The term "dogged" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of persistence, determination, and unwavering commitment is a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. In a biblical context, doggedness can be seen as a positive trait when it aligns with faithfulness to God and His commandments.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jacob's Perseverance: One of the most illustrative examples of dogged determination is found in the account of Jacob. In Genesis 32:24-30, Jacob wrestles with a divine being until daybreak, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. This act of persistence is rewarded, and Jacob's name is changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." This narrative highlights the virtue of tenacity in seeking God's favor and blessing.

2. Nehemiah's Resolve: Nehemiah exemplifies dogged determination in his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Despite facing opposition and ridicule from surrounding enemies, Nehemiah remains steadfast. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." His unwavering commitment to God's work serves as a model of perseverance in the face of adversity.

New Testament Examples

1. The Persistent Widow: In the parable of the persistent widow found in Luke 18:1-8, Jesus teaches about the importance of persistent prayer. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from an unjust judge is commended, illustrating that dogged persistence in prayer is valued by God. Jesus concludes the parable by emphasizing that God will bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night.

2. Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul is a quintessential example of dogged determination in the New Testament. Despite facing numerous hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, Paul remains resolute in his mission to spread the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:7 , Paul reflects on his life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His unwavering commitment to his calling serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Theological Implications

Doggedness, when aligned with God's will, is a commendable trait that reflects a deep commitment to faith and obedience. It is the determination to pursue God's purposes despite challenges and opposition. This steadfastness is often accompanied by a reliance on God's strength and guidance, as seen in Philippians 4:13 : "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a dogged spirit in their walk with God. This includes persistent prayer, unwavering faith, and a commitment to living out biblical principles. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts Christians to "run with endurance the race set out for us," emphasizing the need for perseverance in the Christian life. By embodying a dogged determination, believers can overcome obstacles and fulfill their God-given purposes.(a.) Stubbornly persevering; obstinately persistent; as, dogged resolution; dogged work.

Thomas and Jesus
... remember its outlines, I:suppose: the absence of Thomas from Christ's first meeting
with the assembled disciples on Easter evening; the dogged disbelief with ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/thomas and jesus.htm

The Martyrdom
... the rhinoceros-hide again.'. Secundus was now thoroughly crestfallen, but
he retained his dogged sullenness. Philip took occasion ...
/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm

'Is it I?'
... The dogged determination in his heart, that dares to see his evil stripped naked
and is 'not ashamed,' is even more dreadful than the hypocrisy and sleek ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/is it i.htm

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... Other men fussed about fine copes, chasubles, and mitres, and dogged the clerical
tailors, or pottered about in goldsmiths' shops to get a grand equipment of ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

The Power of Ambition.
... Bible. Charles Darwin when asked for the secret of his success said, "It's
dogged as does it.". Oh well for him whose will is strong! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study vi the power of.htm

Grace Abounding
... When a person has been long dogged by a beggar in the streets, though he may turn
round and give liberally to be rid of the clamorous applicant, he does not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/grace abounding.htm

Chastisements.
... in Uriah's murder. Thus at every step he was dogged by the consequences
of his crime, even though it was pardoned sin. And if, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

Experience the Value of Testimony.
... During the winter of 1891-1892 I became almost wretched on account of conviction.
The Holy Ghost fairly dogged my steps and whispered in my ear at every turn. ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/experience the value of testimony.htm

Chapter seventeen
... For a number of years, he drifted aimlessly, earning a precarious living by teaching
or bookkeeping at the estates of various nobles, always dogged by poverty ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter seventeen.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... They approached their tortures in no temper of dogged obstinacy or sullen defiance.
They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer in so good a cause. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Dogged (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Stubbornly persevering; obstinately persistent;
as, dogged resolution; dogged work. ...Dogged (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/dogged.htm - 6k

Dogma

/d/dogma.htm - 10k

Dog-fly (1 Occurrence)
Dog-fly. Dog-flies, Dog-fly. Dogged . Multi-Version Concordance Dog-fly (1
Occurrence). ... (BBE). Dog-flies, Dog-fly. Dogged . Reference Bible.
/d/dog-fly.htm - 6k

Dogged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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