Bestride
Jump to: Webster'sConcordanceThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "bestride" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of bestriding, which means to stand or sit astride something, can be related to various biblical narratives and themes, particularly those involving authority, dominion, and the act of riding.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

1. Authority and Dominion: In biblical times, riding on a horse or donkey often symbolized authority and dominion. Kings and leaders would bestride animals as a demonstration of their power and control. This imagery is evident in the account of Solomon, who rode on King David's mule as a sign of his legitimate succession to the throne (1 Kings 1:33-40).

2. Jesus' Triumphal Entry: One of the most significant instances related to the concept of bestriding is Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In this event, Jesus rides a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which states, "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This act symbolizes Jesus' kingship and the peaceful nature of His reign, contrasting with the warlike connotations of riding a horse.

3. Prophetic Imagery: The act of bestriding can also be seen in prophetic visions. In Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus is depicted as riding a white horse, symbolizing His ultimate victory and authority over the nations. This imagery conveys the power and majesty of Christ as the conquering King who bestrides the forces of evil.

4. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, bestriding an animal was a common practice for travel and warfare. The ability to control and ride an animal was a sign of skill and mastery. This cultural context helps to illuminate the significance of biblical figures who are described as riding animals, as it often denotes their status and role within the narrative.

Theological Implications

The concept of bestriding in the Bible often carries theological implications related to leadership, humility, and divine authority. Jesus' choice to ride a donkey rather than a horse during His entry into Jerusalem highlights His humility and the nature of His kingdom, which is not of this world (John 18:36). It serves as a reminder of the contrast between worldly power and the spiritual authority of Christ.

In summary, while the specific term "bestride" may not appear in the biblical text, the concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating themes of authority, humility, and the fulfillment of God's promises through the imagery of riding and dominion.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To stand or sit with anything between the legs; to stand or step over.

2. (v. t.) To step over; to stride over or across; as, to bestride a threshold.

Library

At the Well
... members of their broods. But every child that could bestride a horse was
mounted independently. Whatever worldly possessions the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... pigmies. We look at one of these great men, and cry,. "Why, man, he doth bestride
the narrow world. Like a Colossus; and we petty men. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

Trust in God --True Wisdom
... Say to the little men round about you, I mean to tower above you all and bestride
this narrow world like a Colossus. Be independent young men. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/trust in godtrue wisdom.htm

1 Timothy iii. 10-Aug
... and what an absurdity is it, to drive men before one to clear the way for a beast
to pass! Then what sort of honor is it to bestride a horse? ...
/.../homily xi 1 timothy iii.htm

The Beginning, Increase, and End of the Divine Life
... The saints seem to bestride this narrow world like some great colossus, but I walk
under their huge legs, and peep about, to find myself a poor dishonoured ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the beginning increase and end.htm

Thesaurus
Bestride (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To step over; to stride over or across; as, to bestride a threshold.
Multi-Version Concordance Bestride (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bestride.htm - 6k

Bestows (7 Occurrences)

/b/bestows.htm - 8k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To get upon; to ascend; to climb. 8. (vt) To place one's self on, as a horse
or other animal, or anything that one sits upon; to bestride. ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Betah (1 Occurrence)

/b/betah.htm - 7k

Stride (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To stand with the legs wide apart; to straddle. 3. (vt) To pass over
at a step; to step over. 4. (vt) To straddle; to bestride. ...
/s/stride.htm - 7k

Horse (62 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) A jackstay. 12. (vt) To provide with a horse, or with horses; to mount
on, or as on, a horse. 13. (vt) To sit astride of; to bestride. 14. ...
/h/horse.htm - 37k

Resources
Bestride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Bestows
Top of Page
Top of Page