Definition and Importance
Relaxation, in a biblical context, refers to the state of rest and tranquility that allows individuals to rejuvenate physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is an essential aspect of human life, as it provides the necessary balance to work and labor. The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation, recognizing it as a divine principle established by God.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of relaxation is rooted in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This passage highlights the sanctity of rest, as God Himself rested after His creative work, setting a precedent for humanity.

Sabbath Rest
The Sabbath is a central theme in the Bible concerning relaxation. It is a day set apart for rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-10 : "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's creation and His deliverance, providing an opportunity for physical rest and spiritual renewal.

Jesus and Rest
Jesus Christ also emphasized the importance of rest. In Mark 6:31 , He said to His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This invitation underscores the necessity of withdrawing from the busyness of life to find rest and refreshment in God's presence. Jesus Himself often withdrew to solitary places to pray and rest, as seen in Luke 5:16 : "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray."

Spiritual Rest
Beyond physical rest, the Bible speaks of a deeper, spiritual rest found in Christ. In Matthew 11:28-29 , Jesus invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This rest is characterized by peace and assurance in the salvation and grace offered through Jesus.

Practical Application
The Bible encourages believers to incorporate relaxation into their lives as a means of honoring God and maintaining well-being. Psalm 23:2-3 illustrates this beautifully: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul." This imagery conveys the peace and restoration that come from trusting in God's provision and care.

Balance of Work and Rest
Scripture advocates for a balanced approach to work and rest. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This balance ensures that individuals do not become overwhelmed by the demands of life but instead find time to relax and reflect on God's goodness.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "relaxation," the principles of rest and renewal are woven throughout its teachings. By following the biblical model of rest, believers can experience the fullness of life that God intends, both in their daily routines and in their spiritual journeys.1. (n.) The act or process of relaxing, or the state of being relaxed; as, relaxation of the muscles; relaxation of a law.

2. (n.) Remission from attention and effort; indulgence in recreation, diversion, or amusement.

425. anesis -- a loosening, relaxation
... a loosening, relaxation. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anesis
Phonetic Spelling: (an'-es-is) Short Definition: relief, remission, indulgence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/425.htm - 6k2014. haphugah -- benumbing, cessation
... Word Origin from pug Definition benumbing, cessation NASB Word Usage stopping (1).
intermission. From puwg; relaxation -- intermission. see HEBREW puwg. ...
/hebrew/2014.htm - 6k

The Pretended Relaxation.
... Book IX. Chapter I."The Pretended Relaxation. 1. The imperial edict of
recantation, which has been quoted above, [2710] was posted ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the pretended relaxation.htm

How Useful is Relaxation on the Arrival of Brethren.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XX. How useful is relaxation on
the arrival of brethren. That most refreshing interlude ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xx how useful is.htm

A Question Whether the Relaxation of the Fast is not Prejudicial ...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXI. A question whether the relaxation
of the fast is not prejudicial to the chastity of the body. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxi a question whether.htm

How the Evangelist John is Said to have Shown the Value of ...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXI. How the Evangelist John
is said to have shown the value of relaxation. It is said ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxi how the evangelist.htm

The Answer on the Way to Keep Control Over Abstinence.
... of our discretion goes wrong, we may be fired with the desire for an ill-considered
abstinence, or allured by the wish for an excessive relaxation, and so ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxii the answer on.htm

Of the Time and Measure of Refreshment.
... So then we should keep the observance of the days mentioned in such a way that the
relaxation allowed may be useful rather than harmful to the good of body and ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxiii of the time.htm

On Laughter.
... altogether. For the seemly relaxation of the countenance in a harmonious
manner"as of a musical instrument"is called a smile. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v on laughter.htm

Of the Conveniences of the Coenobium.
... exceeded I say not the measure of that ancient strictness which altogether did without
oil, but is beginning not to be content even with the relaxation of our ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vi of the conveniences.htm

Whether Effeminacy* is Opposed to Perseverance? [*Mollities ...
... Secondly, we may consider the relaxation or rest which is opposed to toil.
Accordingly just as it belongs to effeminacy to be unable ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether effeminacy is opposed to.htm

Whether There Can be a virtue About Games?
... 15): "I pray thee, spare thyself at times: for it becomes a wise man sometimes to
relax the high pressure of his attention to work." Now this relaxation of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be a.htm

Relaxation (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The act or process of relaxing, or the state of being relaxed; as, relaxation
of the muscles; relaxation of a law. ...Relaxation (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/relaxation.htm - 7k

Relax (5 Occurrences)
... rigorous. 7. (vi) To remit attention or effort; to become less diligent;
to unbend; as, to relax in study. 8. (n.) Relaxation. 9 ...
/r/relax.htm - 9k

Knees (47 Occurrences)
... as the outcome of protracted fasting in Ezekiel 7:17 and 21:7, "All knees shall
be weak as water," the expression indicates a complete relaxation of the muscles ...
/k/knees.htm - 23k

Ours (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:5 for also we, having come to Macedonia, no relaxation hath our
flesh had, but on every side we are in tribulation, without 'are' fightings ...
/o/ours.htm - 25k

Wide (206 Occurrences)
... The effect, as explained by Mr. Bell, is due to the relaxation or tension of the
pharynx; as explained by Mr. Sweet and others, it is due to the action of the ...
/w/wide.htm - 37k

Feeble (147 Occurrences)
... as the outcome of protracted fasting in Ezekiel 7:17 and 21:7, "All knees shall
be weak as water," the expression indicates a complete relaxation of the muscles ...
/f/feeble.htm - 38k

Fit (47 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) A passing humor; a caprice; a sudden and unusual effort, activity, or motion,
followed by relaxation or inaction; an impulse and irregular action. 19. ...
/f/fit.htm - 23k

Rest (831 Occurrences)
... (2.) Gr. anapausis, "rest from weariness" (Matthew 11:28). (3.) Gr. anesis,
"relaxation" (2 Thessalonians 1:7). (4.) Gr. sabbatismos ...
/r/rest.htm - 47k

Resolution (1 Occurrence)
... (b) The act of analyzing a complex notion, or solving a vexed question or difficult
problem. 2. (n.) The state of being relaxed; relaxation. ...
/r/resolution.htm - 7k

Repose (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Rest after motion or work; relaxation;
leisure. 2. (v.) To lay at rest; to cause to be calm or ...
/r/repose.htm - 9k

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