Topical Bible: Occasion

◄ Occasion ►

Jump to: ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, the term "occasion" often refers to an opportunity or a specific event that serves as a catalyst for action or decision-making. The concept of occasion is woven throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting moments where individuals or groups are presented with choices that have significant spiritual and moral implications.

Old Testament References

1. Judges 14:4 · In the account of Samson, the term "occasion" is used to describe God's providential use of circumstances to fulfill His purposes. "His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel." Here, God uses Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman as an occasion to begin delivering Israel from Philistine oppression.

2. 1 Samuel 25:31 · Abigail speaks to David, urging him not to take vengeance on Nabal, her foolish husband, and thus avoid having a "staggering burden" or "occasion of grief" on his conscience. This highlights the importance of discernment and restraint in seizing or avoiding occasions that could lead to sin.

New Testament References

1. Romans 7:8 · The Apostle Paul discusses how sin uses the law as an occasion to produce covetousness. "But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead." This passage illustrates how occasions can be manipulated by sin to lead individuals away from righteousness.

2. Galatians 5:13 · Paul warns the Galatians not to use their freedom in Christ as an occasion for the flesh. "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This emphasizes the responsibility of believers to use their freedom to serve others rather than indulge in sinful desires.

Theological Implications

The concept of occasion in the Bible underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His purposes, as well as the responsibility of individuals to respond appropriately to these occasions. It serves as a reminder of the constant interplay between divine providence and human agency. Believers are called to be vigilant, discerning the occasions that arise in their lives and responding in a manner that aligns with God's will.

Practical Application

In practical terms, understanding occasions in a biblical sense encourages believers to be mindful of the opportunities presented to them daily. Whether these occasions are for ministry, personal growth, or resisting temptation, Christians are urged to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to navigate them faithfully. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who either seized or squandered their occasions, serving as both warnings and inspirations for contemporary believers.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) An important event; an occurrence; an incident.

2. (n.) A favorable opportunity; a convenient or timely chance; convenience.

3. (n.) An occurrence or condition of affairs which brings with it some unlooked-for event; that which incidentally brings to pass an event, without being its efficient cause or sufficient reason; accidental or incidental cause.

4. (n.) Need; exigency; requirement; necessity; as, I have no occasion for firearms.

5. (n.) A reason or excuse; a motive; a persuasion.

6. (v. t.) To give occasion to; to cause; to produce; to induce; as, to occasion anxiety.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

OCCASION

o-ka'-zhun: The uses in English Versions of the Bible are all modern, but in Jeremiah 2:24 "occasion" is employed (both in Hebrew and English) as a euphemism for "time of conception of offspring."

Greek

874. aphorme -- a starting point, ie fig. an occasion
... an occasion. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aphorme Phonetic Spelling:
(af-or-may') Short Definition: an occasion, opportunity Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/874.htm - 7k

4348. proskomma -- a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling
... a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration:
proskomma Phonetic Spelling: (pros'-kom-mah) Short Definition: a stumbling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4348.htm - 6k

4349. proskope -- an occasion of stumbling
... an occasion of stumbling. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: proskope
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-kop-ay') Short Definition: a cause of stumbling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4349.htm - 6k

2540. kairos -- time, season
... kairos Phonetic Spelling: (kahee-ros') Short Definition: fitting season, opportunity,
time Definition: fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2540.htm - 7k

4908. sunetos -- intelligent
... NT. See: Mt 11:25; Lk 10:21; 1 Cor 1:19. See 4920 (). [The other occasion
of 4908 () in the NT, Ac 13:7, is more neutral. But even ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4908.htm - 7k

170. akaireomai -- to have no opportunity
... a compound of a (as a negative particle) and kairos (meaning unseasonable); to be
inopportune (for oneself), ie To fail of a proper occasion -- lack opportunity ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/170.htm - 6k

5550. chronos -- time
... Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished
from kairos, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from aion ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5550.htm - 7k

