I was looking at a Greek word for “ought” (Strong’s concordance #3784 opheilo) last week in the Bible to try to learn things I “ought” to do. I learned a lot. Here are just some of the verses with this word (along with my comments):
I “ought” to help those who are weak in the faith by building them up with the strengthening meat of the Bible, instead of just pleasing myself.
We then that are strong ought <3784> to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:1
I “ought” to provide for the physical needs of those who are providing for my spiritual needs (for example, giving money to ministries like Family Radio, etc.)
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is <3784> also to minister unto them in carnal things.
Romans 15:27
I “ought” to love my wife as my own body and sacrifice my earthly desires for her spiritual and physical nourishment.
So ought <3784> men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Ephesians 5:28
I “ought” to thank GOD for the faithful brothers who are serving the Lord. It is right to thank God for the brethren.
We are bound <3784> [we ought] to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet [as it is right], because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
2 Thessalonians 1:3
I “ought” to be able to teach others the truths of the Bible and to be on the strong meat of the Word.
For when for the time ye ought <3784> to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Hebrews 5:12
I “ought” to walk as Christ walked while He was on earth.
He that saith he abideth in him ought <3784> himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 2:6
I “ought” to lay down my life for the brethren. I should give up my earthly desires so that I can be used by God to bring His Word to His elect for their spiritual benefit.
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought <3784> to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:16
I “ought” to love others in the manner that God loves me.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought <3784> also to love one another.
1 John 4:11
I “ought” to receive and help the brothers who are out there bringing the Gospel so we can be co-workers together in the Lord's work.
We therefore ought <3784> to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers [co-workers] to the truth.
3 John 1:8
And when it is all said and done, I “ought” to be careful to give God ALL the glory!
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty <3784> to do.
Luke 17:10