Topical Encyclopedia The term "tender" in the Bible often conveys notions of gentleness, compassion, and sensitivity. It is used in various contexts, from describing physical attributes to character qualities and emotional states. The concept of tenderness is significant in understanding the nature of God, human relationships, and the moral and spiritual expectations placed upon believers.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "tender" is frequently used to describe physical attributes, particularly in relation to age or vulnerability. For example, in Genesis 29:17, Leah is described as having "tender eyes," which may imply a gentle or soft appearance. The Hebrew word often translated as "tender" is "rak," which can mean soft, delicate, or weak. In Deuteronomy 28:56, the term is used to describe a woman of refined and delicate nature: "The most gentle and refined woman among you, so tender and delicate that she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground..." . This usage highlights the fragility and sensitivity associated with tenderness. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, tenderness is more frequently associated with emotional and spiritual qualities. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts believers to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . Here, tenderness is linked with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ and the expected behavior of His followers. The Greek word often translated as "tenderhearted" is "eusplagchnos," which conveys a deep-seated compassion and empathy. This term underscores the importance of emotional sensitivity and a compassionate disposition in Christian conduct. Theological Significance Tenderness is a reflection of God's own nature. In Hosea 11:4, God describes His relationship with Israel using tender imagery: "I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them" . This passage illustrates God's gentle and nurturing care for His people, emphasizing His loving-kindness and mercy. The tender nature of God is also evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him, describing Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" . His tenderness is demonstrated through His interactions with the marginalized, the sick, and the repentant, offering healing, forgiveness, and acceptance. Practical Application Believers are called to emulate God's tenderness in their interactions with others. This involves cultivating a heart of compassion, being sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, and responding with kindness and gentleness. Tenderness is not a sign of weakness but a strength that reflects the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. In family and community relationships, tenderness fosters unity, understanding, and peace. It is essential in parenting, marriage, and friendships, where patience and empathy are crucial for nurturing healthy and loving relationships. As Christians strive to live out their faith, tenderness becomes a vital expression of love and a testament to the grace of God at work in their lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who tends; one who takes care of any person or thing; a nurse.2. (n.) A vessel employed to attend other vessels, to supply them with provisions and other stores, to convey intelligence, or the like. 3. (n.) A car attached to a locomotive, for carrying a supply of fuel and water. 4. (v. t.) To offer in payment or satisfaction of a demand, in order to save a penalty or forfeiture; as, to tender the amount of rent or debt. 5. (v. t.) To offer in words; to present for acceptance. 6. (n.) An offer, either of money to pay a debt, or of service to be performed, in order to save a penalty or forfeiture, which would be incurred by nonpayment or nonperformance; as, the tender of rent due, or of the amount of a note, with interest. 7. (n.) Any offer or proposal made for acceptance; as, a tender of a loan, of service, or of friendship; a tender of a bid for a contract. 8. (n.) The thing offered; especially, money offered in payment of an obligation. 9. (superl.) Easily impressed, broken, bruised, or injured; not firm or hard; delicate; as, tender plants; tender flesh; tender fruit. 10. (superl.) Sensible to impression and pain; easily pained. 11. (superl.) Physically weak; not hardly or able to endure hardship; immature; effeminate. 12. (superl.) Susceptible of the softer passions, as love, compassion, kindness; compassionate; pitiful; anxious for another's good; easily excited to pity, forgiveness, or favor; sympathetic. 13. (superl.) Exciting kind concern; dear; precious. 