Definition and Meaning:
Respite, in a biblical context, refers to a temporary period of relief or rest from distress, suffering, or labor. It is a pause or intermission that provides an opportunity for recovery or reflection. The concept of respite is often associated with God's mercy and grace, offering a reprieve from judgment or hardship.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Divine Mercy and Judgment:
The notion of respite is evident in the biblical narrative of God's interactions with humanity, where periods of judgment are often followed by moments of mercy. For instance, in the account of the plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh occasionally received a temporary relief from the plagues, which can be seen as a form of respite. This is illustrated in Exodus 8:15 : "But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

2. Sabbath Rest:
The Sabbath is a divinely instituted day of rest, providing a weekly respite for God's people. It is a time set apart for physical rest and spiritual renewal, reflecting God's own rest after creation. Exodus 20:8-10 commands, "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."

3. Spiritual Renewal:
Respite is also a theme in the spiritual renewal and refreshment that believers experience through their relationship with God. Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28 : "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

4. Prophetic Intervals:
In the prophetic literature, periods of respite are sometimes granted between times of judgment, allowing for repentance and return to God. The book of Isaiah speaks of a future time of peace and rest for God's people, as in Isaiah 32:18 : "Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest."

5. Eternal Rest:
The ultimate respite for believers is found in the promise of eternal rest in the presence of God. The book of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath rest" for the people of God, symbolizing the eternal peace and joy that awaits in heaven. Hebrews 4:9-10 states, "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His."

Theological Significance:
Respite in the Bible underscores God's compassion and the hope of relief from the burdens of life. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people to experience peace and restoration. The concept of respite encourages believers to trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that He offers rest for the weary and hope for the future.1. (n.) A rest; a postponement or delay; a break.

2. (n.) Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay.

3. (n.) Temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender; reprieve.

4. (n.) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.

5. (n.) To give or grant a respite to.

6. (n.) To delay or postpone; to put off.

7. (n.) To keep back from execution; to reprieve.

8. (n.) To relieve by a pause or interval of rest.

7309. revachah -- respite, relief
... 7308, 7309. revachah. 7310 . respite, relief. Transliteration: revachah Phonetic
Spelling: (rev-aw-khaw') Short Definition: relief. ... breathing, respite. ...
/hebrew/7309.htm - 6k

7305. revach -- a space, interval, respite, relief
... 7304, 7305. revach. 7306 . a space, interval, respite, relief. Transliteration:
revach Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-vakh) Short Definition: relief. ...
/hebrew/7305.htm - 6k

Misused Respite
... ECCLESIASTES; OR, THE PREACHER MISUSED RESPITE. 'Because ... 11. When the Pharaoh
of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/misused respite.htm

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of ...
... Objection 3: Further, variety of punishment affords a respite, as when one passes
from heat to cold. But we can admit no respite in the damned. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in hell the damned.htm

Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ...
... But they desired that he would give them seven days' respite, that they might send
ambassadors to their countrymen, and entreat their assistance; and if they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 sauls expedition against.htm

Book xii. Epistle i. To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage.
... But since, when we are snatched from peril of death, it is uncertain, dearest brother,
for what we are reserved, let us turn the time of respite to the profit ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/book xii epistle i to.htm

Whether a Man is Bound to Immediate Restitution, or May He Put it ...
... Ecclus.21:2, "Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent." Consequently one is
bound to immediate restitution, if possible, or to ask for a respite from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man is bound 2.htm

In this Passage all Room for Doubt is Removed. In the Former ...
... the mere opinion, not the mature judgment, of another worthy of condemnation who
thinks it possible that the devil may one day have a respite from punishment ...
/.../32 in this passage all.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree.
... The first part of his plea is, Spare: he appeals for a respite of definite and limited
duration,"one year: less would not afford an opportunity for amendment ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xx the barren fig-tree.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... Might not his passions, which were so violent, begin to torment him again after
this respite with greater frenzy than before his conversion? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
... They are: Relapse into idolatry, retribution, respite and deliverance, and brief
return to God. ... III. Respite and deliverance are described in verses 16 and 18. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/israels obstinacy and gods patience.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... Some respite is given. ... What a perversion and abuse of the gracious design of
the King in granting a little respite from instant execution! ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

Respite (8 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
5. (n.) To give or grant a respite to. ...Respite (8 Occurrences). ...
/r/respite.htm - 9k

Respit (2 Occurrences)
... Respit (2 Occurrences). Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite,
he hardened his heart, and didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. ...
/r/respit.htm - 7k

Relief (32 Occurrences)
... Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart,
and didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. (See NAS NIV). ...
/r/relief.htm - 16k

Apple (8 Occurrences)
... He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye," ie Yahweh's; Zechariah 2:8);
bath-`ayin, "daughter of the eye"; "Give thyself no respite, let not the ...
/a/apple.htm - 17k

Naboth (18 Occurrences)
... A temporary respite was given to Ahab because of a repentant mood (1 Kings
21:27-29); but later the blow fell, first upon himself in a conflict with Syria ( ...
/n/naboth.htm - 16k

Resplendent (3 Occurrences)

/r/resplendent.htm - 7k

Enlargement (7 Occurrences)
... Enlargement, the King James Version, Esther 4:14 from rawach, "to enlarge," "to
respite," is rendered "relief" by the Revised Version (British and American) in ...
/e/enlargement.htm - 10k

Enlarge (18 Occurrences)
... Enlargement, the King James Version, Esther 4:14 from rawach, "to enlarge," "to
respite," is rendered "relief" by the Revised Version (British and American) in ...
/e/enlarge.htm - 14k

Malchus (1 Occurrence)
... addressed either to the disciples, ie "Suffer ye that I thus far show kindness to
my captors," or to those about to bind him, ie asking a short respite to heal ...
/m/malchus.htm - 8k

Breath (95 Occurrences)
... am out of breath. 3. (n.) The power of respiration, and hence, life. 4. (n.)
Time to breathe; respite; pause. 5. (n.) A single respiration ...
/b/breath.htm - 38k

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