Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "necessity" often refers to the essential needs and requirements of life, as well as the moral and spiritual obligations that believers are called to fulfill. The concept of necessity is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting both the physical needs of humanity and the spiritual imperatives that guide Christian living.Physical Necessities The Bible acknowledges the basic physical necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. In Matthew 6:31-33 , Jesus addresses these needs, saying, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Here, Jesus emphasizes that while physical necessities are important, they should not overshadow the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of necessity in terms of work and provision. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , he writes, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat." This underscores the principle that individuals have a responsibility to work and provide for their own needs, as well as the needs of their families. Spiritual Necessities Beyond physical needs, the Bible places a strong emphasis on spiritual necessities. The necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a central theme. In John 3:7 , Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’" This spiritual rebirth is presented as a necessity for entering the kingdom of God. The necessity of love is another critical aspect of Christian teaching. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 , Paul writes about the indispensable nature of love, stating, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." Love is portrayed as a necessity that underpins all other spiritual gifts and actions. Moral and Ethical Necessities The Bible also outlines moral and ethical necessities for believers. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this, stating, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse highlights the necessity of justice, mercy, and humility in the life of a believer. In the New Testament, the necessity of obedience to God's commandments is emphasized. Jesus says in John 14:15 , "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Obedience is presented as a necessary expression of love for Christ and a reflection of genuine faith. Necessity in Ministry The concept of necessity also extends to the ministry and mission of the church. Paul speaks of the necessity laid upon him to preach the gospel in 1 Corinthians 9:16 , saying, "Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" This sense of divine compulsion underscores the urgency and importance of spreading the message of salvation. In summary, the Bible presents necessity as encompassing both the physical and spiritual realms, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual obligations while trusting God to meet their physical needs. The call to love, obey, and serve is portrayed as essential to the Christian life, reflecting the transformative power of faith in action. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality of being needed, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite; inevitableness; indispensableness.2. (n.) The condition of being needy or necessitous; pressing need; indigence; want. 3. (n.) That which is necessary; a necessary; a requisite; something indispensable; -- often in the plural. 4. (n.) That which makes an act or an event unavoidable; irresistible force; overruling power; compulsion, physical or moral; fate; fatality. 5. (n.) The negation of freedom in voluntary action; the subjection of all phenomena, whether material or spiritual, to inevitable causation. Greek 318. anagke -- necessity ... necessity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anagke Phonetic Spelling: (an-ang-kay') Short Definition: necessity, constraint, compulsion Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/318.htm - 7k 1876. epanagkes -- necessary, of necessity 5532. chreia -- need, business 3195. mello -- to be about to 27. agapetos -- beloved 5535. chrezo -- to need, have need of 316. anagkaios -- necessary 2192. echo -- to have, hold 384. anaskeuazo -- to pack up baggage, dismantle Strong's Hebrew 2819. chashchuwth -- things needed... be needful From a root corresponding to chashach; necessity -- be needful. see HEBREW chashach. 2818, 2819. chashchuwth. 2819a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/2819.htm - 5k Library The Necessity of Prayer Whether the Will is Moved, of Necessity, by Its Object? Whether the Will is Moved of Necessity by the Exterior Mover which ... Whether the Will Desires of Necessity, Whatever it Desires? Whether the Will Desires Something of Necessity? The Necessity of Divine Influences. Whether the Will is Moved, of Necessity, by the Lower Appetite? The Scripture a Necessity. Whether Christ was of Necessity Subject to These Defects? Whether the Will of God Imposes Necessity on the Things Willed? Thesaurus Necessity (22 Occurrences)...Necessity (22 Occurrences). ... for there is a necessity for the stumbling-blocks to come, but wo to that man through whom the stumbling-block doth come! (YLT). ... /n/necessity.htm - 13k Exaltation (9 Occurrences) Targum Need (914 Occurrences) Necessarily (3 Occurrences) Nicodemus (5 Occurrences) Behoove Compulsion (8 Occurrences) Shall (64703 Occurrences) Purity (16 Occurrences) Resources What is Occam's Razor? Does Occam's Razor disprove the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org What is Reformed Theology? | GotQuestions.org Necessity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Necessity (22 Occurrences)Matthew 18:7 Mark 2:25 Luke 14:18 Luke 23:17 Luke 24:26 Acts 6:3 Acts 20:21 Romans 12:13 1 Corinthians 7:26 1 Corinthians 7:37 1 Corinthians 9:16 1 Corinthians 11:19 2 Corinthians 9:7 Philippians 4:16 1 Thessalonians 3:7 Philemon 1:14 Hebrews 7:12 Hebrews 7:27 Hebrews 8:3 Hebrews 9:16 1 Peter 5:2 Jude 1:3 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) |