Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of "joint" is often used metaphorically to describe unity, connection, and the interdependence of parts within a whole. The term itself may not frequently appear in the English translations of the Bible, but the underlying idea is prevalent throughout Scripture, particularly in the context of the body of Christ and the functioning of the church.Old Testament Context While the specific term "joint" is not commonly found in the Old Testament, the idea of interconnectedness and unity is evident. For example, the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple involved precise craftsmanship where various parts were joined together to form a cohesive structure (Exodus 26; 1 Kings 6). This physical joining symbolizes the spiritual unity and order that God desires among His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe the church, emphasizing the importance of each member and their interconnected roles. In Ephesians 4:16 , Paul writes, "From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part." Here, the "supporting ligament" can be understood as a joint, highlighting the necessity of each part being properly connected and functioning for the growth and edification of the church. Similarly, in Colossians 2:19 , Paul speaks of holding fast to the Head, "from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow." This passage underscores the divine design of the church, where every believer is joined together in Christ, contributing to the overall health and growth of the body. Theological Implications The metaphor of joints in the body of Christ carries significant theological implications. It illustrates the unity and diversity within the church, where each member, though different, is essential to the functioning of the whole. This interconnectedness reflects the Trinitarian nature of God, who is one in essence yet distinct in persons. Furthermore, the concept of being "joint heirs" with Christ, as mentioned in Romans 8:17 , "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him," speaks to the shared inheritance and unity believers have in Christ. This joint inheritance emphasizes the communal aspect of salvation and the shared destiny of all who are in Christ. Practical Application Understanding the biblical concept of joints encourages believers to foster unity and cooperation within the church. It calls for recognizing the value of each member's contribution and the necessity of working together in love and harmony. This unity is not merely organizational but deeply spiritual, rooted in the believers' connection to Christ and to one another. In summary, while the term "joint" may not frequently appear in the biblical text, its metaphorical use provides profound insights into the nature of the church and the relationships among its members. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, diversity, and mutual support within the body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The place or part where two things or parts are joined or united; the union of two or more smooth or even surfaces admitting of a close-fitting or junction; junction as, a joint between two pieces of timber; a joint in a pipe.2. (n.) A joining of two things or parts so as to admit of motion; an articulation, whether movable or not; a hinge; as, the knee joint; a node or joint of a stem; a ball and socket joint. See Articulation. 3. (n.) The part or space included between two joints, knots, nodes, or articulations; as, a joint of cane or of a grass stem; a joint of the leg. 4. (n.) Any one of the large pieces of meat, as cut into portions by the butcher for roasting. 5. (n.) A plane of fracture, or divisional plane, of a rock transverse to the stratification. 6. (n.) The space between the adjacent surfaces of two bodies joined and held together, as by means of cement, mortar, etc.; as, a thin joint. 7. (n.) The means whereby the meeting surfaces of pieces in a structure are secured together. 8. (a.) Joined; united; combined; concerted; as joint action. 9. (a.) Involving the united activity of two or more; done or produced by two or more working together. 10. (a.) United, joined, or sharing with another or with others; not solitary in interest or action; holding in common with an associate, or with associates; acting together; as, joint heir; joint creditor; joint debtor, etc. 11. (a.) Shared by, or affecting two or more; held in common; as, joint property; a joint bond. 12. (v. t.) To unite by a joint or joints; to fit together; to prepare so as to fit together; as, to joint boards. 13. (v. t.) To join; to connect; to unite; to combine. 14. (v. t.) To provide with a joint or joints; to articulate. 15. (v. t.) To separate the joints; of; to divide at the joint or joints; to disjoint; to cut up into joints, as meat. 16. (v. i.) To fit as if by joints; to coalesce as joints do; as, the stones joint, neatly. Greek 860. haphe -- a joint ... a joint. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: haphe Phonetic Spelling: (haf-ay') Short Definition: a band, fastening, a ligament Definition: a band ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/860.htm - 6k 719. harmos -- a joining, joint 4930. sunteleia -- a joint payment (for public service), joint ... 4830. summetochos -- partaking with, subst. a joint partaker 4789. sugkleronomos -- a co-inheritor 4831. summimetes -- a fellow imitator 4954. sussomos -- of the same body 3352. metoche -- sharing 4883. sunarmologeo -- to fit together 1624. ektrepo -- to turn away Strong's Hebrew 7001. qetar -- a joint, knot... 7000, 7001. qetar. 7002 . a joint, knot. Transliteration: qetar Phonetic Spelling: (ket-ar') Short Definition: problems. ... doubt, joint. ... /hebrew/7001.htm - 6k 679. atstsil -- a joining, joint 4154. muedeth -- out of joint 4226. mechabberah -- a binder, clamp, joint 1694. debeq -- a joining, soldering, appendage 6504. parad -- to divide 3363. yaqa -- to be dislocated or alienated 7166. qarsol -- ankle 4454. malaq -- to nip, nip off 4665. miphreqeth -- neck Library The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion The Strange Jumble of the Pleroma the Frantic Delight of the ... Further Use Made of the System of the Phrygians; Mode of ... Transactions of that Period, and Progress of Christian Doctrine ... Valentinus' Explanation of the Existence of Jesus; Power of Jesus ... I have Given You one Instance in which He Has Expressed his Own ... Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience ... Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ In what Respect Philosophy Contributes to the Comprehension of ... The Other Valentinian Emanations in Conformity with the ... Thesaurus Joint (12 Occurrences)... or parts are joined or united; the union of two or more smooth or even surfaces admitting of a close-fitting or junction; junction as, a joint between two ... /j/joint.htm - 12k Joint-partakers (2 Occurrences) Joint-participation (1 Occurrence) Joint-heirs (2 Occurrences) Joint-witness (1 Occurrence) Shoulder (72 Occurrences) Knee (12 Occurrences) Joints (7 Occurrences) Mitre (10 Occurrences) But (42052 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be co-heirs/joint-heirs with Christ? | GotQuestions.orgIs ecumenism biblical? Should a Christian be involved in the ecumenical movement (ecumenicalism)? | GotQuestions.org What is the National Day of Prayer? | GotQuestions.org Joint: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Joint (12 Occurrences)Romans 8:17 1 Corinthians 9:23 Ephesians 3:6 Ephesians 4:16 Hebrews 12:13 1 Peter 3:7 Genesis 32:25 Genesis 32:32 Job 31:22 Psalms 22:14 Proverbs 25:19 Ezekiel 41:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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