Sickness

In the Bible, sickness is often understood both as a physical ailment and as a condition that may have spiritual implications. The Hebrew word for sickness is "חָלָי" (ḥālâ), which can refer to various forms of illness or weakness (Deuteronomy 7:15; Jeremiah 30:13). In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀσθένεια" (astheneia) denotes weakness or infirmity and is used in contexts that highlight both physical and spiritual ailments (Matthew 8:17; 2 Corinthians 12:9). Biblically, sickness is sometimes seen as a result of sin or disobedience (John 5:14), but it can also serve a greater purpose, such as testing faith or demonstrating God's power (John 9:3; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Healing from sickness is a significant theme, exemplified in the ministry of Jesus, who healed the sick as a demonstration of compassion and authority (Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:34). Furthermore, the Bible encourages prayer for the sick, emphasizing the importance of community and faith in the process of healing (James 5:14-15). Overall, sickness in the biblical context is multi-faceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions.

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