⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The term 'forbid' appears infrequently in the Old Testament, typically rendering Hebrew verbs such as 'atsar' (to restrain) or 'qahal' (to assemble/prohibit), while in the New Testament it frequently translates Greek terms like 'koluō' (to hinder or stop) and 'apecheō' (to keep away).
What is the meaning of Forbid in the Bible?
The term 'forbid' appears infrequently in the Old Testament, typically rendering Hebrew verbs such as 'atsar' (to restrain) or 'qahal' (to assemble/prohibit), while in the New Testament it frequently translates Greek terms like 'koluō' (to hinder or stop) and 'apecheō' (to keep away).
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific Hebrew and Greek roots behind 'forbid' clarifies whether a biblical prohibition implies a physical restraint, a legal injunction, or a ritual separation, thereby refining the interpretation of divine commands and social boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Forbid in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Forbid clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.