In biblical terminology, the concept of "softened" often pertains to the transformation or change of heart, attitude, or disposition, particularly in relation to one's receptiveness to God's will and commandments. This transformation is frequently depicted as a divine intervention or a result of spiritual awakening.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of a softened heart is often juxtaposed with a hardened heart. A hardened heart is resistant to God's commands and is often associated with rebellion and sin. For instance, Pharaoh's heart is described as hardened during the plagues of Egypt, preventing him from releasing the Israelites (Exodus 7:13). In contrast, a softened heart is open to God's guidance and is willing to repent and obey.

Ezekiel 36:26 provides a vivid illustration of this transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Here, the heart of stone symbolizes obstinacy and resistance, while the heart of flesh represents a softened, responsive, and obedient heart.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of a softened heart is central to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often spoke in parables to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those whose hearts were open to understanding. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes different types of soil representing the condition of human hearts in receiving the Word of God (Matthew 13:1-23). The good soil, which yields a fruitful harvest, symbolizes a heart that is softened and receptive to God's message.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of a softened heart in his epistles. In Romans 2:4 , Paul writes, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, the kindness of God is seen as a means to soften hearts, leading individuals to repentance and transformation.

Spiritual Implications

The process of softening one's heart is often associated with repentance, humility, and a willingness to submit to God's will. It involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to embrace a life of obedience and faith. This transformation is not merely a human effort but is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who works within believers to renew their minds and hearts.

In Hebrews 3:7-8 , believers are admonished, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness.'" This passage serves as a warning and an encouragement to remain open and responsive to God's voice.

Practical Application

For Christians, the call to have a softened heart is a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity. It involves regular self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to align one's life with biblical teachings. Engaging with Scripture, participating in communal worship, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit are essential practices in maintaining a heart that is soft and responsive to God's leading.

In summary, the biblical concept of "softened" encompasses a transformation of the heart from resistance to receptivity, facilitated by divine intervention and characterized by repentance, obedience, and spiritual renewal.(imp. & p. p.) of Soften.432. illu -- if, though
... but if, yea though. Probably from 'al; nay, ie (softened) if -- but if, yea though.
see HEBREW 'al. 431, 432. illu. 433 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/432.htm - 5k

7401. rakak -- to be tender, weak or soft
... root Definition to be tender, weak or soft NASB Word Usage faint (1), fainthearted*
(3), grow faint (1), softened (1), softer (1), tender (2). ...
/hebrew/7401.htm - 6k

What Proves God's Love
... just, a trifle hard, and therefore not likely to touch a heart to sacrifice; and
even for a good man, in whom austere righteousness has been softened and made ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/what proves gods love.htm

The vision of God.
... Within that sanctuary dwell. Joys unconceived, unpraised, unsung as yet. Only from
far I hail one mild and softened beam,. Softened to let me live; ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the vision of god.htm

Jupiter is Troubled Enough, Being Overwhelmed with Fear, and ...
... When she saw what his pledge was, [4399] she is somewhat softened, and allows herself
to be recalled to the care of the offspring which she had conceived. ...
/.../21 jupiter is troubled enough.htm

The Answer on the Many Kinds of Food Provided in Holy Scripture.
... are found to be unsuitable for man's use or even harmful unless they have lost all
the roughness of their raw condition by being tempered and softened down by ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii the answer on.htm

The Home Scene.
... In one word, Martha was one of those meteor spirits rushing to and fro amid the
ceaseless activities of life, softened and saddened, but not prostrated and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ii the home scene.htm

The Stony Heart Removed
... Man's heart is like a stone because it is not easily to be softened. Lay a stone
in water as long as you will and you shall not find it readly subdued. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

Of the Synod which was Held at Nic??a in Bithynia, and the Creed ...
... both for the exhortations of the emperor, and the authority of him who was the bearer
of his letter: for neither was Alexander nor Arius softened by this appeal ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii of the synod which.htm

God's Gentle Power
... be those here, and there certainly are those in many places who have passed through
a whole series of judgments, and are rather hardened than softened by them. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

The Evil and Its Remedy
... Do you reply to this, that Christ has certainly softened down the law? I reply,
that ye know not, then, the mission of Christ. What said he himself? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the evil and its remedy.htm

Prior Hugh
... celestial themes. Hugh checked his temper, softened his sentences, and got
him to do good turns to churches and religious places. He ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iii prior hugh.htm

Softened (1 Occurrence)
... & pp) of Soften. Multi-Version Concordance Softened (1 Occurrence). ... They have not
been closed nor bound, Nor have they softened with ointment. (YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/softened.htm - 6k

Soften (1 Occurrence)
... coloring of a picture. 8. (vt) To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate;
as, troops softened by luxury. 9. (vt) To make less ...
/s/soften.htm - 7k

Furrow (3 Occurrences)
... When the showers had softened the earth, the seed was sown and the soil turned over
with the plow and left in furrows, not harrowed and pulverized as in our ...
/f/furrow.htm - 9k

Terah (12 Occurrences)
... In Jubilees 12 this is softened into explaining that through fear of his life Terah
was forced to yield outward conformity to the idolatrous worship of his ...
/t/terah.htm - 13k

Melt (33 Occurrences)
... the mouth. 6. (vi) Hence: To be softened; to become tender, mild, or gentle;
also, to be weakened or subdued, as by fear. 7. (vi ...
/m/melt.htm - 17k

Pap
... 3. (n.) A soft food for infants, made of bread boiled or softened in milk or water.
4. (n.) Nourishment or support from official patronage; as, treasury pap. ...
/p/pap.htm - 7k

Ahimaaz (15 Occurrences)
... death. By his reluctance and his sympathy he softened a little the message,
which the Cushite presently repeated more harshly. That ...
/a/ahimaaz.htm - 14k

Softening (1 Occurrence)

/s/softening.htm - 6k

Sop (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) Anything steeped, or dipped and softened, in any liquid; especially, something
dipped in broth or liquid food, and intended to be eaten. ...
/s/sop.htm - 8k

Oil (281 Occurrences)
... oil. The fruit thus softened may be trod out with the feet (Micah
6:15)-which is now seldom practiced-or crushed in a handmill. ...
/o/oil.htm - 60k

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