Allow; Allowance
Understanding Biblical Permission and Provision
The concepts of 'allow' and 'allowance' in Scripture encompass several important theological ideas, from God's gracious provision to human moral agency. While modern readers might think primarily of permission, the biblical usage includes nuanced meanings of approval, acceptance, and daily sustenance.
Key Biblical Appearances and Meanings
In the King James Version, 'allow' translates several Greek words with distinct meanings. In Luke 11:48, Jesus condemns those who 'allow' (suneudokeō) the deeds of their ancestors, meaning they consent to or approve of wrongful actions. This speaks to complicity in sin through passive approval.
Romans 7:15 presents a profound psychological insight: 'For that which I do I allow not' (ginōskō). Here Paul describes the inner conflict between knowing what is right and failing to do it, the 'allow' meaning 'to recognize' or 'understand' one's own contradictory behavior.
Another significant usage appears in Romans 14:22, where Paul discusses Christian liberty: 'Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth' (dokimazō). This refers to approving or accepting certain practices with a clear conscience before God.
God's Provision and Daily Allowance
The term 'allowance' appears in historical narratives describing royal provisions. After Jerusalem's fall, the Babylonian king Evil-merodach gave King Jehoiachin 'a daily allowance' (2 Kings 25:30; Jeremiah 52:34). This was a set portion of food, a tangible expression of royal provision that parallels God's daily care for His people. The Hebrew term here refers specifically to a regular ration or maintenance provided by authority.
Theological Implications of Divine Permission
God's allowing or not allowing certain actions reveals His character and purposes. Throughout Scripture, God permits human freedom while establishing boundaries for human flourishing. The concept appears implicitly when God allows testing (as with Job), permits nations to follow their desires (Romans 1:24), or grants permission for specific missions (Acts 16:7). This divine allowance balances sovereignty with human responsibility.
Conscience and Christian Freedom
Paul's discussion in Romans 14 about what Christians 'allow' addresses matters of conscience within the believing community. He distinguishes between absolute moral laws and matters of personal conviction, teaching that what one 'allows' (approves for oneself) must not cause another to stumble. This creates a framework for Christian liberty exercised in love rather than legalism.
From Ancient Context to Modern Application
The biblical concept of allowance moves from physical provision to spiritual principles. Just as Babylonian kings provided daily rations, God provides daily grace. Just as Paul wrestled with what he 'allowed' himself, modern believers navigate complex ethical decisions. The underlying theme remains: human approval and permission must align with God's character and purposes, recognizing that even our freedoms exist within His sovereign allowance.
Biblical Context
The terms appear across both Testaments in varied contexts. In historical books (2 Kings 25:30; Jeremiah 52:34), 'allowance' refers to provisions granted by authority. In the Gospels (Luke 11:48), Jesus uses 'allow' to describe moral complicity. Paul employs the term in theological discussions about conscience (Romans 7:15; 14:22) and eschatological hope (Acts 24:15 in KJV). These usages collectively address divine provision, human moral responsibility, and the exercise of Christian freedom.
Theological Significance
These concepts reveal important truths about God's nature and human responsibility. They show God as both provider (giving daily allowance) and grantor of moral agency (allowing human choice). The tension in Paul's writings highlights the human struggle between knowledge and action, emphasizing grace in moral failure. The discussion of what believers 'allow' establishes a theology of Christian liberty that prioritizes love over legalism, conscience over coercion, and unity over uniformity in matters not essential to salvation.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly provided 'allowances' to captive or subordinate royalty as demonstrated in Babylonian and Persian records. This practice maintained political hostages while displaying royal magnanimity. The Greek terms translated 'allow' in the New Testament reflect Hellenistic philosophical discussions about moral approval (suneudokeō), acceptance (prosdechomai), self-knowledge (ginōskō), and testing/approval (dokimazō). Understanding these cultural and linguistic contexts enriches our interpretation of biblical passages about permission and provision.