Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "dare" in the Bible often relates to themes of courage, faith, and the testing of one's convictions. While the specific word "dare" may not frequently appear in the text, the underlying principles are evident throughout Scripture. The idea of daring is closely associated with stepping out in faith, confronting challenges, and standing firm in the face of opposition.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, daring acts are often seen in the lives of the prophets and leaders of Israel. One notable example is David's confrontation with Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David, a young shepherd, dares to face the Philistine giant, Goliath, when the entire Israelite army is paralyzed with fear. David's boldness is rooted in his faith in God: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'" (1 Samuel 17:45). Another example is found in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who dared to defy King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship a golden image. Their courage is evident in their response: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the apostles often demonstrate daring faith in their proclamation of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in particular, exemplifies this boldness. In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas speak boldly to the Jews, declaring, "It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles" . Paul's daring is further highlighted in his willingness to face persecution and hardship for the sake of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). The early church also embodies this spirit of daring in their communal life and witness. In Acts 4:29, the believers pray, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" . This prayer reflects their desire to continue proclaiming the Gospel despite external threats and opposition. Theological Implications Theologically, daring in the biblical sense is not reckless or foolhardy but is characterized by a deep trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It involves taking risks for the sake of righteousness and the advancement of God's kingdom. This daring is often accompanied by prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to God's truth. The Bible encourages believers to be bold in their faith, as seen in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . This confidence is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and provision. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the biblical concept of daring challenges them to live out their faith courageously in a world that often opposes Christian values. It calls for a willingness to stand for truth, share the Gospel, and trust God in difficult circumstances. This daring faith is not self-reliant but is anchored in the promises and power of God, who equips His people for every good work. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To have adequate or sufficient courage for any purpose; to be bold or venturesome; not to be afraid; to venture.2. (v. t.) To have courage for; to attempt courageously; to venture to do or to undertake. 3. (v. t.) To challenge; to provoke; to defy. 4. (n.) The quality of daring; venturesomeness; boldness; dash. 5. (n.) Defiance; challenge. 6. (v. i.) To lurk; to lie hid. 7. (v. t.) To terrify; to daunt. 8. (n.) A small fish; the dace. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DAREdar: The expression "to dare" in the Scriptures never has the meaning of "to defy," "to challenge," or "to terrify." It is always found as the translation of tolmao, "to manifest courage." This is particularly evident from 2 Corinthians 10:12, "for we are not bold to number or compare ourselves" (the King James Version "for we dare not make ourselves of the number"). Greek 5111. tolmao -- to have courage, to be bold ... to have courage, to be bold. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: tolmao Phonetic Spelling: (tol-mah'-o) Short Definition: I dare, endure, am bold Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5111.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 1013. Beth Gader -- "place of a wall," a place in Judah... Beth Gader. 1014 . "place of a wall," a place in Judah. Transliteration: Beth Gader Phonetic Spelling: (bayth-gaw-dare') Short Definition: Beth-gader. ... /hebrew/1013.htm - 6k 1447. gader -- a wall 6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange 4576. mader -- a hoe Library And You Dare to Charge us with Offending the Gods... Do You Dare to Laugh at us when we Speak of Hell... And Since, as You Dare not Deny that These Deities of Yours once ... If Anyone Shall Dare to Say that the Christ is a Theophorus that ... If Anyone Shall Dare Say that the Word of God the Father is the ... If Anyone Shall Dare to Say that the Assumed Man Analephthenta ... After all this You Dare to Say in Your Apology, that You are not ... Of the Order of Bishops, that those Ordained More Recently do not ... I have Said This, Lest Haply Married Fruitfulness Dare to vie with ... Give Me the Lowest Place: not that I Dare Thesaurus Dare (19 Occurrences)... 7. (vt) To terrify; to daunt. 8. (n.) A small fish; the dace. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DARE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Dare (19 Occurrences). ... /d/dare.htm - 12k Dared (9 Occurrences) Questions (76 Occurrences) Venture (10 Occurrences) Adventure (3 Occurrences) Question (153 Occurrences) Quaking (6 Occurrences) Unjust (44 Occurrences) Ungodly (41 Occurrences) Resources What is Dare 2 Share? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians so judgmental? | GotQuestions.org What are archangels? | GotQuestions.org Dare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dare (19 Occurrences)Matthew 22:46 Luke 20:40 John 2:16 John 9:34 Acts 7:32 Acts 23:4 Romans 5:7 Romans 15:18 1 Corinthians 6:1 2 Corinthians 11:21 Philippians 1:14 Jude 1:9 2 Samuel 3:11 Job 10:15 Job 13:16 Job 32:6 Job 41:10 Proverbs 29:24 Jeremiah 30:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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