Bargaining, in the biblical context, refers to the act of negotiating or making agreements, often involving a give-and-take dynamic. This concept is seen throughout Scripture in various forms, from human interactions to divine-human dialogues. The practice of bargaining is not only a reflection of human nature but also a means through which God's purposes and character are revealed.

Old Testament Examples

One of the most notable instances of bargaining in the Bible is found in the account of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham engages in a dialogue with God, negotiating the number of righteous people needed to spare the cities from destruction. Abraham begins by asking if God would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people and continues to lower the number, ultimately reaching ten. This passage highlights the relational aspect of bargaining, where Abraham appeals to God's justice and mercy: "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" (Genesis 18:25).

Another example is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. This transaction, though seemingly trivial, has significant implications for the future of both brothers and the nation of Israel. It underscores the importance of discernment and the consequences of undervaluing one's inheritance.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, bargaining is less about negotiation and more about the cost of discipleship and the kingdom of God. Jesus often used parables to illustrate the value of the kingdom, such as the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46). Here, the merchant sells everything he has to purchase a single pearl of great value, demonstrating the worth of the kingdom and the ultimate "bargain" of exchanging worldly possessions for eternal treasure.

The Apostle Paul also touches on the concept of spiritual bargaining in Philippians 3:7-8, where he considers all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ: "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" .

Theological Implications

Bargaining in the Bible often reveals the character of God and His willingness to engage with humanity. It shows that God is approachable and responsive to human intercession, as seen in Abraham's plea for Sodom. It also highlights the importance of valuing spiritual over material wealth, as demonstrated in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of Paul.

Furthermore, biblical bargaining underscores the themes of justice, mercy, and the transformative power of God's grace. It invites believers to consider the cost of their commitments and the eternal significance of their choices. Through these narratives, Scripture encourages a deeper understanding of God's nature and the relational dynamics between the Creator and His creation.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bargain.2084. zeban -- to buy, gain
... to buy, gain. Transliteration: zeban Phonetic Spelling: (zeb-an') Short Definition:
bargaining. ... root Definition to buy, gain NASB Word Usage bargaining (1). gain ...
/hebrew/2084.htm - 6k

In his Temple
... There could be heard sharp bargaining, the lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep,
the cooing of doves, mingled with the chinking of coin and angry disputation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

The Economic Challenge to the Church
... the movement is "Each for all, and all for each." Instead of the capitalist and
laborer being in opposite camps under the necessity for bargaining, and each ...
/.../church cooperation in community life/chapter iii the economic challenge.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... sacrifices. There were the tables of the dealers. Buying and selling, haggling
and bargaining were in full swing in the market-place. For ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

Preface
... One of the dangers to which all deeply spiritual teaching is open, is a kind of
antinomianism"a species of religious bargaining between the soul and God; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/howard/standards of life and service/preface.htm

Jacob and Esau
... So Jacob, in his cunning, bargaining way, took advantage of his brother's weak,
hasty temper, and bought his birthright of him, as the text tells. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

Perpetual Covenants
... responsibilities to secure the purpose desired. Mind, this covenanting
with God is not a case of bargaining. I know that it pays ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xii perpetual covenants.htm

The Tenth Proposition. Concerning the Ministry.
... Also, who have received this holy and unspotted gift, as they have freely received,
so are they freely to give, [15] without hire or bargaining, far less to ...
/.../the tenth proposition concerning the.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... Also they who have received this holy and unspotted gift, as they have freely received
it, so are they freely to give it, without hire or bargaining, far less ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Introduction
... than supplication. About the petition there is something of selfishness
and bargaining"to worship is more than to beg. With others ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the ministry of intercession/introduction.htm

If, with Minds Thus Framed to Obedience, we Allow Ourselves to be ...
... Many have a practice of formally bargaining with God on certain conditions, and,
as if he were the servant of their lust, binding him to certain stipulations ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 51 if with minds.htm

Bargaining (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bargain. Multi-Version
Concordance Bargaining (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:8 The king ...
/b/bargaining.htm - 6k

Bargain (7 Occurrences)

/b/bargain.htm - 9k

Dowry (5 Occurrences)
... custom of purchasing wives (Genesis 34:12 Exodus 22:17 1 Samuel 18:25; compare Ruth
4:10 Hosea 3:2). There was frequently much negotiation and bargaining as to ...
/d/dowry.htm - 11k

Bargains (1 Occurrence)

/b/bargains.htm - 6k

Sharp (115 Occurrences)
... 27. (vi) To play tricks in bargaining; to act the sharper. 28. (vi) To sing above
the proper pitch. Multi-Version Concordance Sharp (115 Occurrences). ...
/s/sharp.htm - 38k

Marriage (74 Occurrences)
... Exodus 2:21). The bargaining instinct, so dominant among Orientals then
as now, played a large part in the transaction. In idea ...
/m/marriage.htm - 62k

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