[Greek] ἐκλύω (ekluō), [Latin] deficere, [Latin] solvere: to loose, to release, to grow weary, to grow faint, to relax, to unloose; Mt.9:36, Mt.15:32, Mk.8:3, Gal.6:9, Heb.12:
Esparta sandals (5th-6th century B.C) found in Spain. One rests when unloosing (removing) the sandals.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to set free, to deliver from danger, to let loose, to unloose, to relax, to faint, to cease, to resolve a doubt, to dissolve, to break up, and to depart. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 328 states “So now I will depart and see whether I can release you from these sufferings.” Plato’s Phaedo 67d states “Well, then, this is what we call death, is it not, a release and separation from the body.” Sophocles’ Ajax 1225 states “It is plain to me that he will let his clumsy tongue fly.” Euripides ‘Phoennissae 695 states “But me is here, saving you the trouble.” Isocrates’s Antidosis 15.59 states “But I find that my age hampers me and causes me to give out easily.”
Old Testament: This term, related to several Hebrew terms, means to be released, to be weak, to be tender, to be soft, and to relax. Essentially, this term means to be discouraged, to be weakened, to be wearied, to be helpless, and to be tired. Loosing or weakening ones’ hands means being afraid or weak. Relaxing one’s hands means that it will not be done.
But when you become restless, you throw of his yoke from your neck (Gen.27:40). Do not be weak-heartened or afraid, alarmed or frightened by them (Gen.29:40). Do not abandon your servants (Jos.10:3). How much longer will you put off taking steps to possess the land (Jos.18:3). He lost his resolve and all Israel was alarmed (2Sam.4:1). But David grew tired (2Sam.21:15). But as for you, be strong and do slack of (2Chr.15:7). He is weakening the resolve of the soldiers left in this city and of all the people (Jer.38:4).
New Testament: This term means to become discouraged, become troubled and abandoned, and to become weary. As a result of Jesus’ proclaiming, teaching, and healing, the people gathered together. Jesus was moved with pity for the people as they were troubled and abandoned. Jesus was moved with pity for the thousands who had nothing to eat. Jesus multiplied the loaves to feed the crowd. Paul states that one must never tire of doing good. Consolation is given for all those who grow weary facing oppression from sinners. One only needs to look at Jesus to find consolation. Trials may likened a form of discipline given by a father.
Scripture:
“At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” Mt.9:36
Jesus’ heart was moved with compassion for the wayward crowd. This references Moses appointing Joshua to lead his people to the Promised Land.
“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” Gal.6:9
One must never tire of doing good. Reaping what we harvest means will suffer the consequences or reap the rewards of our past actions.
“Consider how He endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb.12:3
Jesus provides a source of consolation for all those who face oppression from sinners. One only needs to look at Jesus to find encouragement from trials.
Solution: The Latin verb solvere means to melt, to loosen, and to resolve. A solution is an issue (problem) being melted or dissolved away. The word solution, a liquid containing a dissolved substance, was first coined in the 1590’s. A solution, meaning an explanation (answer) was first coined in the 1530’s.
Conclusion:
Resolve, solve, solution, deficient, loose, loosen, analyze
I was quite surprised by the many meanings of this term. However, this term mean to release or unloose. The more nuanced meanings include unstringing a bow, letting loose a foolish tongue, paying something off, being unserviceable, and resolving a doubt.
I was also surprised by the many related Hebrew terms. Loosing (relaxing) one’s hands means it will not get done. Weakening one’s hands means being afraid or discouraged. Unloosing one’s sandals means resting.
It is important to note that Paul states that one must never tire of doing good. This idea supports the notion that actions are tied with faith. It can be easy to grow weary in the face of struggles, obstacles, and adversity. We need to look at Jesus when we face such struggles. Sometimes these struggles are permitted through God’s providence as discipline given by a loving father.
Resolve is purpose or dedication to accomplish something. When one loses resolve, one fails in this task. Solving involves loosening or “dissolving” something into more definable parts. A solution is something broken down and analyzed.
In the final analysis, I hope you were able to find this post interesting.