518. apaggello -- to report, announce
... [The prefix () distinctly "looks back" to the cause (occasion) of the announcing
which gives 518 () a distinct nuance-application in each case. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/518.htm - 8k

4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ...
... Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick (bent sapling), ie Snare
(figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin) -- occasion to fall (of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4625.htm - 8k

1998. episuntrecho -- to run together again
... come running together. From epi and suntrecho; to hasten together upon one place
(or a particular occasion) -- come running together. see GREEK epi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1998.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

5931. illah -- matter, affair, occasion
... 5930b, 5931. illah. 5932 . matter, affair, occasion. Transliteration: illah
Phonetic Spelling: (il-law') Short Definition: accusation. ... occasion. ...
/hebrew/5931.htm - 6k

4383. mikshol -- a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a ...
... a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block. Transliteration:
mikshol or mikshol Phonetic Spelling: (mik-shole') Short Definition: block. ...
/hebrew/4383.htm - 6k

8385. ta'anah -- occasion or time of copulation
ta'anah. 8384, 8385. ta'anah. 8385a . occasion or time of copulation.
Transliteration: ta'anah Phonetic Spelling: (tah-an-aw') Short Definition: tree. ...
/hebrew/8385.htm - 5k

4072. midcheh -- means or occasion of stumbling
... 4071, 4072. midcheh. 4073 . means or occasion of stumbling. Transliteration:
midcheh Phonetic Spelling: (mid-kheh') Short Definition: ruin. ...
/hebrew/4072.htm - 6k

8385a. taanah -- occasion or time of copulation
... 8385, 8385a. taanah. 8385b . occasion or time of copulation. Transliteration:
taanah Short Definition: heat. Word Origin from anah ...
/hebrew/8385a.htm - 5k

5308. nephal -- to fall
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to naphal Definition to fall NASB Word Usage
came (1), fall down (5), fell (3), fell down (1), have occasion (1). ...
/hebrew/5308.htm - 6k

1556. galal -- to roll, roll away
... away NASB Word Usage commit (3), lay wallowing (1), roll (5), roll you down (1),
roll down (1), rolled (3), rolled away (1), rolls (1), seek occasion (1), take ...
/hebrew/1556.htm - 6k

5006. naats -- to spurn, treat with contempt
... 3), spurned (8), spurns (1). abhor, give occasion to blaspheme, contemn,
despise, flourish, great, provoke. A primitive root; to ...
/hebrew/5006.htm - 6k

8569. tenuah -- opposition
... breach of promise, occasion. From nuw'; alienation; by implication, enmity -- breach
of promise, occasion. see HEBREW nuw'. 8568, 8569. tenuah. 8570 . ...
/hebrew/8569.htm - 6k

5949. alilah -- wantonness, a deed
... 3), acts (1), deeds (17), shameful (2). action, deed, doing, invention,
occasion, work. Or malilah {al-ee-law'}; from alal in the ...
/hebrew/5949.htm - 6k

Library

Of the Occasion on which it was Said to Him that He Cast Out ...
... Chapter XXXVIII."Of the Occasion on Which It Was Said to Him that He Cast Out Devils
in the Power of Beelzebub, and of the Declarations Drawn Forth from Him ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxviii of the occasion on.htm

Of the Occasion on which He Asked the Disciples whom Men Said that ...
... Chapter LIII."Of the Occasion on Which He Asked the Disciples Whom Men Said that
He Was; And of the Question Whether, with Regard Either to the Subject ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter liii of the occasion on.htm

For a Charitable Occasion.
... PHILANTHROPIC SUBJECTS. 779. " For a Charitable Occasion. 779. CM Peabody.
For a Charitable Occasion. 1 Who is thy neighbor? ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/779 for a charitable.htm

For a Charitable Occasion.
... PHILANTHROPIC SUBJECTS. 783. " For a Charitable Occasion. 783. LM Pratt's
Coll. For a Charitable Occasion. 1 Help us, O Lord! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/783 for a charitable.htm

And on a Second Occasion I Saw Him Praying Within Me...
... Section 25. And on a second occasion I saw Him praying within me? 25.
And on a second occasion I saw Him praying within me, and ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 25 and on a.htm

The Occasion of Publishing this Work; what God's Righteousness Is.
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 1 [I.]"The Occasion
of Publishing This Work; What God's Righteousness is. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 1 i the occasion of.htm

The Occasion of Writing this Work; a Thing May be Capable of Being ...
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 1 [I.] "The Occasion of Writing
This Work; A Thing May Be Capable of Being Done, and Yet May Never Be Done. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 1 i name occasion.htm

The Occasion and Argument of this Work.
... A Treatise on grace and free will, Chapter 1 [I.]"The Occasion and Argument
of This Work. With reference to those persons who ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 1 i the occasion and.htm

Occasion of Writing this Book.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book II. Chapter I."Occasion of Writing This Book.
When we had formerly some conversation, my very good ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter i occasion of writing this.htm

Of the Occasion on which He Announced his Coming Passion to the ...
... Chapter LIV."Of the Occasion on Which He Announced His Coming Passion to the Disciples,
and of the Measure of Concord Between Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter liv of the occasion on.htm

Thesaurus

Occasion (53 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Need; exigency; requirement; necessity; as, I have no occasion for firearms.
5. (n.) A reason or excuse; a motive; a persuasion. ...OCCASION. ...
/o/occasion.htm - 23k

Stumbling (51 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Stumble. Multi-Version Concordance Stumbling (51 Occurrences). Matthew
11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me." (WEB ASV). ...
/s/stumbling.htm - 21k

Offence (27 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The state of being offended or displeased; anger; displeasure. 4. (n.) A
cause or occasion of stumbling or of sin. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/o/offence.htm - 25k

Offend (24 Occurrences)
... of offense"; compare Ezekiel 14:3; 1 Samuel 25:31; Psalm 119:165, "nothing shall
offend," the Revised Version (British and American) "no occasion of stumbling ...
/o/offend.htm - 23k

Subapostolic
... lit'-er-a-tur, sub-ap-os-tol'-ik (Christian): I. EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS
1. Authorship and Date 2. Occasion and Contents 3. Apologetic Testimony 4 ...
/s/subapostolic.htm - 38k

Sub-apostolic
... lit'-er-a-tur, sub-ap-os-tol'-ik (Christian): I. EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS
1. Authorship and Date 2. Occasion and Contents 3. Apologetic Testimony 4 ...
/s/sub-apostolic.htm - 38k

Accusation (25 Occurrences)
... Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel
as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault ...
/a/accusation.htm - 13k

Boast (86 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) Act of boasting; vaunting or bragging. 9. (n.) The cause of boasting; occasion
of pride or exultation, -- sometimes of laudable pride or exultation. ...
/b/boast.htm - 33k

Boasting (42 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:12 For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as
giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to ...
/b/boasting.htm - 18k

Ishmael (44 Occurrences)
... On the occasion of the weaning of Isaac his rude and wayward spirit broke out in
expressions of insult and mockery (21:9, 10); and Sarah, discovering this ...
/i/ishmael.htm - 38k

Resources

Why was David so loyal to Saul after everything Saul had done to him? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Pharaoh give Joseph so much power? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Occasion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Occasion (53 Occurrences)

Matthew 3:15
"Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented;
(WEY)

Matthew 11:6
Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."
(WEB ASV)

Matthew 18:6
But whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung round his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
(WEY)

Matthew 18:7
"Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!
(Root in WEB ASV)

Mark 9:42
"And whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe, he would be better off if, with a millstone round his neck, he were lying at the bottom of the sea.
(WEY)

Luke 5:1
On one occasion the crowd was pressing on Him and listening to God's Message, while He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
(WEY)

Luke 5:12
On another occasion, when He was in one of the towns, there was a man there covered with leprosy, who, seeing Jesus, threw himself at His feet and implored Him, saying, "Sir, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean."
(WEY)

Luke 6:12
About that time He went out on one occasion into the hill country to pray; and He remained all night in prayer to God.
(WEY)

Luke 7:23
And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.
(ASV)

Luke 10:21
On that same occasion Jesus was filled by the Holy Spirit with rapturous joy. "I give Thee fervent thanks," He exclaimed, "O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hast hidden these things from sages and men of understanding, and hast revealed them to babes. Yes, Father, for such has been Thy gracious will.
(WEY)

Luke 11:14
On once occasion He was expelling a dumb demon; and when the demon was gone out the dumb man could speak, and the people were astonished.
(WEY)

Luke 13:1
Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
(See NAS)

Luke 18:15
On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.
(WEY)

John 21:14
This was now the third occasion on which Jesus showed Himself to the disciples after He had risen from among the dead.
(WEY)

Acts 11:19
They then who had been scattered abroad through the tribulation that took place on the occasion of Stephen, passed through the country to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one but to Jews alone.
(DBY)

Acts 19:40
for we are also in peril of being accused of insurrection in regard to this day, there being no occasion by which we shall be able to give an account of this concourse;'
(YLT)

Romans 7:8
But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

Romans 7:11
for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

Romans 14:13
Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion for falling.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

1 Corinthians 10:32
Give no occasions for stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the assembly of God;
(Root in WEB ASV DBY)

1 Corinthians 16:7
For I do not wish to see you on this occasion merely in passing; but if the Lord permits, I hope to remain some time with you.
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 5:12
For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

2 Corinthians 6:3
We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
(WEB ASV)

2 Corinthians 8:8
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
(KJV WBS)

2 Corinthians 9:11
you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:12
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
(KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have occasion, let us do good towards all, and specially towards those of the household of faith.
(DBY)

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
(See RSV)

Ephesians 6:18
Pray with unceasing prayer and entreaty on every fitting occasion in the Spirit, and be always on the alert to seize opportunities for doing so, with unwearied persistence and entreaty on behalf of all God's people,
(WEY NIV)

1 Timothy 5:14
I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Hebrews 8:7
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
(See NAS RSV)

2 Peter 1:15
So on every possible occasion I will also do my best to enable you to recall these things after my departure.
(WEY)

1 John 2:10
He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Genesis 31:35
And she said to her father, Let it not be an occasion of anger in the eyes of my lord that I cannot rise up before thee, for it is with me after the manner of women. And he searched carefully, but did not find the teraphim.
(DBY)

Genesis 43:18
The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, "Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, we're brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV)

Judges 9:33
and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Judges 14:4
But his father and his mother didn't know that it was of Yahweh; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 9:24
The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, "Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said,'I have invited the people.'" So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 10:7
Let it be, when these signs have come to you, that you do as occasion shall serve you; for God is with you.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS)

2 Samuel 12:14
However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to Yahweh's enemies to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

2 Kings 5:7
And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? but consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
(See JPS DBY)

2 Chronicles 13:18
Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on Yahweh, the God of their fathers.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 20:17
Ye shall not have to fight on this occasion: set yourselves, stand and see the salvation of Jehovah who is with you! Judah and Jerusalem, fear not nor be dismayed; to-morrow go out against them, and Jehovah will be with you.
(DBY)

Ezra 7:20
Whatever more shall be needful for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Ezra 10:9
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month: and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 8:4
Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
(See NIV)

Psalms 119:165
Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.
(ASV)

Jeremiah 2:24
a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that snuffs up the wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away? all those who seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

Ezekiel 7:19
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Yahweh: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it has been the stumbling block of their iniquity.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 18:3
As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, you shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Daniel 6:4
Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Daniel 6:5
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Subtopics

Occasion

Related Terms

Itch (11 Occurrences)

Creep (8 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Governor (78 Occurrences)

Occasions (8 Occurrences)

Hunger (52 Occurrences)

Zadok (50 Occurrences)

Levitical (19 Occurrences)

Galatians (2 Occurrences)