Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "clinging" in the Bible often conveys a sense of deep attachment, loyalty, and steadfastness. It is a term that appears in various contexts, illustrating both physical and spiritual adherence. In the original Hebrew and Greek texts, words translated as "cling" can also mean to cleave, hold fast, or remain steadfast.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "dabaq" is frequently used to describe the act of clinging. One of the most notable instances is found in the book of Ruth. Ruth's declaration to Naomi, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (
Ruth 1:16), exemplifies a profound commitment and loyalty. Ruth's clinging to Naomi is emblematic of covenantal faithfulness and devotion.
In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are commanded to cling to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 10:20 states, "You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." This command underscores the importance of unwavering faithfulness and reliance on God, emphasizing a relationship that is both exclusive and intimate.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "kollao" is used to express the idea of clinging or joining closely. In
Romans 12:9 , Paul exhorts believers to "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." Here, clinging is associated with moral integrity and the pursuit of righteousness, urging believers to adhere firmly to what is virtuous and godly.
The concept of clinging also appears in the context of marriage. In
Matthew 19:5 , Jesus refers to the Genesis account, saying, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." The union of husband and wife is depicted as a form of clinging, symbolizing a deep, inseparable bond.
Spiritual ImplicationsClinging to God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, representing a believer's dependence and trust in the Lord.
Psalm 63:8 beautifully captures this sentiment: "My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." This verse reflects a personal and intimate relationship with God, where the psalmist expresses a longing and reliance on divine support and presence.
The act of clinging is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, signifying a heart posture of devotion and fidelity. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to hold fast to God's promises, and to maintain a close relationship with Him amidst life's challenges.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the call to cling to God and His teachings is a daily endeavor. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize one's relationship with God above all else, to seek His guidance, and to remain faithful to His commandments. Clinging to God also means trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain.
In relationships, clinging reflects commitment and loyalty, whether in marriage, family, or the community of believers. It encourages believers to foster bonds that are rooted in love, respect, and mutual support, mirroring the steadfast love that God shows to His people.
Greek
2853. kollao -- to glue, unite... Word Origin from kolla (glue) Definition to glue, unite NASB Word Usage associate
(3), cling (1),
clings (1), hired (1), join (1), joined (2), joins (2), piled
...Strong's Hebrew
1692. dabaq -- to cling, cleave, keep close... root Definition to cling, cleave, keep close NASB Word Usage cleaves (4), cling
(14),
clings (3), closely pursued (1), closer (1), clung (4), deeply attracted
...Library
Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... Therefore it is the intent of this commandment to require true faith and trust of
the heart which settles upon the only true God andclings to Him alone....
The Subtraction Process
... This process involves the loss of all things; for when the heart is thus yielded,
everything that itclings to is also yielded, and then, and only then, can...
Letter xvi. To Pope Damasus.
... Jerome once more refers to his baptism at Rome, and declares that his one answer
to the factions at Antioch is, "He whoclings to the chair of Peter is...
Whether Contention is a Daughter of Vainglory?
... I answer that, As stated above ([2652]Q[37], A[2]), discord is a daughter of vainglory,
because each of the disaccording partiesclings to his own opinion...
Holding Fast and Held Fast
... Lord your God,' and not even the revealed truths that manifest Him, but Him as revealed
by the truths"it is He that is the Object to which our faithclings....
The Heart with the Treasure.
... lies in this"that the immortal, the infinite, created in the image of the everlasting
God, is housed with the fading and the corrupting, andclings to them...
Entering into the Infinite
... The mind unenlightened upon the inner laws of being, and upon the nature and destiny
of its own life,clings to transient appearances, things which have in...
Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... As the limpet holds on to its rock, as the ivyclings to the wall, as a shipwrecked
sailor grasps the spar which keeps his head above water, so a Christian man...
Wisdom's Gift
... things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature'
has power to take away that faithful God to whom a poor soulclings, and in...
Conclusion
... Thus faithclings to the water, and believes that it is Baptism, in which there
is pure salvation and life; not through the water (as we have sufficiently...
Thesaurus
Clings (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Clings (6 Occurrences). Luke 10:11 'Even the dust
from your city that
clings to us, we wipe off against you.
...Clip (2 Occurrences)
Nain (1 Occurrence)
... The name persists to this day, and in the form of Neinclings to a small village
on the northwestern slope of Jebel ed-Duchy ("Hill of Moreh"), the mountain...
Nevertheless (153 Occurrences)
... ungrateful and wicked. (WEY). Luke 10:11 'Even the dust from your city that
clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this...
Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... By means of adhesive disks on the under sides of its toes, itclings with
ease to smooth walls which other lizards cannot scale....
Wipe (24 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 10:11 'Even the dust
from your city thatclings to us, we wipe off against you....
Ivy
... berries black or yellow. The stemclings to walls and trees by rootlike fibers.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IVY. i'-vi (kissos...
Clinging (4 Occurrences)
Caesarea (20 Occurrences)
... na). The ancient name in the Arabic form Qaisariyeh stillclings to the
ruins on the sea shore, about 30 miles North of Jaffa. It...
Coal (7 Occurrences)
... shachchar, "soot"; compare Hebrew shechor. The characteristic odor of the
mashcharahclings for months to the spot. In Psalm 120:4...
Resources
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