The term "constrained" in the biblical context often refers to being compelled or urged by a force, whether internal or external, to act in a certain way. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, where individuals are moved by the Spirit of God, by circumstances, or by a sense of duty to fulfill God's purposes.

Biblical Usage and Examples:

1. Divine Compulsion:
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently speaks of being constrained by the love of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 , Paul writes, "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." Here, the term "compels" is synonymous with being constrained, indicating a powerful internal motivation driven by the love and sacrifice of Christ. This divine compulsion is not burdensome but rather a joyful response to the grace received.

2. Moral and Ethical Urgency:
The concept of being constrained can also relate to a moral or ethical urgency to act. In Acts 20:22 , Paul says, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." The Holy Spirit constrains Paul, urging him to proceed with his mission despite the uncertainty and potential danger. This reflects a deep commitment to God's calling, where the believer is moved to act beyond personal comfort or safety.

3. Human Constraints:
While divine constraint is often positive, Scripture also acknowledges human constraints that can be limiting or negative. In the parable of the wedding banquet, Jesus speaks of guests who are constrained by worldly concerns and excuses, preventing them from attending the feast (Luke 14:18-20). These constraints highlight the distractions and priorities that can hinder one's relationship with God.

4. Constrained by Circumstances:
The Bible also illustrates how circumstances can constrain individuals, leading them to rely on God's provision and guidance. In the account of Jonah, the prophet is constrained by a storm and a great fish, ultimately leading him to fulfill God's command to preach to Nineveh (Jonah 1-3). These constraints serve as divine interventions that redirect human actions towards God's will.

Theological Implications:

The notion of being constrained in the Bible underscores the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty. Believers are called to discern the source of their constraints, whether they are led by the Spirit or hindered by worldly concerns. The concept encourages Christians to submit to God's leading, trusting that His constraints are for their ultimate good and His glory.

In summary, the biblical understanding of being constrained involves a dynamic interplay between divine influence, moral obligation, and human circumstances. It challenges believers to evaluate their motivations and align their actions with God's purposes, recognizing that true freedom is found in being constrained by His love and Spirit.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Constrain.

2. (a.) Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed; as, a constrained manner; a constrained tone.

317. anagkastos -- necessarily
... See 318 (). Word Origin adverb from anagkastos (forced, constrained) Definition
necessarily NASB Word Usage under compulsion (1). by constraint. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/317.htm - 6k6271. Athalyah -- daughter of Ahab, also three Israelites
... Or mathalyahuw {ath-al-yaw'-hoo}; from the same as Athlay and Yahh; Jah has constrained;
Athaljah, the name of an Israelitess and two Israelites -- Athaliah. ...
/hebrew/6271.htm - 6k

6735. tsiyr -- an envoy, messenger
... Or mental pressure); also a herald or errand-doer (as constrained by the principal) --
ambassador, hinge, messenger, pain, pang, sorrow. Compare tsiyr. ...
/hebrew/6735.htm - 5k

'Constrained by the Word'
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END 'CONSTRAINED BY THE WORD'. 'And when Silas and
Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/constrained by the word.htm

He Again Shows Eunomius, Constrained by Truth, in the Character of ...
... Section 5. He again shows Eunomius, constrained by truth, in the character of an
advocate of the orthodox doctrine, confessing as most proper and primary, not ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 he again shows.htm

Of the Fact that the Pagans, when Constrained to Laud Christ, have ...
... the harmony of the gospels.Book I. Chapter XV."Of the Fact that the Pagans, When
Constrained to Laud Christ, Have Launched Their Insults Against His Disciples ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xv of the fact that.htm

Our Lord Subdued his Might and Constrained It, that his Living ...
... Hymn XXXVI. Our Lord subdued His might and constrained it, that His living
death might give life to Adam. 1. Our Lord subdued His ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxvi our lord subdued.htm

And as in the Kingdoms of Earth we are in no Wise Constrained ...
... Book III. 3 And as in the kingdoms of earth we are in no wise constrained
expressly to? And as in the kingdoms of earth we are ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/3 and as in the.htm

Julian's Fourth Objection, that Man is God's Work, and is not ...
... A Treatise against two letters of the pelagians, Chapter 36 [XVIII.]"Julian's Fourth
Objection, that Man is God's Work, and is Not Constrained to Evil or ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 36 xviii julians fourth objection.htm

The Disciples in Conflict. Jesus Walks Upon the Waters.
... why we have taken up this subject is the passage under discussion which tells that
Jesus separated the disciples from the multitudes, and constrained them to ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/5 the disciples in conflict.htm

Acts xvi. 13, 14
... And she constrained us [820] " (v.15): then look at her wisdom, how she importunes
(dusophei), the Apostles how full of humility her words are, how full of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm

Interpretation of the Details in the Narrative. Application ...
... since God is faithful, and will not suffer the multitudes to be tempted above that
they are able, [5387] in what way the Son of God constrained the disciples ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 interpretation of the details.htm

Columban.
... When he had reached the age of thirty years, he felt himself constrained to go forth
to preach the Gospel, and introduce Christian education amongst the rude ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/columban.htm

Constrained (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed; as, a constrained
manner; a constrained tone. ...Constrained (14 Occurrences). ...
/c/constrained.htm - 10k

Constrain (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To violate; to ravish. 6. (vt) To produce in such a manner as to give an
unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/c/constrain.htm - 9k

Constrainedly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) By constraint or compulsion; in a constrained
manner. Multi-Version Concordance Constrainedly (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/constrainedly.htm - 6k

Ship (122 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship,
and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. ...
/s/ship.htm - 36k

Abide (162 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it
is toward evening, and the day is far spent. ... And she constrained us. ...
/a/abide.htm - 38k

Till (774 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:22 And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat,
and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes ...
/t/till.htm - 36k

Straightway (96 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship,
and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. ...
/s/straightway.htm - 35k

Enter (372 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:22 And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat,
and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes ...
/e/enter.htm - 39k

Straight (196 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship,
and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. ...
/s/straight.htm - 37k

Zophar (4 Occurrences)
... the wicked man's woes to the extreme (20:5-29), and calls forth a straight
contradiction from Job, who, not in wrath, but in dismay, is constrained by loyalty ...
/z/zophar.htm - 10k

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Constrained: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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