Retain
What Does It Mean to Retain in the Bible?
The English word "retain" translates several Hebrew and Greek terms that convey the ideas of holding fast, keeping possession, or refusing to let go. Unlike simple possession, retaining implies active, deliberate maintenance or control over something. In Scripture, this concept applies to tangible objects, relationships, spiritual truths, and even moral conditions like sin.
Key Hebrew Words and Their Contexts
Several Hebrew words are translated as "retain" in English Bibles. Chazaq (חָזַק) means "to be strong" or "to hold fast," appearing when Gideon retains only the most alert soldiers (Judges 7:8) and when Job's wife tells him to "hold fast" his integrity (Job 2:9, KJV). This term emphasizes firmness and resilience. `Atsar (עָצַר) means "to shut up" or "restrain," used in Daniel's visions where he retains his breath in awe (Daniel 10:8, 16). Tamakh (תָּמַךְ) means "to grasp" or "hold," appearing in wisdom literature about retaining wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3:18; 4:4).
New Testament Usage and Apostolic Authority
In the New Testament, the Greek word krateō (κρατέω) appears in John 20:23, where Jesus tells the disciples, "If you retain the sins of any, they are retained." This passage, often called the "retention of sins," grants the apostolic community authority to declare forgiveness or its withholding based on response to the gospel. This isn't about arbitrary judgment but about proclaiming the consequences of accepting or rejecting Christ's message. Paul uses echō (ἔχω) in Romans 1:28, where people "did not like to retain God in their knowledge" (KJV), highlighting the deliberate choice to reject divine truth.
Retaining Wisdom, Justice, and Relationships
Biblical wisdom literature emphasizes retaining wisdom and understanding as precious possessions. Proverbs urges readers to "retain" wisdom's words (Proverbs 4:4) and describes wisdom herself as a "tree of life to those who lay hold of her" (Proverbs 3:18). The concept extends to justice—Micah 7:18 celebrates that God does "not retain his anger forever" but shows mercy. In human relationships, retaining someone means keeping them in one's company or care, as when the Levite's father-in-law urges him to "stay the night" (Judges 19:4, where "retain" appears in some translations).
Theological Implications of Retention
The ability to retain or release carries theological weight. God's decision not to retain his anger (Micah 7:18) reveals his merciful character. Human responsibility appears in retaining God in knowledge (Romans 1:28) or retaining wisdom (Proverbs 4:4). The apostolic authority to retain sins (John 20:23) underscores the church's role in declaring the reality of forgiveness through Christ. Ecclesiastes 8:8 notes that no one has power to "retain the spirit" at death, highlighting human limitations compared to God's sovereignty.
Practical Applications for Believers
For modern readers, biblical teachings on retention challenge us to consider what we hold fast and what we release. Believers are called to retain sound teaching (2 Timothy 1:13), hold fast to hope (Hebrews 10:23), and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Simultaneously, we're urged to release bitterness, anger, and self-reliance. The concept reminds us that some things—like God's truth and promises—are worth holding onto at all costs, while other things—like grievances and sin—must be released through forgiveness and repentance.
Biblical Context
The concept of 'retain' appears across both Testaments in various literary forms. In historical books like Judges, it describes keeping people in one's company (Judges 7:8; 19:4). Wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job uses it for holding fast to wisdom and integrity (Proverbs 3:18; 4:4; Job 2:9). Prophetic books like Micah and Daniel employ it for divine mercy and human awe (Micah 7:18; Daniel 10:8, 16). In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus' commissioning of the disciples (John 20:23) and Paul's writings about human rejection of God (Romans 1:28). The term functions in narratives, wisdom instructions, prophetic declarations, and theological teachings.
Theological Significance
Theologically, 'retain' reveals important truths about God's character and human responsibility. God's choice not to retain anger (Micah 7:18) demonstrates his merciful nature. Human ability to retain or reject God in knowledge (Romans 1:28) highlights free will and accountability. The apostolic authority to retain sins (John 20:23) connects to the church's role in proclaiming forgiveness through Christ. The concept shows that what we hold onto—whether wisdom, relationships, or sins—has spiritual consequences. It underscores stewardship: we must discern what deserves retention and what requires release.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued retaining possessions, wisdom, and social bonds as marks of stability and blessing. Retaining guests, as in Judges 19:4, reflected hospitality customs where hosts insisted visitors stay longer. Wisdom teachers emphasized retaining their instructions, similar to Egyptian wisdom literature that urged holding fast to teachings. The apostolic authority to retain sins (John 20:23) operates within first-century Jewish understanding of binding and loosing—rabbinic terms for declaring what was prohibited or permitted. This context illuminates Jesus' words as granting authority to declare the spiritual state of those responding to the gospel message.