Bible Encyclopedias
Confirm; Confirmation

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kon -fûrm , konfẽr -mā´shun : In the Old Testament represented by several Hebrew words, generally with reference to an increase of external strength, as "c. the feeble knees" (Isaiah 35:3 ); "c. the kingdom" (2 Kings 15:19 ); "c. inheritance" (Psalm 68:9 ). In the New Testament, this external, objective sense is expressed by βεβαιόω , bebaióō , as in Mark 16:20; Romans 15:8 . The strengthening of mind, purpose, conviction, i.e. the inner or subjective sense (Acts 14:22; Acts 15:32 , Acts 15:41 ) corresponds to ἐπιστηρίζω , epistērı́zō ̌ . Used also of ratifying or making valid (κυρόω , kuróō ) a covenant (Galatians 3:15 ). The noun is used in the second sense (Hebrews 6:16; Philippians 1:7 ). Confirmation, the rite, in some denominations, of admission to the full communion of the church, which the Roman church has elevated to the place of a sacrament, has only ecclesiastical, but no Scriptural, authority. It is grounded, however, in the Scriptural precedent of the laying on of hands after baptism. See HANDS , IMPOSITION OF .