Strain
TextsWhat is the meaning of Strain in the Bible?
Straining refers to the practice of filtering wine or water through cloth to remove small insects, a custom rooted in Levitical purity laws. Jesus cites this practice in Matthew 23:24 to criticize religious leaders for meticulously observing minor ritual details while neglecting more significant matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the cultural context of straining clarifies the specific daily action Jesus references, highlighting his rhetorical strategy of using a common household task to expose the hypocrisy of prioritizing trivial regulations over ethical integrity and genuine devotion.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Strain in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Strain clarify?
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.