In the context of the Bible, the concept of subtraction is not directly addressed in terms of mathematical operations as we understand them today. However, the idea of taking away or removing is present in various scriptural themes and narratives. The act of subtraction can be seen metaphorically in spiritual, moral, and covenantal contexts.

Spiritual and Moral Subtraction

The Bible often speaks of the removal of sin and the purification of the believer. This can be seen as a form of spiritual subtraction, where God takes away the iniquities of His people. In Psalm 103:12 , it is written, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." This verse highlights the divine act of subtracting sin from the believer's life, emphasizing God's mercy and forgiveness.

In the New Testament, the concept of removing or subtracting sinful behaviors is also evident. Colossians 3:8 instructs believers, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." Here, the apostle Paul encourages the subtraction of negative traits and behaviors as part of the sanctification process.

Covenantal Subtraction

The idea of subtraction is also present in the context of God's covenants with His people. In the Old Testament, when the Israelites broke their covenant with God, there were consequences that involved the removal of blessings or protection. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. When the Israelites failed to uphold their part of the covenant, they experienced a subtraction of divine favor and protection.

Warnings Against Altering Scripture

A significant aspect of subtraction in the biblical context is the warning against subtracting from God's Word. In Deuteronomy 4:2 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you." This command underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of God's Word without subtraction or addition.

Similarly, in Revelation 22:19 , there is a stern warning: "And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." This passage highlights the seriousness of subtracting from the divine revelation, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to the complete message of Scripture.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly discuss subtraction in mathematical terms, the concept is woven throughout its teachings in spiritual, moral, and covenantal dimensions. The removal of sin, the consequences of disobedience, and the integrity of Scripture all reflect the broader biblical understanding of subtraction.(v. t.) To withdraw, or take away, as a part from the whole; to deduct; as, subtract 5 from 9, and the remainder is 4.

The Three Things which are Found in Love must be Considered.
... For if we subtract the body from that which is man, which is so called
with the conjunction of body, the mind and spirit remain. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 2 the three things which.htm

The System of Marcus Shown to be that of Pythagoras, by Quotations ...
... And at one time they collect the number of this (trio) into an entire sum, and produce
a triacontad; whereas at another time they subtract twelve, and reckon ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xlvii the system of marcus.htm

Preface to the Book
... Word. It is flexible. The teacher can add or subtract as time or local
conditions demand, and is earnestly exhorted so to do. One ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/preface to the book.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... That also God wishes to have protected, and He has commanded that no one
shall subtract from, or curtail, his neighbor's possessions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

Chapter viii
... But since the closing of these two cannot subtract from the waters but merely prevents
further increase, the mention of these two is brought in as an ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter viii.htm

Letter Lxxxv. To Paulinus.
... forced therefore to translate a book in which there is more of bad than of good,
and to keep to this rule that I should neither add nor subtract but should ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxv to paulinus.htm

Whether the Whole Good of Human Nature Can be Destroyed by Sin
... in 1 Physics, text 37, any finite magnitude will at length be exhausted if the same
quantity is repeatedly taken from it"if I were to subtract a handbreadth ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether the whole.htm

System of the Arithmeticians; Predictions through Calculations ...
... For example, if I divide 19 into 9, the remainder is 1, for 9 times 2 are 18, and
there is a remaining monad: for if I subtract 18 from 19, there is a ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xiv system of the arithmeticians.htm

A Question on the Different Ways of Keeping Lent.
... in some countries a possibly more earnest care for religion seems to have added
a seventh week as well, though neither number when you subtract Sunday and ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxiv a question on.htm

Council of Ariminum .
... heresies were undone. To this faith to add aught is verily perilous; from
it to subtract aught is to run great risk. If it have ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xv council of ariminum.htm

Subtract (1 Occurrence)
... (vt) To withdraw, or take away, as a part from the whole; to deduct; as, subtract
5 from 9, and the remainder is 4. ...Subtract (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/subtract.htm - 6k

Suburb (5 Occurrences)

/s/suburb.htm - 8k

Diminish (22 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To make smaller by a half step; to make (an interval) less than minor;
as, a diminished seventh. 4. (vt) To take away; to subtract. ...
/d/diminish.htm - 14k

Subtly (3 Occurrences)

/s/subtly.htm - 7k

Septuagint
... enthusiasm and begged that a copy might be entrusted to their leaders; a solemn
curse was pronounced on any who should venture to add to or subtract from or ...
/s/septuagint.htm - 38k

Jude (4 Occurrences)
... If one of the two did actually copy from the other, he was careful to add, subtract,
and change what he found in his "source" as best suited his purpose. ...
/j/jude.htm - 40k

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

/e/epistle.htm - 101k

Summary of the Book of Deuteronomy - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

The closed canon'what are the implications? | GotQuestions.org

Why is sound doctrine so important? | GotQuestions.org

Subtract: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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