Topical Encyclopedia In contemporary usage, "clout" often refers to influence or power, particularly in social or political contexts. However, the term "clout" does not appear directly in the Bible. Instead, the concept of influence and authority is woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the dynamics of power, leadership, and spiritual authority as understood in biblical times.Biblical Context of Influence and Authority 1. Divine Authority: The ultimate source of authority and influence in the Bible is God Himself. God's sovereignty is a central theme, as seen in passages like Isaiah 46:10, where God declares, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." This divine authority is foundational to understanding all other forms of influence in the biblical narrative. 2. Jesus Christ's Authority: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as having unparalleled authority. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." His teachings, miracles, and resurrection demonstrate His divine clout, which surpasses all earthly powers. 3. Apostolic Influence: The apostles, as chosen messengers of Christ, wielded significant spiritual influence. In Acts 4:33, it is noted, "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s grace was powerfully at work in them all." Their authority was derived from their commission by Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 4. Leadership in the Early Church: The early church recognized the importance of godly leadership and influence. Elders and deacons were appointed to guide the community of believers, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. These leaders were expected to exhibit qualities that reflected their spiritual authority and ability to influence others positively. 5. Worldly Power and Influence: The Bible also addresses the nature of earthly power and its potential for corruption. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus contrasts worldly authority with the servant leadership He exemplifies: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." This teaching underscores the biblical view that true influence is exercised through humility and service. 6. Spiritual Warfare: The concept of spiritual clout is evident in the discussions of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are called to wield spiritual authority through prayer and the armor of God. 7. Influence of the Faithful: Throughout the Bible, individuals who walked faithfully with God often exerted significant influence. Figures like Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Paul demonstrated how faithfulness to God can lead to positions of influence, even in foreign or hostile environments. Conclusion While the term "clout" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a rich tapestry of teachings on the nature of influence and authority. From divine sovereignty to the servant leadership modeled by Christ, the Bible offers a framework for understanding how true influence is exercised in accordance with God's will and purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A cloth; a piece of cloth or leather; a patch; a rag.2. (n.) A swadding cloth. 3. (n.) A piece; a fragment. 4. (n.) The center of the butt at which archers shoot; -- probably once a piece of white cloth or a nail head. 5. (n.) An iron plate on an axletree or other wood to keep it from wearing; a washer. 6. (n.) A blow with the hand. 7. (n.) To cover with cloth, leather, or other material; to bandage; patch, or mend, with a clout. 8. (n.) To join or patch clumsily. 9. (n.) To guard with an iron plate, as an axletree. 10. (n.) To give a blow to; to strike. 11. (n.) To stud with nails, as a timber, or a boot sole. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLOUTklout: As substantive (ha-cechabhoth) a patch or piece of cloth, leather, or the like, a rag, a shred, or fragment. Old "cast clouts and old rotten rags" (Jeremiah 38:11, 12 the King James Version). As verb (Tala') "to bandage," "patch," or mend with a clout. "Old shoes and clouted (the American Standard Revised Version "patched") upon their feet" (Joshua 9:5); compare Shakespeare, Cym., IV, 2: "I thought he slept, And put my clouted brogues from off my feet"; Milton, Comus: "And the dull swain treads on it daily with his clouted shoon." Strong's Hebrew 5499. sechabah -- a rag... Word Origin from sachab Definition a rag NASB Word Usage clothes (2). cast clout. From cachab; a rag -- cast clout. see HEBREW cachab. 5498, 5499. ... /hebrew/5499.htm - 6k Library Fear and Faith The Messenger Under Ban of the Ritual The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Holy War, Thesaurus Clout... 6. (n.) A blow with the hand. 7. (n.) To cover with cloth, leather, or other material; to bandage; patch, or mend, with a clout. ...CLOUT. ... /c/clout.htm - 7k Cloudy (6 Occurrences) Rag Clouted (1 Occurrence) Resources What is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the order of Jesus' calling His disciples different in some of the gospels? | GotQuestions.org Why wasn't Jesus named Immanuel? | GotQuestions.org Clout: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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