Topical Encyclopedia
The term "alight" in biblical context generally refers to the act of descending or coming down, often with a sense of purpose or divine intervention. It is used to describe both physical and spiritual descents, and it can be found in various passages throughout the Bible.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the concept of alighting is often associated with divine presence or intervention. For example, in
Exodus 19:18, the Lord descends upon Mount Sinai in fire, an event that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying to the Israelites: "Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD had descended upon it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." Here, the descent of the Lord signifies His powerful presence and the establishment of His covenant with Israel.
Another instance is found in
Genesis 28:12, where Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels of God ascending and descending on it. This vision signifies the connection between heaven and earth and God's ongoing interaction with His creation.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the term "alight" is often used in the context of the Holy Spirit descending upon individuals. A notable example is found in
Matthew 3:16, during the baptism of Jesus: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him." This event marks the anointing of Jesus for His public ministry and signifies the approval and presence of God.
Similarly, in
Acts 2:3, during the event of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles: "They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." This alighting of the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to speak in various tongues and marks the birth of the Church.
Symbolic MeaningThe act of alighting often carries a symbolic meaning of divine approval, empowerment, and presence. It signifies moments when God intervenes in human history, either to establish a covenant, empower individuals for ministry, or manifest His presence among His people. The imagery of descending or alighting is a powerful reminder of God's active role in the world and His willingness to engage with humanity.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the concept of alighting underscores the transcendence and immanence of God. It highlights the belief that while God is above and beyond creation, He also chooses to enter into it, revealing His will and purpose. This dual aspect of God's nature is central to understanding His interactions with humanity throughout biblical history.
In summary, the term "alight" in the Bible is rich with meaning, illustrating moments of divine interaction and presence. Whether through the descent of the Lord on Mount Sinai, the Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism, or the empowerment of the apostles at Pentecost, alighting signifies God's active engagement with His creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To spring down, get down, or descend, as from on horseback or from a carriage; to dismount.
2. (v. i.) To descend and settle, lodge, rest, or stop; as, a flying bird alights on a tree; snow alights on a roof.
3. (v. i.) To come or chance (upon).
4. (a.) Lighted; lighted up; in a flame.
Strong's Hebrew
6795. tsanach -- to descend... fasten, light from off. A primitive root; to
alight; (transitive) to cause to descend,
ie Drive down -- fasten, light (from off). 6794b, 6795. tsanach. 6796
...935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go
... root Definition to come in, come, go in, go NASB Word Usage actually come (1), advanced
(8),alight (1), apply (1), approach (1), arrival (1), arrive (3...
Library
Whether Essence and Existence are the Same in God
... Thirdly, anything which has existence without being existence exists through
participation, just as anything which isalight but is not itself fire isalight...
Dying Lamps
... a light kindled and' (therefore) 'shining,' but it will be light 'for a season'
only, unless it is fed from that from which it was first setalight; and that...
Slavery
... His slave, whose business it was to keep themalight, was kindly treated; the old
man soon grew very fond of him and would harangue him by the hour on the...
And Now we Can Turn at Last to See in Our Picture...
... them. Nothing but that which He inspires can carry quickening power: no
experience"no spirituality even, can set the sparkalight....
Power Hindered.
... The strokes of the "Sword of the Spirit"alight only on the conscience, and its
edge is anointed with a bairn to heal every wound it may inflict."Dr. J...
Preface
... Even if phrases or passages make for orthodoxy, to accept them if condemned by evidence
and history is toalight upon the quicksands of conjecture....
The Temple of Wisdom
... once more that Wisdom is no discovery of their own, but the inspiration of the Almighty;
and that this world is no dead and dark machine, butalight with the...
The Shepherd of Pella
... confidence than was natural in the ready answers of this professed servant, and
before he would leave Laodice to pitch camp, he helped her toalight and drew...
Accidental Causes of Corruption.
... The eye of a scribe on reverting from his copy to the original before him is of
necessity apt sometimes toalight on the same word, or what looks like the same...
The Swallow
... Had I skill to improve it, a lesson of love: How seldom on earth do we see
heralight! She dwells in the skies, she is ever above....
Thesaurus
Alight (3 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) Lighted; lighted up; in a flame. Multi-Version Concordance
Alight (3
Occurrences). Luke 12:35 "Have your girdles on, and let your lamps be
alight; (WEY)
...Alighted (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofAlight. Multi-Version Concordance
Alighted (7 Occurrences). Acts 2:3 and they saw tongues...
Light (2869 Occurrences)
... 43. (vi) To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; toalight; -- with
from, off, on, upon, at, in. 44. (vi) To feel light; to be made happy. 45....
Land (19790 Occurrences)
... 13. (vt) To catch and bring to shore; to capture; as, to land a fish. 14. (vt) To
set down after conveying; to cause to fall,alight, or reach; to bring to the...
Locust (25 Occurrences)
... Woe to the countries beneath them if the wind fall and let themalight! They
descend unnumbered as flakes of snow and hide the ground....
Girdles (13 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:9 Provide not gold, nor silver, nor brass in your girdles, (YLT). Luke
12:35 "Have your girdles on, and let your lamps bealight; (WEY)....
Mustard (5 Occurrences)
... arvensis, or the charlock (all of Natural Order Cruciferae), would, any one of them,
suit the requirements of the parable; birds readilyalight upon their...
Perch (2 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A pole connecting the fore gear and hind gear of a spring carriage; a
reach. 8. (vi) Toalight or settle, as a bird; to sit or roost....
Alien's (1 Occurrence)
Stoop (10 Occurrences)
... condescend. 7. (vi) To come down as a hawk does on its prey; to pounce; to souse;
to swoop. 8. (vi) To sink when on the wing; toalight. 9...
Resources
Why did Noah release a raven? Why did he later release a dove (Genesis 8)? | GotQuestions.orgAlight: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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