Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "cleaving" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of adhering closely, remaining faithful, or being united. The Hebrew word often translated as "cleave" is "dabaq," which means to cling or stick. In the Greek New Testament, the word "kollao" is used similarly. Cleaving implies a strong bond or attachment, whether in a physical, emotional, or spiritual sense.
Biblical Usage:The concept of cleaving is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, often used to describe relationships between individuals and between people and God.
1.
Marriage: One of the most well-known uses of "cleaving" is found in the context of marriage.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the idea of leaving one's family of origin to form a new, primary bond with one's spouse. The New Testament reiterates this in
Matthew 19:5 and
Ephesians 5:31, emphasizing the sanctity and unity of the marital relationship.
2.
Loyalty to God: Cleaving is also used to describe the relationship between believers and God. In
Deuteronomy 10:20, the Israelites are commanded, "Fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." This call to cleave to God highlights the importance of faithfulness and devotion. Similarly,
Joshua 23:8 urges, "But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day."
3.
Ruth's Devotion: The Book of Ruth provides a poignant example of cleaving in human relationships.
Ruth 1:14-16 describes how Ruth clung to her mother-in-law Naomi, refusing to leave her. Ruth's declaration, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay," exemplifies the depth of commitment and loyalty that cleaving entails.
4.
Spiritual Allegiance: In the New Testament, cleaving is associated with spiritual allegiance and community.
Acts 11:23 records Barnabas encouraging the believers in Antioch "to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." This exhortation to cleave to the Lord reflects the early Christian emphasis on steadfastness in faith.
Theological Implications:Cleaving, as depicted in the Bible, carries profound theological implications. It signifies a covenantal relationship, whether in marriage or in one's relationship with God. The act of cleaving involves commitment, loyalty, and an unwavering bond that transcends mere obligation. It is a reflection of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people and serves as a model for human relationships.
Practical Application:For believers, the principle of cleaving calls for a deep, abiding commitment to God and to one another. In marriage, it encourages spouses to prioritize their relationship, fostering unity and mutual support. Spiritually, it challenges Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, clinging to God through life's trials and uncertainties. Cleaving, therefore, is not just an act but a lifestyle of devotion and fidelity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cleave.
2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cleave.
Strong's Hebrew
1695. dabeq -- a clinging,cleaving... 1694, 1695. dabeq. 1696 . a clinging,
cleaving. Transliteration: dabeq
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bake') Short Definition: attached.
...Library
OnCleaving to God
OnCleaving to God. <. OnCleaving to God Saint Albert the Great.
Table of Contents. Title Page. Translator's Introduction....
Thus the Spirit of Man,Cleaving unto the Spirit of God...
... Section 29. Thus the spirit of man,cleaving unto the Spirit of God? 29.
Thus the spirit of man,cleaving unto the Spirit of God...
That one Should not be Concerned About Feeling Tangible Devotion...
OnCleaving to God. <.... Chapter 10 That one should not be concerned about feeling
tangible devotion so much as aboutcleaving to God with one's will....
OnCleaving to God
OnCleaving to God. <. OnCleaving to God Saint Albert the Great. Title
Page. OnCleaving to God attributed to. Albertus Magnus....
On the Highest and Supreme Perfection of Man, in So Far as it is...
OnCleaving to God. <....
Translator's Introduction
OnCleaving to God. <....
That we Should Seek the Verdict of Our Conscience in Every...
OnCleaving to God. <....
How one Can Cling to and Seek Christ Alone, Disdaining Everything...
OnCleaving to God. <....
What the Perfection of Man Consist of in this Life
OnCleaving to God. <....
That the Devout Man Should Cleave to God with Naked Understanding...
OnCleaving to God. <....
Thesaurus
Cleaving (10 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Cleave. Multi-Version Concordance
Cleaving (10 Occurrences). Romans
12:9 Let love be unfeigned; abhorring evil;
cleaving to good: (DBY YLT).
...Cleft (15 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, andcleaving the cleft of the hoofs,
bringing up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (YLT)....
Dividing (23 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, andcleaving the cleft of the hoofs,
bringing up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (YLT)....
Cleave (52 Occurrences)
... The Psalmist speaks of Yahwehcleaving fountain and flood (Psalm 74:15), and the
plowmancleaving the earth (Psalm 141:7). For other examples see Judges 15:19...
Divides (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, andcleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing
up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (See NAS)....
Cleaveth (26 Occurrences)
Divided (102 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, andcleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing
up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (See NIV)....
Unfeigned (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unfeigned (5 Occurrences). Romans 12:9 Let love
be unfeigned; abhorring evil;cleaving to good: (DBY YLT)....
Removing (24 Occurrences)
... shade. (YLT). Ecclesiastes 10:9 Whoso is removing stones is grieved by them,
Whoso iscleaving trees endangered by them. (YLT). Isaiah...
Earthen (19 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT RSV). Psalms 22:15 Dried up as an earthen vessel is my power, And
my tongue iscleaving to my jaws. (YLT). Proverbs 26:23...
Resources
What does it mean to leave and cleave? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about togetherness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be one flesh in a marriage? | GotQuestions.orgCleaving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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