Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "assert" generally means to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. In a biblical context, asserting often involves proclaiming truths about God, His commandments, or the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is an act of declaring with conviction, often in the face of opposition or doubt.
Biblical Context:The concept of asserting truth is woven throughout the Bible, where prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself often made bold declarations about God's nature, His will, and His promises. Asserting truth is seen as a vital part of faith, where believers are called to stand firm in their convictions and witness to the truth of the Gospel.
Old Testament Examples:In the Old Testament, prophets frequently asserted the words of God to the people of Israel. For instance, Moses asserted God's commandments to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience (
Deuteronomy 5:32-33). Similarly, the prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, asserted God's messages of warning and hope, often facing resistance from their audiences.
New Testament Examples:In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of asserting divine truth. He often began His teachings with phrases like "Truly, truly, I say to you," emphasizing the authority and certainty of His words (
John 3:3). Jesus asserted His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, which was a central theme of His ministry.
The apostles also exemplified the act of asserting truth. In the Book of Acts, Peter and John boldly asserted the resurrection of Jesus and the power of His name, even when threatened by religious authorities (
Acts 4:18-20). The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently asserted the core doctrines of the Christian faith, urging believers to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel (
Galatians 1:8-9).
Theological Significance:Asserting truth is a reflection of faith and conviction. It involves a commitment to uphold and proclaim the teachings of Scripture, regardless of societal pressures or personal cost. The act of asserting is not merely about speaking truth but also living it out, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in one's life.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to assert their faith in various aspects of life, whether in personal conversations, public discourse, or through their actions. This involves a deep understanding of Scripture, reliance on the Holy Spirit for boldness, and a commitment to truthfulness and integrity. Asserting the truth of the Gospel is seen as a vital part of the Great Commission, where Christians are called to make disciples of all nations (
Matthew 28:19-20).
Challenges and Considerations:While asserting truth is essential, it must be done with love and humility. The Bible warns against arrogance and self-righteousness, urging believers to speak the truth in love (
Ephesians 4:15). The challenge lies in balancing boldness with gentleness, ensuring that the message of the Gospel is communicated effectively and compassionately.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To affirm; to declare with assurance, or plainly and strongly; to state positively; to aver; to asseverate.
2. (v. t.) To maintain; to defend.
3. (v. t.) To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to; as, to assert our rights and liberties.
Greek
5335. phasko -- to affirm,assert... to affirm,
assert. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phasko Phonetic Spelling:
(fas'-ko) Short Definition: I
assert, affirm, profess Definition: I
assert...1340. diischurizomai -- to lean upon, affirm confidently
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diischurizomai Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-is-khoo-rid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: Iassert emphatically Definition:...
1226. diabebaioomai -- to affirm confidently
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diabebaioomai Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ab-eb-ahee-o'-om-ahee) Short Definition: Iassert emphatically Definition:...
4394. propheteia -- prophecy
... 4394 (from 4396 , "prophet," which is derived from 4253 , "before" and 5346 , "make
clear,assert as a priority") -- properly, what is clarified hand; which...
1861. epaggellomai -- to proclaim, to promise
... From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon (reflexively), ie (by implication)
to engage to do something, toassert something respecting oneself...
874. aphorme -- a starting point, ie fig. an occasion
... 874 (from 575 , "away from" and 3730 , "a violent rush") -- properly, a ("launching
point") toassert an idea -- literally, "what charges from (off) a...
Strong's Hebrew
1696. dabar -- to speak... root Definition to speak NASB Word Usage again (2),
assert (1), boast* (1), commanded
(1), counseled (2), declare (2), declared (5), declared* (1), directed (2
...Library
But You whoAssert that You are the Defenders and Propagators of...
... Book V. 31 But you whoassert that you are the defenders and propagators
of their immortality? But you whoassert that you are...
And yet How Can YouAssert the Falsehood of this Story...
... Book V. 16 And yet how can youassert the falsehood of this story? And
yet how can youassert the falsehood of this story, when...
There are Some, Besides, whoAssert that those who from Being Men...
... Book III. 39 There are some, besides, whoassert that those who from being
men became gods? There are some, besides, whoassert...
The Arians, Inasmuch as theyAssert the Son to be "Of Another...
... Book III. Chapter XV. The Arians, inasmuch as theyassert the Son to be
"of another substance? The Arians, inasmuch as theyassert...
Against those whoAssert that the Spirit Ought not to be Glorified...
... TOU AGIOU BAChILEIOU PERI TOU PNEUMATOCh BIBLION. Chapter XIX. Against those
whoassert that the Spirit ought not to be glorified. 48....
Against those whoAssert that it is not Proper for "With Whom" to...
... Chapter VII. Against those whoassert that it is not proper for "with whom" to be
said of the Son, and that the proper phrase is "through whom.". 16....
Against those whoAssert that the Baptism in the Name of the...
... TOU AGIOU BAChILEIOU PERI TOU PNEUMATOCh BIBLION. Chapter XII. Against those who
assert that the baptism in the name of the Father alone is sufficient. 28....
Of those whoAssert that all Catholics who Continue in the Faith...
... Chapter 21."Of Those WhoAssert that All Catholics Who Continue in the Faith Even
Though by the Depravity of Their Lives They Have Merited Hell Fire, Shall...
Issue Joined with those whoAssert that the Son is not with the...
... Chapter VI. Issue joined with those whoassert that the Son is not with the Father,
but after the Father. Also concerning the equal glory. 13....
Scripture Phrases and Passages ClearlyAssert "The Resurrection of...
... Chapter XVIII."Scripture Phrases and Passages ClearlyAssert "The Resurrection of
the Dead." The Force of This Very Phrase Explained as Indicating the...
Thesaurus
Assert (1 Occurrence)... 3. (vt) To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to
vindicate a claim or title to; as, to
assert our rights and liberties.
...Affirm (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) toassert or confirm, as a judgment, decree, or order, brought before an
appellate court for review.... 4. (vi) To declare orassert positively....
Contradict (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) Toassert the contrary of; to oppose in words; to take issue with; to gainsay;
to deny the truth of, as of a statement or a speaker; to impugn....
Son (25967 Occurrences)
... The sonship of Christ denotes his equality with the Father. To call Christ
the Son of God is toassert his true and proper divinity....
Jonah (30 Occurrences)
... holds good. But, on the other hand, how arbitrary it is toassert, with
Reuss, that Jesus regarded Jonah's history as a parable! On...
Nonimmersionist
... that the ordinance administered this way is perfectly valid, and quotes in support
of his opinion various Old Testament texts whichassert the purifying...
Non-immersionist
... that the ordinance administered this way is perfectly valid, and quotes in support
of his opinion various Old Testament texts whichassert the purifying...
View (86 Occurrences)
... that the ordinance administered this way is perfectly valid, and quotes in support
of his opinion various Old Testament texts whichassert the purifying...
Vouch (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (vi) To bear witness; to give testimony or full attestation. 7. (vi) Toassert;
to aver; to declare. 8. (n.) Warrant; attestation. Multi-Version Concordance...
Vow (49 Occurrences)
... solemnly. 4. (n.) Toassert solemnly; to asseverate. 5. (vi) To make a vow,
or solemn promise. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VOW....
Resources
What is conditional security? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Iglesia ni Cristo? | GotQuestions.orgAssert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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