Painfulness
TextsWhat is the meaning of Painfulness in the Bible?
The Greek term ponos, translated as painfulness, refers to toil, labor, or severe anxiety. In the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, it describes the intense physical exertion, hardship, and emotional distress experienced by missionaries and leaders during the establishment and care of early Christian communities.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the meaning of ponos helps readers appreciate the human cost of early Christian ministry. It reveals that apostolic work involved genuine suffering and relentless effort, providing a more realistic view of the challenges faced by early church leaders and the depth of their commitment to spreading the faith.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Painfulness in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Painfulness clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.