Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "bend" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often symbolizing submission, humility, or the act of yielding to divine will. The term itself may not frequently appear in English translations of the Bible, but the underlying themes are prevalent throughout the Scriptures.Literal Usage: The literal act of bending is often associated with physical gestures of worship, reverence, or submission. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing or bending was a common practice to show respect or allegiance, whether to a king, a superior, or God Himself. This physical act is reflected in various passages where individuals bow down in worship or supplication. For example, in Genesis 24:26, when Abraham's servant finds Rebekah as a wife for Isaac, he "bowed down and worshiped the LORD." This act of bending is a physical demonstration of gratitude and reverence towards God for His guidance and provision. Metaphorical Usage: Metaphorically, bending can represent the submission of one's will to God. This is seen in the call for believers to humble themselves before the Lord. James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." The act of humbling oneself can be likened to bending one's heart and will in submission to God's authority and purpose. The concept of bending is also evident in the prophetic literature, where nations and peoples are called to submit to God's sovereignty. In Isaiah 45:23 , God declares, "By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess allegiance." Here, the bending of the knee symbolizes the ultimate submission and acknowledgment of God's lordship by all creation. Spiritual Implications: In the spiritual life of a believer, bending is an essential aspect of discipleship and obedience. It involves yielding one's own desires and plans to align with God's will. This is exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, "Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Jesus' submission to the Father's will, even unto death, serves as the ultimate model of bending one's will to God's purpose. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul speaks of the transformative power of bending one's life to Christ in Romans 12:1-2 , urging believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation involves a continual process of bending one's thoughts, actions, and desires to conform to the image of Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, bending or bowing was not only a religious act but also a social one. It was a sign of respect and honor in interpersonal relationships and societal structures. Understanding this context enriches the interpretation of biblical passages where bending is mentioned or implied. In summary, while the specific term "bend" may not be frequently used in the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the themes of worship, submission, and humility. It serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's call to live a life surrendered to God, acknowledging His authority and seeking His will above all else. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow; to bend the knee.2. (v. t.) To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline. 3. (v. t.) To apply closely or with interest; to direct. 4. (v. t.) To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue. 5. (v. t.) To fasten, as one rope to another, or as a sail to its yard or stay; or as a cable to the ring of an anchor. 6. (v. i.) To be moved or strained out of a straight line; to crook or be curving; to bow. 7. (v. i.) To jut over; to overhang. 8. (v. i.) To be inclined; to be directed. 9. (v. i.) To bow in prayer, or in token of submission. 10. (n.) A turn or deflection from a straight line or from the proper direction or normal position; a curve; a crook; as, a slight bend of the body; a bend in a road. 11. (n.) Turn; purpose; inclination; ends. 12. (n.) A knot by which one rope is fastened to another or to an anchor, spar, or post. 13. (n.) The best quality of sole leather; a butt. See Butt. 14. (n.) Hard, indurate clay; bind. 15. (n.) Same as caisson disease. Usually referred to as the bends. 16. (n.) A band. 17. (n.) One of the honorable ordinaries, containing a third or a fifth part of the field. It crosses the field diagonally from the dexter chief to the sinister base. Greek 4781. sugkampto -- to bend together ... to bend together. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sugkampto Phonetic Spelling: (soong-kamp'-to) Short Definition: I oppress, bend together Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4781.htm - 6k 2578. kampto -- to bend 2827. klino -- to cause to bend 4794. sugkupto -- to bend forwards, bow down 2634a. katakupto -- to bend down 1593. ekneuo -- to bend the head away, to withdraw 2634. katakurieuo -- to bend down 2955. kupto -- to stoop down 1578. ekklino -- to deviate, to turn away (from someone or ... 43. agkale -- the bent arm Strong's Hebrew 3721. kaphaph -- to bend, bend down, be bent or bowed... kaphaph. 3722 . to bend, bend down, be bent or bowed. Transliteration: kaphaph Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-faf') Short Definition: down. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/3721.htm - 6k 5186. natah -- to stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend 5753a. avah -- to bend, twist 2583. chanah -- to decline, bend down, encamp 6808. tsaah -- to stoop, bend, incline 6127. aqal -- to bend, twist 1457. gahar -- to bend, crouch 3728. kaphash -- to make bent, press or bend together 2654b. chaphats -- to bend down 7164. qaras -- to bend down, stoop, crouch Library I Resolved Then to Bend My Mind to the Holy Scriptures... An Inquiry Why in Egypt they do not Fast During all the Fifty Days ... O Lord, when we Bend Before Thy Throne This is the Image of the Queen Father of All, Whose Love Profound Surrender a Law of Life. M. Mrs. Hemans. All must Pray. The Sentence to this Effect, Then, Having Been Passed by Pilate... Expository Treatise against the Jews. The Highway of Holiness Thesaurus Bend (29 Occurrences)... vt) To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow ... /b/bend.htm - 16k Decline (10 Occurrences) Stoop (10 Occurrences) Buckle Crouch (7 Occurrences) Nod (2 Occurrences) Wind (180 Occurrences) Elbow (1 Occurrence) Curb (5 Occurrences) Spring (122 Occurrences) Resources Does God hate me? | GotQuestions.orgIs corporate prayer important? Is corporate prayer more powerful than an individual praying alone? | GotQuestions.org What is theodicy? | GotQuestions.org Bend: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bend (29 Occurrences)Luke 13:11 Luke 21:28 Romans 11:10 1 Peter 1:12 Genesis 49:15 Judges 11:35 2 Samuel 22:35 Job 15:29 Job 31:10 Job 40:17 Psalms 7:12 Psalms 11:2 Psalms 17:13 Psalms 18:34 Psalms 37:14 Psalms 64:3 Psalms 78:31 Psalms 95:6 Proverbs 16:26 Isaiah 46:2 Isaiah 65:12 Jeremiah 9:3 Jeremiah 46:9 Jeremiah 50:14 Jeremiah 50:29 Jeremiah 51:3 Ezekiel 17:7 Zephaniah 2:1 Zechariah 9:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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