Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "join" in the Bible encompasses various aspects of unity, fellowship, and covenant relationships. It is a term that signifies the act of coming together, whether in marriage, community, or spiritual union with God. The Bible presents "joining" as both a physical and spiritual act, often reflecting deeper theological truths about God's relationship with His people and the relationships among believers.Marriage and Family One of the most prominent uses of "join" in the Bible is in the context of marriage. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the divine institution of marriage, where a man and woman are united in a covenant relationship, reflecting the unity and commitment intended by God. The joining of husband and wife is not merely physical but also spiritual, symbolizing a profound partnership ordained by God. Community and Fellowship The concept of joining extends to the community of believers. In Acts 2:42 , the early church is described as being devoted to "the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This joining in fellowship is a vital aspect of Christian life, emphasizing the importance of unity, shared beliefs, and mutual support among believers. The early church's commitment to being joined together in community serves as a model for Christian fellowship today. Spiritual Union with Christ The New Testament further develops the idea of joining in the context of the believer's relationship with Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6:17 , Paul writes, "But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." This verse highlights the intimate spiritual union between the believer and Christ, a joining that transcends physical boundaries and signifies a deep, personal relationship with the Savior. This union is foundational to the Christian faith, as it assures believers of their identity in Christ and their participation in His life and mission. Covenant Relationships Throughout the Bible, joining is also associated with covenant relationships between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were called to join themselves to the Lord through obedience to His commandments and participation in the covenant community. Deuteronomy 10:20 instructs, "Fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." This call to "hold fast" is an invitation to join oneself to God in a committed, covenantal relationship, characterized by faithfulness and devotion. Unity in the Body of Christ The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to join together in harmony and purpose. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This call to unity is a reminder that joining together as one body is essential for the effective witness and mission of the church. The joining of diverse members into one body reflects the unity and diversity within the Trinity and serves as a powerful testimony to the world. In summary, the biblical concept of "join" encompasses a range of relationships and commitments, from marriage and community to spiritual union with Christ and covenantal faithfulness to God. It is a term that signifies unity, commitment, and the transformative power of being united with God and His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To bring together, literally or figuratively; to place in contact; to connect; to couple; to unite; to combine; to associate; to add; to append.2. (v. t.) To associate one's self to; to be or become connected with; to league one's self with; to unite with; as, to join a party; to join the church. 3. (v. t.) To unite in marriage. 4. (v. t.) To enjoin upon; to command. 5. (v. t.) To accept, or engage in, as a contest; as, to join encounter, battle, issue. 6. (v. i.) To be contiguous, close, or in contact; to come together; to unite; to mingle; to form a union; as, the hones of the skull join; two rivers join. 7. (n.) The line joining two points; the point common to two intersecting lines. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOINjoin: Of the New Testament words, kollao, literally, "glue," "weld together," and its compounds, designate the closest form of personal union, as in Luke 15:15 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31. In the words of institution of marriage, suzeugnumi is used (Matthew 19:6 Mark 10:9, literally, "yoke together"; compare Genesis 2:24). Greek 718. harmozo -- to fit, join, hence to join oneself to (in ... ... to fit, join, hence to join oneself to (in marriage). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: harmozo Phonetic Spelling: (har-mod'-zo) Short Definition: I fit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/718.htm - 6k 4888. sundoxazo -- to join in approving, hence to glorify together 4909. suneudokeo -- to join in approving 4822. sumbibazo -- to join together, hence to consider, by ext. to ... 2853. kollao -- to glue, unite 4347. proskollao -- to glue to, fig. to cleave to 4801. suzeugnumi -- to yoke together 2675. katartizo -- to complete, prepare 1515. eirene -- one, peace, quietness, rest. 4943. sunupourgeo -- to help together Strong's Hebrew 3867a. lavah -- to join, be joined... 3867, 3867a. lavah. 3867b . to join, be joined. Transliteration: lavah Short Definition: join. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ... /hebrew/3867a.htm - 5k 6775. tsamad -- to bind, join 3867. lavah -- to join, be joined 5596. saphach -- to join, attach to 2266. chabar -- to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell ... 2338. chut -- to repair (foundations) 5595. saphah -- to sweep or snatch away, catch up 5526. cakak -- to overshadow, screen, cover 7126. qarab -- to come near, approach 977. bachar -- to choose Library Article xxviii Every one is Bound to Join Himself to the True ... The Objection to Join the Church on Account of the Diversity of ... "Come Let us Join Our Cheerful Songs. " No one Shall Join in Prayers with Heretics or Schismatics. ... Come, Let us Join Our Friends Above, Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. ... He Further Supposes, that "Because we Join Along with the Worship ... Christians, when they Attend Weddings, must not Join in Wanton ... Let Pious Parents, who have Lost Hopeful Children in a Maturer Age ... That the Grace of God Doth not Join Itself to those who Mind ... Thesaurus Join (70 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To associate one's self to; to be or become connected with; to league one's self with; to unite with; as, to join a party; to join the church. ... /j/join.htm - 28k Unite (10 Occurrences) Affinity (4 Occurrences) Couple (19 Occurrences) Associate (20 Occurrences) Yoke (79 Occurrences) Loan (9 Occurrences) Lend (21 Occurrences) Enjoin (15 Occurrences) Meet (281 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian join a fraternity / sorority? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian join a militia? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Knights of Columbus? | GotQuestions.org Join: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Join (70 Occurrences)Matthew 19:5 Matthew 19:6 Mark 10:7 Mark 10:9 John 19:23 Acts 5:13 Acts 5:36 Acts 8:29 Acts 9:26 Acts 10:28 Acts 17:15 Romans 15:30 1 Corinthians 16:11 Philippians 3:17 2 Timothy 1:8 1 Peter 4:4 Genesis 2:24 Genesis 34:9 Genesis 34:30 Genesis 49:6 Exodus 1:10 Exodus 23:1 Exodus 26:6 Exodus 26:9 Exodus 26:11 Exodus 28:27 Exodus 36:18 Numbers 18:2 Numbers 18:4 Numbers 34:5 Deuteronomy 7:3 Joshua 23:12 Judges 3:13 Judges 21:21 1 Samuel 13:4 1 Samuel 22:20 2 Samuel 13:24 1 Kings 1:8 1 Chronicles 13:2 2 Chronicles 18:3 2 Chronicles 20:35 Ezra 4:12 Ezra 6:21 Ezra 9:14 Nehemiah 4:20 Nehemiah 10:29 Esther 9:27 Job 16:4 Psalms 50:18 Psalms 106:5 Psalms 118:27 Proverbs 11:21 Proverbs 16:5 Proverbs 24:21 Ecclesiastes 8:3 Ecclesiastes 9:3 Isaiah 5:8 Isaiah 9:11 Isaiah 14:1 Isaiah 14:20 Isaiah 56:6 Jeremiah 3:18 Jeremiah 50:5 Ezekiel 37:17 Ezekiel 37:19 Daniel 11:6 Daniel 11:23 Daniel 11:34 Micah 5:3 Zechariah 2:11 Subtopics Related Terms Shoulder-pieces (9 Occurrences) |