Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "spur" is often associated with the idea of encouragement, motivation, or provocation towards a particular action or behavior, especially in the context of faith and good works. The term itself is not frequently used in the Bible, but its thematic implications are significant in understanding Christian conduct and community life.Biblical References: 1. Hebrews 10:24 : "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." This verse is a direct exhortation to believers to actively encourage and motivate each other towards love and good works. The imagery of a spur, which is a device used to urge a horse forward, is metaphorically applied to the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability. 2. Proverbs 27:17 : "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." While the term "spur" is not used here, the concept is similar. The idea of sharpening implies a process of improvement and refinement, much like spurring involves prompting someone to action. This proverb highlights the value of relationships in fostering spiritual growth and moral excellence. Theological Implications: The notion of spurring one another is deeply rooted in the communal aspect of the Christian faith. It underscores the responsibility of believers to support and challenge each other in their spiritual journeys. This encouragement is not merely passive but involves active engagement and sometimes even confrontation to promote growth and adherence to Christian values. Practical Application: In practical terms, spurring one another can take various forms, such as offering words of encouragement, providing constructive feedback, or setting an example through one's own actions. It involves a balance of grace and truth, ensuring that the motivation provided is both loving and aligned with biblical principles. Historical Context: In the early Christian communities, as depicted in the New Testament, the practice of spurring one another was vital for maintaining faithfulness amidst persecution and societal pressures. The communal gatherings, teachings, and shared life experiences served as platforms for believers to encourage and edify each other. Related Concepts: · Exhortation: Closely related to the idea of spurring, exhortation involves urging someone to pursue a course of action, often with a sense of urgency and earnestness. · Accountability: The practice of holding one another accountable is a form of spurring, ensuring that individuals remain committed to their faith and moral obligations. · Discipleship: Spurring is an integral part of discipleship, where more mature believers guide and motivate others in their spiritual growth. In summary, the concept of "spur" in the biblical context is a powerful metaphor for the role of encouragement and motivation within the Christian community, emphasizing the collective responsibility to foster love, good deeds, and spiritual maturity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A sparrow.2. (n.) A tern. 3. (n.) An implement secured to the heel, or above the heel, of a horseman, to urge the horse by its pressure. Modern spurs have a small wheel, or rowel, with short points. Spurs were the badge of knighthood. 4. (n.) That which goads to action; an incitement. 5. (n.) Something that projects; a snag. 6. (n.) One of the large or principal roots of a tree. 7. (n.) Any stiff, sharp spine, as on the wings and legs of certain birds, on the legs of insects, etc.; especially, the spine on a cock's leg. 8. (n.) A mountain that shoots from any other mountain, or range of mountains, and extends to some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles. 9. (n.) A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale, to strip off the blubber. 10. (n.) A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut. 11. (n.) The short wooden buttress of a post. 12. (n.) A projection from the round base of a column, occupying the angle of a square plinth upon which the base rests, or bringing the bottom bed of the base to a nearly square form. It is generally carved in leafage. 13. (n.) Any projecting appendage of a flower looking like a spur. 14. (n.) Ergotized rye or other grain. 15. (n.) A wall that crosses a part of a rampart and joins to an inner wall. 16. (n.) A piece of timber fixed on the bilge ways before launching, having the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side. 17. (n.) A curved piece of timber serving as a half to support the deck where a whole beam can not be placed. 18. (v. t.) To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse. 19. (v. t.) To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object; to incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to impel; to drive. 20. (v. t.) To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot. 21. (v. i.) To spur on one' horse; to travel with great expedition; to hasten; hence, to press forward in any pursuit. Greek 3951. parotruno -- to urge on, to stir up ... urge on. Word Origin from para and otruno (to spur) Definition to urge on, to stir up NASB Word Usage incited (1). stir up. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3951.htm - 6k 1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault 3729. hormao -- to set in motion, to hasten on Strong's Hebrew 7926. shekem -- shoulder... place of burdens. From shakam; the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill -- back, X consent, portion, shoulder. ... /hebrew/7926.htm - 6k Library Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ... Whether the Vestments of the Ministers are Fittingly Instituted in ... The Work of God in Our Work. The Nile and Egypt The Preface The Secret of True Obedience. The Third Season Of Revenge. Application of these Motives Grundtvig's Later Years Thesaurus Spur (3 Occurrences)... (n.) Any projecting appendage of a flower looking like a spur. ... (vt) To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse. ... /s/spur.htm - 9k Spurred (3 Occurrences) Prick (2 Occurrences) Zion (169 Occurrences) City Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Offset (3 Occurrences) Gear (3 Occurrences) Gerizim (4 Occurrences) Improvise (1 Occurrence) Resources Does a Christian have to attend every service a church has? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about trusting others? | GotQuestions.org Spur: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spur (3 Occurrences)Hebrews 10:24 Isaiah 9:11 Isaiah 19:2 Subtopics Related Terms |