Topical Encyclopedia The term "bestow" in the Bible is often used to describe the act of giving or granting something, typically in a generous or benevolent manner. It is a concept that reflects the nature of God's grace and the responsibilities of believers to share their blessings with others.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the idea of bestowing is frequently associated with God's provision and blessings upon His people. For example, in Deuteronomy 28:8 , it is written, "The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in everything to which you put your hand, and He will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Here, the act of bestowing is linked to God's covenantal promises and His faithfulness to Israel. The concept is also evident in the wisdom literature, where the act of bestowing is tied to generosity and righteousness. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of bestowing blessings and the spiritual principle that generosity leads to abundance. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the theme of bestowing is central to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The ultimate act of bestowal is seen in the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the divine act of bestowing grace and eternal life upon humanity. The apostle Paul frequently speaks of spiritual gifts as being bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 , Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Here, the bestowal of spiritual gifts is intended for the edification and unity of the church, emphasizing the communal aspect of God's generosity. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of bestowal underscores the nature of God as a giver. James 1:17 affirms, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This passage highlights the constancy and goodness of God in bestowing blessings upon His creation. Believers are called to emulate God's generosity by bestowing their own resources, time, and talents for the benefit of others. Acts 20:35 records the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This teaching encourages Christians to adopt a lifestyle of giving, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others. Practical Application In practical terms, the act of bestowing involves intentionality and a heart aligned with God's purposes. Christians are encouraged to seek opportunities to bless others, whether through acts of kindness, financial support, or sharing the gospel. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 serves as a reminder of the responsibility to use what has been bestowed upon us for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. In summary, the biblical concept of bestowal is rich with implications for understanding God's nature and the believer's role in the world. It calls for a response of gratitude, stewardship, and active participation in the divine economy of grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To lay up in store; to deposit for safe keeping; to stow; to place; to put.2. (v. t.) To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength in some occupation. 3. (v. t.) To expend, as money. 4. (v. t.) To give or confer; to impart; -- with on or upon. 5. (v. t.) To give in marriage. 6. (v. t.) To demean; to conduct; to behave; -- followed by a reflexive pronoun. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BESTOWbe-sto': The seven Hebrew words rendered by this term variously mean "to put" or "place," "to give"; "do," "deposit," as e.g. to locate chariots and horsemen in cities (1 Kings 10:26); or give a blessing (Exodus 32:29). Four Greek words so translated signify "to give," "to labor," "to feed," "to place around"; as sunago, "to stow away goods" (Luke 12:17); or psomizo, "give away" (1 Corinthians 13:3). The term has richest significance in expressing God's abundant gift of grace and love, didomi (2 Corinthians 8:1 the King James Version; 1 John 3:1). Greek 1632. ekcheo -- to pour out, fig. to bestow ... to bestow. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekcheo Phonetic Spelling: ( ek-kheh'-o,) Short Definition: I pour out, shed Definition: I pour out (liquid or ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1632.htm - 7k 1433. doreomai -- to give, present, bestow 1632b. ekchunno -- to pour out, fig. to bestow 1632a. ekcheo -- to pour out, fig. to bestow 4060. peritithemi -- to place around 5487. charitoo -- to make graceful, endow with grace 632. aponemo -- to assign, apportion 1392. doxazo -- to render or esteem glorious (in a wide ... 1325. didomi -- to give (in various senses lit. or fig.) 2872. kopiao -- to grow weary, toil Strong's Hebrew 3240. yanach -- bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let ...... bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place,. Transliteration: yanach Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-nakh') Short Definition: bestow. ... /hebrew/3240.htm - 6k 2064. zabad -- bestow upon, endow with 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 6213. asah -- do, make 6485. paqad -- to attend to, visit, muster, appoint 5148. nachah -- to lead, guide 5415. nethan -- to give 1580. gamal -- to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean ... 2603. chanan -- to show favor, be gracious 4503. minchah -- a gift, tribute, offering Library God Will Bestow Salvation Upon the Whole Nature of Man, Consisting ... That when once the Vanity of the Gods of the Nations Has Been ... Remarks on the Preceding Questions, and on those Opposed to Them Sixteenth Proposition of Arminius This Preterition is Without Blame: for God Bestowed on Man the ... Question And. . Question Reversed On Worldly Folly Twenty-Third Proposition of Arminius Faith is not an Effect of Election, but is a Necessary Requisite ... On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love. Thesaurus Bestow (27 Occurrences)... reflexive pronoun. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BESTOW. be-sto': The ... 3:1). Multi-Version Concordance Bestow (27 Occurrences). Luke 4:6 ... /b/bestow.htm - 15k Needful (17 Occurrences) Fruits (109 Occurrences) Finish (35 Occurrences) Treasure-house (6 Occurrences) Present (577 Occurrences) Spend (54 Occurrences) Ages (114 Occurrences) Supply (40 Occurrences) Bestowed (43 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome having a critical spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about honor? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine in Ephesians 3:20? | GotQuestions.org Bestow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bestow (27 Occurrences)Luke 4:6 Luke 12:17 Luke 12:18 John 6:27 John 17:2 Acts 7:5 1 Corinthians 12:23 1 Corinthians 13:3 2 Corinthians 6:10 2 Corinthians 9:8 1 Timothy 1:4 1 Timothy 4:13 Hebrews 10:24 Exodus 32:29 Deuteronomy 14:26 2 Kings 12:7 2 Chronicles 24:7 Ezra 7:20 Psalms 3:3 Psalms 21:5 Psalms 31:19 Psalms 61:7 Proverbs 4:9 Isaiah 45:4 Isaiah 61:3 Isaiah 62:2 Jeremiah 23:2 Subtopics Related Terms Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences) Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences) |
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