Topical Encyclopedia The term "bends" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of bending, both physically and metaphorically, is present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical literature, bending often symbolizes submission, humility, or the act of worship. It can also represent the physical act of bowing or kneeling, which is a common posture of prayer and reverence.Bending in Worship and Prayer Bending the knee is a significant act of worship and submission to God. In the Old Testament, bowing down is frequently associated with worship and reverence. For instance, in Psalm 95:6 , the psalmist invites the congregation to worship God with the words, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." This act of bending the knee is a physical expression of humility and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. In the New Testament, the act of bending the knee continues to hold spiritual significance. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes the ultimate submission to Christ, stating, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). This passage underscores the universal recognition of Christ's lordship and the submission of all creation to Him. Bending as a Metaphor for Humility Bending is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe humility and the proper attitude of believers before God. In Proverbs 22:4 , it is written, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." Here, humility is portrayed as a virtue that leads to divine blessing, and bending can be seen as a metaphor for adopting a humble posture before God. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the humble and contrite heart that God esteems, saying, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). This passage highlights the importance of a heart that is metaphorically bent in submission and reverence to God's word. Bending Under Burden The Bible also uses the imagery of bending under a burden to describe the weight of sin or oppression. In Psalm 38:6 , David laments, "I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning." Here, bending is associated with the physical and emotional toll of sin and suffering. This imagery serves as a reminder of the human condition and the need for divine intervention and redemption. Bending in Prophecy In prophetic literature, bending can symbolize the submission of nations and peoples to God's will. Isaiah 45:23 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." This prophecy points to the eschatological reality where all creation acknowledges God's authority. Conclusion While the specific term "bends" is not found in the Bible, the concept of bending is rich with spiritual meaning. It encompasses acts of worship, humility, and submission, as well as the burdens of sin and the prophetic vision of universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Through these various contexts, bending serves as a powerful symbol of the believer's relationship with God and the ultimate recognition of His lordship. Strong's Hebrew 2654b. chaphats -- to bend down... chaphats. 2655 . to bend down. Transliteration: chaphats Short Definition: bends. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bend down NASB Word Usage bends (1). ... /hebrew/2654b.htm - 5k 1869. darak -- to tread, march Library Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam. Spelling God. But Others, unto whom These Words are no Longer a Nest... 'According To' --II. The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Paul's First Prayer The Resurrection of Dead Souls The Memories of Home. [A] Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew. A Strain of Jonah the Prophet. Thesaurus Bends (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Bends (6 Occurrences). Joshua 15:9 The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the ... /b/bends.htm - 8k Bend (29 Occurrences) Bending (6 Occurrences) Olives (30 Occurrences) Lifts (26 Occurrences) Mail (11 Occurrences) Bene (4 Occurrences) Archer (5 Occurrences) Sychar (1 Occurrence) Scale-armor (3 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that iron sharpens iron? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Bends: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bends (6 Occurrences)Joshua 15:9 Joshua 15:11 Joshua 18:17 Joshua 19:13 Job 40:17 Jeremiah 51:3 Subtopics Related Terms Beeroth-bene-jaakan (1 Occurrence) |