In biblical literature, the concept of "leaning" often symbolizes reliance, trust, and dependence on God or other entities. This term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of faith and trust in the divine.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable references to leaning is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Here, leaning is contrasted with trusting in God, emphasizing the futility of relying solely on human wisdom and understanding. The passage encourages believers to place their confidence in God's guidance and wisdom rather than their own.

In the historical context of the Old Testament, leaning can also be seen in the physical sense, such as when individuals lean on staffs or other supports. This physical act can symbolize a deeper spiritual reliance. For example, in 2 Kings 7:2 , the officer on whose arm the king leaned expresses doubt about God's provision, illustrating a lack of faith.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of leaning takes on a more intimate and relational aspect. John 13:23 describes the disciple whom Jesus loved as "leaning back against Jesus" during the Last Supper. This act of leaning signifies closeness, trust, and a deep personal relationship with Christ. It highlights the importance of intimacy with Jesus and the comfort found in His presence.

The metaphorical use of leaning in the New Testament often points to the spiritual dependence of believers on Christ. In Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Faith," the patriarchs and prophets are commended for their reliance on God's promises, demonstrating a spiritual leaning on His faithfulness.

Theological Implications

Theologically, leaning signifies the act of placing one's trust and confidence in God rather than in human strength or understanding. It is a call to faith, urging believers to depend on God's wisdom, strength, and provision. This reliance is not passive but involves active trust and obedience to God's will.

Leaning also reflects the relationship between God and His people, where believers are invited to rest in His promises and find security in His presence. It underscores the covenantal relationship where God is seen as a refuge and support for those who trust in Him.

Practical Application

In practical terms, leaning on God involves daily trust and surrender to His will. It requires believers to seek His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. By leaning on God, Christians are encouraged to relinquish control and allow God to direct their paths, trusting in His perfect plan and timing.

Overall, the biblical concept of leaning serves as a powerful reminder of the need for faith and dependence on God, encouraging believers to trust in His unfailing love and wisdom.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lean.

2. (n.) The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism.

186. aklines -- unbending
... without wavering. From a (as a negative particle) and klino; not leaning, ie
(figuratively) firm -- without wavering. see GREEK a. see GREEK klino. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/186.htm - 6k

4346. prosklisis -- to cause to lean against
... partiality. From a compound of pros and klino; a leaning towards, ie (figuratively)
proclivity (favoritism) -- partiality. see GREEK pros. see GREEK klino. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4346.htm - 6k

4248. prenes -- headlong
... headlong. From pro; leaning (falling) forward ("prone"), ie Head foremost -- headlong.
see GREEK pro. (prenes) -- 1 Occurrence. 4247, 4248. prenes. 4249 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4248.htm - 6k

5485. charis -- grace, kindness
... properly, . 5485 () is preeminently used of the Lord's -- freely away to
people (because He is "always leaning toward them"). 5485 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5485.htm - 8k

377. anapipto -- to fall back
... Word Origin from ana and pipto Definition to fall back NASB Word Usage leaned back
(1), leaning back (1), recline (1), reclined (3), sat down (2), sit down (4 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/377.htm - 6k

7514b. raphaq -- to support oneself, lean
... raphaq. 7515 . to support oneself, lean. Transliteration: raphaq Short Definition:
leaning. ... root Definition to support oneself, lean NASB Word Usage leaning (1 ...
/hebrew/7514b.htm - 5k

8172. shaan -- to lean, support oneself
... root Definition to lean, support oneself NASB Word Usage lean (3), leaned (2), leaning
(2), leans (2), relied (4), rely (4), rest yourselves (1), supported (1 ...
/hebrew/8172.htm - 6k

5186. natah -- to stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend
... distorts (1), entices (1), extend (1), extended (3), extends (2), followed* (2),
held high (1), incline (27), inclined (7), intended (1), leaning (1), lengthen ...
/hebrew/5186.htm - 7k

June 28. "Leaning Upon Her Beloved" (Songs of Solomon viii. 5).
... JUNE 28. "Leaning upon her beloved" (Songs of Solomon viii. 5). "Leaning
upon her beloved" (Songs of Solomon viii.5). Shall you ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /june 28 leaning upon her.htm

How a Prop of the Church on which Bishop Aidan was Leaning when He ...
... How a prop of the church on which Bishop Aidan was leaning when he died, could not
be consumed when the rest of the Church was on fire; and concerning his ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvii how a prop.htm

Who is this that Cometh up from the Wilderness, Replete with ...
... CHAPTER VIII. 5. Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, replete
with delights, leaning upon the arm of her beloved? I raised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/5 who is this that.htm

Unrestrained Communion
... In it the bride is seen leaning upon her Beloved, asking Him to bind her yet more
firmly to Himself, and occupying herself in His vineyard, until He calls her ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

John Chapter xiii. 21-26.
... 4. "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom, one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved."
What he meant by saying "in His bosom," he tells us a little further on ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxi john chapter xiii.htm

The Cardinal was Still in his Room Alone with the Boy Manuel...
... And he found a poor boy outside the Cathedral weeping as if his heart were breaking,
and leaning his head against the hard door for a pillow. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/vi the cardinal was still.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of
Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

How Should we Make Use of Christ, in Going to the Father, in ...
... when we are going about such duties, and always an implicit and virtual embracing
of him as our Mediator, or an habitual hanging upon him and leaning to him as ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxix how should we.htm

Chapter viii.
... you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until she
please.5. Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter viii.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... come. By faith, Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the sons of Joseph,
and worshiped [3281] leaning on the top of his staff. By ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

Leaning (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lean. 2. (n.) The act, or state, of inclining; inclination;
tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism. ...Leaning (11 Occurrences). ...
/l/leaning.htm - 10k

Leaned (14 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:21 Through faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons,
and, leaning on the top of his staff, worshipped God. (See NIV). ...
/l/leaned.htm - 10k

Prejudice (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An opinion or judgment formed without due examination; prejudgment; a leaning
toward one side of a question from other considerations than those ...
/p/prejudice.htm - 8k

Breast (71 Occurrences)
... is. (BBE). John 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the
table, leaning against Jesus' breast. (WEB BBE RSV). John ...
/b/breast.htm - 31k

Bosom (47 Occurrences)
... John (13:23) was "leaning on Jesus' bosom" at the last supper. ... John 13:23 Now there
was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. ...
/b/bosom.htm - 26k

Close (186 Occurrences)
... death. (See NIV). John 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was
at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast. (See RSV). John ...
/c/close.htm - 39k

Joseph's (36 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:21 Through faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons,
and, leaning on the top of his staff, worshipped God. (WEY NIV). ...
/j/joseph's.htm - 17k

Lean-fleshed (3 Occurrences)
Lean-fleshed. Leanfleshed, Lean-fleshed. Leaning . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Leanfleshed, Lean-fleshed. Leaning . Reference Bible.
/l/lean-fleshed.htm - 7k

Leanness (4 Occurrences)

/l/leanness.htm - 7k

Look (1874 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To show one's self in looking, as by leaning out of a window; as, look out
of the window while I speak to you. Sometimes used figuratively. ...
/l/look.htm - 12k

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