Resolve
/rɪˈzɒlv/
noun / verb
Latin resolvere — "to loosen, release, dissolve." Came into English through Old French. The modern sense developed from "to break down into parts and reach a settled conclusion" to "a firm determination of will." Resolve is what remains after doubt has been worked through.

📖 Biblical Definition

Resolve is the settled determination of the will to a righteous course, once the question has been decided. Daniel "resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's delicacies" (Daniel 1:8). Joshua resolved: "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). Ruth resolved: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you" (Ruth 1:16). Paul "resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Resolve is not the absence of temptation or difficulty; it is the prior commitment that decides in advance what will be done when temptation comes. A man without resolve is tossed by every wind of circumstance; a resolved man has already said no to what he will never do, and yes to what he will never abandon.

📜 Webster 1828 Definition

RESOLVE, n. Fixed purpose of mind; settled determination; firmness of purpose.

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RESOLVE, n. 1. Fixed purpose of mind; settled determination; resolution. He formed a resolve to abandon the course. 2. That which is determined or resolved on. 3. Legal or formal determination; a resolution expressed in formal vote or statute.

📖 Key Scripture

Daniel 1:8 — "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies."

Joshua 24:15 — "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Ruth 1:16 — "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you."

1 Corinthians 2:2 — "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

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