Dehort
Definition
Dehort is an obsolete English word meaning "to dissuade," "to discourage," or "to advise against." It is the direct opposite of "exhort," which means to urge or encourage. While the word itself has fallen out of modern usage, the concept of dissuading others from harmful or unwise courses of action is deeply woven into biblical teaching.
Appearance in Scripture
The word dehort does not appear in the canonical books of the Old or New Testament. Its single biblical occurrence is in 1 Maccabees 9:9, an apocryphal or deuterocanonical text. In this passage, Judas Maccabeus faces overwhelming odds against the forces of Bacchides. His own men attempt to dehort him from engaging in battle, urging him to retreat and regroup rather than fight against a vastly superior army. The Greek word behind this is a form of apostrepho, meaning to turn away or dissuade.
Modern translations typically render this with "dissuade" rather than the archaic "dehort."
The Biblical Concept of Dissuasion
While the specific word is rare, the practice of warning people against unwise or sinful actions appears throughout Scripture. Moses warned Israel against following other gods (Deuteronomy 8:19). The prophets repeatedly urged the people to turn away from idolatry and injustice (Jeremiah 25:5-6). In the New Testament, Paul admonished believers to avoid false teaching and immoral behavior (1 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 5:16).
Dehortation and Exhortation Together
Biblical counsel typically involves both positive encouragement and negative warning. The writer of Hebrews urges believers to "encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13) while also warning against falling away from the faith (Hebrews 6:4-6). This dual approach of exhorting toward good and dehorting from evil reflects the comprehensive nature of biblical wisdom.
Relevance Today
Although the word dehort is no longer in common use, the principle it represents remains vital. Christian community involves both encouragement and loving correction, helping one another avoid paths that lead to destruction while pursuing what is good and honoring to God.
Biblical Context
The word dehort appears in 1 Maccabees 9:9 in the Apocrypha, where soldiers attempt to dissuade Judas Maccabeus from battle. The concept of dissuasion from wrongdoing appears throughout Scripture in prophetic warnings and apostolic counsel.
Theological Significance
Dehortation reflects God's gracious warnings to His people. Throughout Scripture, God sends prophets and teachers not only to encourage faithfulness but to warn against rebellion and sin. This dual ministry of encouragement and warning is essential to pastoral care and Christian community.
Historical Background
The word 'dehort' entered English from Latin dehortari (to dissuade) and was used in early English Bible translations. The historical context of 1 Maccabees 9 involves the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BC, when Jewish guerrilla fighters faced the professional armies of Hellenistic rulers.