Topical Encyclopedia Concern, in a biblical context, refers to the care, anxiety, or interest one has regarding the well-being of others or oneself. It is a theme that appears throughout Scripture, reflecting both human emotions and divine care.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, concern is often depicted in the relationships between individuals and God, as well as among people. The Hebrew word often associated with concern is "דָּאַג" (da'ag), which can mean to be anxious or worried. For example, in 1 Samuel 9:5, Saul expresses concern for his father's anxiety over his prolonged absence: "When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, 'Come, let us return, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.'" The Psalms frequently address human concerns, offering comfort and assurance of God's care. Psalm 55:22 encourages believers to cast their burdens on the Lord: "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." New Testament Context In the New Testament, concern is addressed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus speaks directly to the issue of worry and anxiety in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:25-34 , He instructs His followers not to be anxious about their lives, emphasizing God's provision: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" The Apostle Paul also addresses concern in his epistles. In Philippians 4:6-7 , he advises believers: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Divine Concern The Bible consistently portrays God as deeply concerned for His creation. This divine concern is evident in God's covenant relationship with Israel and His ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 5:7 , believers are reminded of God's care: "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." Human Concern for Others Scripture also emphasizes the importance of concern for others. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love and care for one's neighbor, transcending social and ethnic boundaries. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 6:2 , exhorts believers to "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Balancing Concern and Trust While concern for others is a biblical virtue, Scripture warns against excessive worry that undermines trust in God. Believers are encouraged to balance their concerns with faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 and Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4 highlight the importance of prayer and reliance on God as antidotes to anxiety. In summary, concern in the Bible encompasses both human emotions and divine care, urging believers to trust in God's provision while actively caring for others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of; to be of importance to.2. (v. t.) To engage by feeling or sentiment; to interest; as, a good prince concerns himself in the happiness of his subjects. 3. (v. i.) To be of importance. 4. (n.) That which relates or belongs to one; business; affair. 5. (n.) That which affects the welfare or happiness; interest; moment. 6. (n.) Interest in, or care for, any person or thing; regard; solicitude; anxiety. 7. (n.) Persons connected in business; a firm and its business; as, a banking concern. Greek 278. ametameletos -- not repented of ... 278 (an adjective, derived from 1 "not" and 33387, "regret") -- properly, no change of concern (interest), ie for an action because it was done from (true ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/278.htm - 7k 272. ameleo -- to be careless 5426. phroneo -- to have understanding, to think 275. amerimnos -- free from care 3338. metamelomai -- to regret, repent 1983. episkopeo -- to look upon, fig. to care for 3199. melo -- to be an object of care 3643. oligoreo -- to esteem lightly 4448. puroo -- to set on fire, ie to burn (pass.) 1932. epieikeia -- fairness, gentleness Strong's Hebrew 5869. ayin -- an eye... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition an eye NASB Word Usage appearance (4), appeared* (1), before (3), broad (1), concern* (1), confidence (1 ... /hebrew/5869.htm - 7k 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart 1847. daath -- knowledge 3045. yada -- to know 1674. deagah -- anxiety, anxious care 1697. dabar -- speech, word 4639. maaseh -- a deed, work 2347. chus -- to pity, look upon with compassion 2550. chamal -- to spare 7879. siach -- complaint, musing Library On the Decrees of God which Concern the Salvation of Sinful Men ... The Excess of his Pious Concern Caused Him to Shed Tears; and his ... Methodist Book Concern Of David's Concern in the Writing of the Psalms. The Concern of Jesus' Friends. As, Then, by the Higher Mystical Ascent from Matters that Concern ... That no Determination Should be Made on those Things which Concern ... Saw Moreover that it did not So Much Concern us what Objects were ... When, and in what Things this Obedience Doth Most Concern the ... Book vi Thesaurus Concern (35 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) Persons connected in business; a firm and its business; as, a banking concern. Multi-Version Concordance Concern (35 Occurrences). ... /c/concern.htm - 16k Careful (130 Occurrences) Care (466 Occurrences) Carefulness (6 Occurrences) Concerning Jealousy (54 Occurrences) Interest (35 Occurrences) Tender (66 Occurrences) Business (147 Occurrences) Dictionaries Resources What is the Walk to Emmaus / Emmaus Walk, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “Woman, behold your son” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Concern: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Concern (35 Occurrences)John 21:22 John 21:23 Acts 1:3 Acts 15:14 Acts 18:17 Acts 19:8 Acts 24:10 Acts 28:31 1 Corinthians 7:21 1 Corinthians 7:32 1 Corinthians 12:25 2 Corinthians 7:7 2 Corinthians 7:11 2 Corinthians 8:16 2 Corinthians 11:28 2 Corinthians 11:29 2 Corinthians 11:30 Philippians 4:10 Colossians 4:13 Genesis 39:6 Genesis 39:8 Genesis 45:20 Exodus 7:23 Joshua 22:24 1 Samuel 1:16 1 Samuel 23:21 2 Samuel 21:4 2 Kings 13:23 Job 9:21 Job 19:4 Job 39:16 Psalms 131:1 Proverbs 16:11 Proverbs 29:7 Ezekiel 36:21 Subtopics Related Terms |