14. (superl.) Careful to save inviolate, or not to injure; -- with of. 15. (superl.) Unwilling to cause pain; gentle; mild. 16. (superl.) Adapted to excite feeling or sympathy; expressive of the softer passions; pathetic; as, tender expressions; tender expostulations; a tender strain. 17. (superl.) Apt to give pain; causing grief or pain; delicate; as, a tender subject. 18. (superl.) Heeling over too easily when under sail; -- said of a vessel. 19. (n.) Regard; care; kind concern. 20. (v. t.) To have a care of; to be tender toward; hence, to regard; to esteem; to value. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TENDERten'-der: The usua1 (11 out of 16 times) translation of rakh, "soft," "delicate," with the noun rokh, in Deuteronomy 28:56 and the verb rakhakh, in 2 Kings 22:19 parallel 2 Chronicles 34:27. Attention need be called only to the following cases: In Genesis 29:17, "Leah's eyes were tender," a physical defect is described ("weak-eyed"; see BLINDNESS). "Tender-hearted" in 2 Chronicles 13:7 means "faint-hearted," while in 2 Kings 22:19 parallel 2 Chronicles 34:27 ("because thy heart was tender"), it means "penitent." Contrast the modern use in Ephesians 4:32. EYES, TENDER See BLINDNESS. Greek 527. hapalos -- tender ... tender. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hapalos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-al-os') Short Definition: tender Definition: soft, tender, as a shoot of a tree ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/527.htm - 6k 2155. eusplagchnos -- tenderhearted, compassionate 4698. splagchnon -- the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) ... 3629. oiktirmon -- merciful 1656. eleos -- mercy, pity, compassion 2798. klados -- a branch 2324. therapon -- an attendant 5368. phileo -- to love 4374. prosphero -- to bring to, ie to offer Strong's Hebrew 7390. rak -- tender, delicate, soft... 7389, 7390. rak. 7391 . tender, delicate, soft. Transliteration: rak Phonetic Spelling: (rak) Short Definition: tender. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7390.htm - 6k 7401. rakak -- to be tender, weak or soft 5349. noqed -- sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender 3648. kamar -- to grow warm and tender, to be or grow hot 1877. deshe -- grass 7356. racham -- compassion 3126. yoneq -- a young plant, sapling 3127. yoneqeth -- a young shoot, twig 1883. dethe -- grass 5563. semadar -- blossom (of the grape) Library Tender Mercies, on My Way God's Tender Care of his Church, Isa. 13 &C. Tender Shepherd, Thou Hast Stilled Give Me a Tender Spotless Child, God's Tender Care of his Church. Isa. 49:13Ff. Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me "The Tender Mercy of Our God" The Long-Suffering, Loving-Kindness, and Tender-Mercies of God. ... He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Pastures of Tender Grass; He Leadeth ... Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ... Thesaurus Tender (66 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To offer in payment or satisfaction of a demand, in order to save a penalty or forfeiture; as, to tender the amount of rent or debt. ... /t/tender.htm - 33k Tender-hearted (2 Occurrences) Tender-heartedness (2 Occurrences) Tender-eyed (1 Occurrence) Compassions (17 Occurrences) Mercies (62 Occurrences) Delicate (32 Occurrences) Grape (20 Occurrences) Greenness (4 Occurrences) Twigs (8 Occurrences) Resources The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is kindness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org Why does Solomon refer to his wife as his sister (Song of Solomon 4:9)? | GotQuestions.org Tender: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tender (66 Occurrences)Matthew 24:32 Mark 13:28 Luke 1:78 1 Corinthians 4:21 2 Corinthians 7:15 Philippians 1:8 Philippians 2:1 James 5:11 1 Peter 3:8 Genesis 1:11 Genesis 1:12 Genesis 18:7 Genesis 29:17 Genesis 33:13 Deuteronomy 20:3 Deuteronomy 20:8 Deuteronomy 28:54 Deuteronomy 28:56 Deuteronomy 32:2 2 Samuel 3:39 2 Samuel 23:4 2 Kings 19:26 2 Kings 22:19 1 Chronicles 22:5 1 Chronicles 29:1 2 Chronicles 13:7 2 Chronicles 34:27 Job 6:5 Job 14:7 Job 15:30 Job 38:27 Job 41:3 Psalms 23:2 Psalms 25:6 Psalms 37:2 Psalms 40:11 Psalms 51:1 Psalms 69:16 Psalms 77:9 Psalms 79:8 Psalms 103:4 Psalms 119:77 Psalms 119:156 Psalms 145:9 Proverbs 4:3 Proverbs 12:10 Proverbs 27:25 Song of Songs 2:13 Song of Songs 2:15 Song of Songs 7:12 Isaiah 15:6 Isaiah 37:27 Isaiah 47:1 Isaiah 53:2 Isaiah 63:15 Isaiah 66:14 Jeremiah 16:5 Jeremiah 50:11 Jeremiah 51:46 Lamentations 2:20 Ezekiel 17:4 Ezekiel 17:22 Daniel 1:9 Daniel 4:15 Daniel 4:23 Hosea 11:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |