The term "panted" in the Bible is often used metaphorically to describe a deep longing or intense desire, typically for God or spiritual fulfillment. This imagery is vividly captured in the Psalms, where the psalmist expresses a profound yearning for God's presence and sustenance.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 42:1 : "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." This verse is perhaps the most well-known biblical use of the term "panted." Here, the psalmist compares his soul's longing for God to a deer's thirst for water. The imagery of a panting deer highlights a desperate need and an earnest desire for spiritual nourishment and communion with God. The psalmist's use of this metaphor underscores the intensity of his spiritual thirst and his dependence on God for life and sustenance.

2. Psalm 119:131 : "I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments." In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God's commandments, indicating a desire not only for understanding but also for living in accordance with God's will. The act of panting here signifies an earnest and eager pursuit of divine wisdom and guidance, reflecting the psalmist's commitment to a life of obedience and devotion.

Theological Significance:

The use of "panted" in these contexts emphasizes the believer's deep-seated need for God, akin to a physical thirst that can only be quenched by divine presence and truth. This metaphor serves to remind believers of the importance of seeking God with earnestness and sincerity, recognizing that true fulfillment and peace come from a relationship with Him.

In the broader biblical narrative, the imagery of thirst and longing is often associated with spiritual renewal and the promise of God's provision. Just as physical thirst drives one to seek water, spiritual thirst should drive believers to seek God, who is the source of living water (John 4:10-14). This longing is not merely an emotional experience but a fundamental aspect of the believer's spiritual journey, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes and desires.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of panting after God serves as a call to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with Him. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that human efforts and worldly pursuits cannot satisfy the soul's deepest needs. Engaging in regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and participation in communal worship are practical ways to nurture this longing and draw closer to God.

Furthermore, the imagery of panting invites believers to examine their own spiritual desires and priorities. It challenges them to consider whether their lives reflect a genuine thirst for God and His righteousness, prompting a re-evaluation of what truly satisfies and sustains them in their walk of faith.(imp. & p. p.) of Pant.7602a. shaaph -- to gasp, pant, pant after, long for
... root Definition to gasp, pant, pant after, long for NASB Word Usage eager (1),
hastening (1), long (1), pant (2), panted (1), pants (1), sniffs (1). ...
/hebrew/7602a.htm - 5k

I Panted after Honours, Gains, Marriage; and Thou Deridedst Me. .. ...
... Book VI Chapter VI" I panted after honours, gains, marriage; and Thou deridedst
me.? I panted after honours, gains, marriage; and Thou deridedst me. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vi i panted after.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... that he was anxious to go where glory awaited him, and that all matrimonial
arrangements he must defer till he had won that fame for which his heart panted. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... The Knight relaxed not a moment in his efforts, for he saw that the Giant was stout;
and as the sun's heat was very great, he panted more and more till the ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

Skirting the Abyss
... He was crippled, and leaned full weight with both hands on his stick. He seemed
asthmatic too, and coughed and panted woefully. A withered, decrepit old ghoul. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxv skirting the abyss.htm

The Rhythm of Life
... the instinct for flight, he had not inherited the capacity to stop, and if he had
not risked the shock of a sudden halt, he would have panted his little life ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/vii the rhythm of life.htm

Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the ...
... desire of the Communion, and tender affection of heart, could not refrain from weeping,
but as it were with mouth of heart and body alike panted inwardly after ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xiv of the fervent.htm

That the Preceding Desire Will Much Increase the Union of the ...
... the Psalmist, that hart which, hard set by the hounds, has neither wind nor legs;
how greedily he plunges himself into the waters which he panted after, and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x that the preceding.htm

To the Saviour.
... Jesu, priceless treasure,. Source of purest pleasure,. Truest friend to me! Long
my heart hath panted,. Till it well-nigh fainted,. Thirsting after Thee! ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/to the saviour.htm

Psalm 119 Pe, the 17Th Part.
... makes wise who simple are. ^131My mouth I have wide opened,. and panted earnestly,.
While after thy commandements. I long'd exceedingly. ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 119 pe the 17th.htm

Too Late Loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty of Ancient Days...
... Thou flashedst, shonest, and scatteredst my blindness. Thou breathedst odours, and
I drew in breath and panted for Thee. I tasted, and hunger and thirst. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxvii too late loved.htm

Panted (2 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Pant. Multi-Version Concordance Panted (2 Occurrences). Psalms
119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments. ...
/p/panted.htm - 7k

Pant (8 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Psalms 119:131 I opened my mouth
wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments. ...
/p/pant.htm - 9k

Longed (24 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for
I longed for your commandments. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/l/longed.htm - 13k

Fearfulness (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS). Isaiah 21:4 My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night
of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me. (KJV WBS). ...
/f/fearfulness.htm - 8k

Panteth (4 Occurrences)

/p/panteth.htm - 7k

Longing (40 Occurrences)
... righteousness. (See NAS). Psalms 119:131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted;
for I longed for Thy commandments. (See NIV). Proverbs ...
/l/longing.htm - 18k

Affrighted (60 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Isaiah 21:4 My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night
of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/a/affrighted.htm - 23k

Panted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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