In the context of the Bible, the concept of "gripping" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often symbolizing strength, control, or the act of holding onto something with determination and purpose. The term itself may not appear frequently in the biblical text, but the idea is present in various narratives and teachings.

Literal Gripping

One of the most vivid examples of literal gripping in the Bible is found in the account of Samson. In Judges 16:29, Samson, after being captured by the Philistines, is brought to their temple. The text describes how he "gripped" the two central pillars of the temple: "Then Samson reached out for the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other." This act of gripping symbolizes Samson's final act of strength and defiance against his enemies, ultimately leading to his own death and the destruction of the Philistine leaders.

Metaphorical Gripping

Metaphorically, gripping can represent the act of holding fast to one's faith or convictions. In Hebrews 10:23, believers are encouraged to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This exhortation to "hold resolutely" can be seen as a form of spiritual gripping, where believers are called to maintain their faith and trust in God's promises despite challenges and adversities.

Gripping in Prayer and Worship

The concept of gripping is also relevant in the context of prayer and worship. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, believers are instructed to "pray without ceasing." This continuous devotion to prayer can be likened to gripping onto a lifeline, maintaining a constant connection with God. Similarly, in Psalm 63:8, the psalmist declares, "My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." Here, the act of clinging or gripping onto God is portrayed as a source of strength and support.

Gripping and Spiritual Warfare

In the realm of spiritual warfare, gripping can be associated with the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Believers are urged to "take up the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13), which involves gripping the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. This imagery emphasizes the need for a firm hold on spiritual tools and truths to stand against the forces of evil.

Gripping and Perseverance

The theme of perseverance is closely linked to gripping. In Philippians 3:12-14, the Apostle Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal, using the imagery of an athlete straining forward. This determination to "press on" can be seen as a form of gripping onto the calling and purpose God has set before believers.

Conclusion

While the specific term "gripping" may not be prevalent in the biblical text, the underlying concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating themes of strength, faithfulness, and perseverance. Whether through literal acts of strength or metaphorical expressions of faith, the idea of gripping serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding fast to God and His promises.

How Christ is Made Use of as the Life, by one that is So Dead and ...
... 1. Be frequent in gripping Christ and closing with him as their all-sufficient Mediator;
and faith thus frequently acting on him may discover itself at length. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxv how christ is.htm

The Man is the Prayer.
... Your thoughts and loves, your heart's ambitions and gripping purposes,
the things you will to do, and to be"that is your life. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the man is the prayer.htm

Our Need of a World to Win.
... If he isn't tied to some great gripping purpose the wash of the sea will send him
adrift, or the fierce undertow will suck him under. And many are adrift. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/our need of a world.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... A desire so strong, gripping you so tremendously, that all thought of sacrifice
will sink out of sight in its achievement. He is such a Master! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

Predestination. (I, xviii, Etc. )
... Part at least was his faith in his predestination, the bare sense that God Almighty
meant him from before his beginning for the work, and was gripping him to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 predestination i xviii etc.htm

Fifth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (3). [Also Entitled "On Sight ...
... Sense-perception being the gripping not of the Intellectual but of the sensible
alone, the soul, if it is to form any relationship of knowledge, or of ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate problems of the.htm

The Earliest Calvary Picture.
... The purpose of winning man, and the whole race, back again is the dominant gripping
passion of God's heart to-day. Everything is made to bend to this one end. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the earliest calvary picture.htm

How Should we Make Use of Christ, in Going to the Father, in ...
... 5. There should be a gripping to him even in reference to that particular act of
worship, and a laying hold upon him, to speak so, as our master-usher to bring ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxix how should we.htm

Living Martyrs.
... This is to be the dominant underchording of all our lives. This is to be the
never-absent motive gripping us, and our possessions and our plans. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/living martyrs.htm

God at his Best.
... I think likely when we get up yonder, we'll stop one another on the golden
streets. There'll be a hand put out, gripping the other hard. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/god at his best.htm

Gripping (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gripping (6 Occurrences). Genesis 25:26 And after
him, his brother came out, gripping Esau's foot; and ...
/g/gripping.htm - 8k

Gripped (11 Occurrences)

/g/gripped.htm - 9k

Grips (4 Occurrences)

/g/grips.htm - 7k

Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 30:6 Put the question and see if it is possible for a man to have
birth-pains: why do I see every man with his hands gripping his sides, as a woman ...
/b/birth-pains.htm - 9k

Body-cover (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Go up, you horses; go rushing on, you carriages of war; go out, you
men of war: Cush and Put, gripping the body-cover, and the Ludim, with bent ...
/b/body-cover.htm - 10k

Stiff (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:10 He was with David and went on fighting the Philistines till his hand
became tired and stiff from gripping his sword: and that day the Lord gave ...
/s/stiff.htm - 14k

Tired (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:10 He was with David and went on fighting the Philistines till his hand
became tired and stiff from gripping his sword: and that day the Lord gave ...
/t/tired.htm - 21k

Bows (28 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Go up, you horses; go rushing on, you carriages of war; go out, you
men of war: Cush and Put, gripping the body-cover, and the Ludim, with bent ...
/b/bows.htm - 15k

Headlong (15 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Isaiah 22:17 See, O strong man, the Lord will send you violently
away, gripping you with force, (See NAS). Jeremiah ...
/h/headlong.htm - 10k

Carriages (34 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Go up, you horses; go rushing on, you carriages of war; go out, you
men of war: Cush and Put, gripping the body-cover, and the Ludim, with bent ...
/c/carriages.htm - 17k

What are the Christian themes in The Last Battle? | GotQuestions.org

Gripping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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