our ...
/.../chapter lix walamir and st.htm

Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ...
... They preached in the churches, they addressed the people on the highroads, they
sought for them in the fields, and followed them up bypaths. ...
/.../lecture ii early mentions of.htm

Bypaths (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Plural of Bypath. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BYPATHS. bi'-pathz.
See BYWAY. Multi-Version Concordance Bypaths (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bypaths.htm - 7k

By-paths (1 Occurrence)
By-paths. Bypaths, By-paths. Byssus . Multi-Version Concordance By-paths
(1 Occurrence). ... Bypaths, By-paths. Byssus . Reference Bible.
/b/by-paths.htm - 6k

Bypass (1 Occurrence)

/b/bypass.htm - 6k

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