Topical Encyclopedia
The term "bends" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of bending, both physically and metaphorically, is present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical literature, bending often symbolizes submission, humility, or the act of worship. It can also represent the physical act of bowing or kneeling, which is a common posture of prayer and reverence.
Bending in Worship and PrayerBending the knee is a significant act of worship and submission to God. In the Old Testament, bowing down is frequently associated with worship and reverence. For instance, in
Psalm 95:6 , the psalmist invites the congregation to worship God with the words, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." This act of bending the knee is a physical expression of humility and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
In the New Testament, the act of bending the knee continues to hold spiritual significance. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes the ultimate submission to Christ, stating, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (
Philippians 2:10). This passage underscores the universal recognition of Christ's lordship and the submission of all creation to Him.
Bending as a Metaphor for HumilityBending is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe humility and the proper attitude of believers before God. In
Proverbs 22:4 , it is written, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." Here, humility is portrayed as a virtue that leads to divine blessing, and bending can be seen as a metaphor for adopting a humble posture before God.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of the humble and contrite heart that God esteems, saying, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word" (
Isaiah 66:2). This passage highlights the importance of a heart that is metaphorically bent in submission and reverence to God's word.
Bending Under BurdenThe Bible also uses the imagery of bending under a burden to describe the weight of sin or oppression. In
Psalm 38:6 , David laments, "I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning." Here, bending is associated with the physical and emotional toll of sin and suffering. This imagery serves as a reminder of the human condition and the need for divine intervention and redemption.
Bending in ProphecyIn prophetic literature, bending can symbolize the submission of nations and peoples to God's will.
Isaiah 45:23 declares, "By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess allegiance." This prophecy points to the eschatological reality where all creation acknowledges God's authority.
ConclusionWhile the specific term "bends" is not found in the Bible, the concept of bending is rich with spiritual meaning. It encompasses acts of worship, humility, and submission, as well as the burdens of sin and the prophetic vision of universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Through these various contexts, bending serves as a powerful symbol of the believer's relationship with God and the ultimate recognition of His lordship.
Strong's Hebrew
2654b. chaphats -- to bend down... chaphats. 2655 . to bend down. Transliteration: chaphats Short Definition:
bends.
Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bend down NASB Word Usage
bends (1).
...1869. darak -- to tread, march
... root Definition to tread, march NASB Word Usage aimed (1), aims (1), archers* (1),
bend (6),bends his bend (1), bent (6), come (1), guide (1), lead (1), leads...
Library
Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
... And the same author, in the same place, speaking of the compass of the outermost
wall, saith these things among others, "And thence itbends to the south...
Spelling God.
... The hinges of eye and ear are in the will. As the willbends those hinges move
of themselves.... It is easier to bend it. Itbends better and more....
But Others, unto whom These Words are no Longer a Nest...
... Anotherbends his mind on that which is said, In the Beginning God made heaven and
earth; and beholdeth therein Wisdom, the Beginning because It also speaketh...
'According To' --II.
... us that at the heart of the universe there is a heart; that God is Love, that that
love is the motive-spring of His activity, that it comes andbends over the...
The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He...
... This last chapter of the First Book consists of three parts: I. It having been said
above that Godbends all the reprobate, and even Satan himself, at his will...
Paul's First Prayer
... The poor broken-hearted sinner, climbing up to his chamber,bends his knee, but
can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears. Lo!...
The Resurrection of Dead Souls
... His great love wherewith He loved us.' Thus the great truth that is taught us here,
first of all, is that that divine love of the Divine Fatherbends down over...
The Memories of Home. [A]
... When hebends in mournful recollection over the grave of a sainted mother, how must
every heart-string break, and with what remorse he reviews his past life of...
Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew.
... waxed old. Seven times [2411] a day hebends the knee to the Lord, and
seven times [2412] a night does he pray to God. His voice...
A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... Creaks shuddering; and the tree-like mast itself. 65Bends to the gale, misdoubting
to be riven. Meantime the rising [1206] clamour of the crew....
Thesaurus
Bends (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bends (6 Occurrences). Joshua 15:9 The border
extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the
...Bend (29 Occurrences)
... See Butt. 14. (n.) Hard, indurate clay; bind. 15. (n.) Same as caisson disease.
Usually referred to as thebends. 16. (n.) A band. 17....
Bending (6 Occurrences)
Olives (30 Occurrences)
... The one drawback to arboriculture upon this ridge is the strong northwest wind which
permanentlybends most trees toward the Southeast, but affects the sturdy...
Lifts (26 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:3 Against him whobends let the archer bend his bow, and against him
who lifts himself up in his coat of mail: and don't spare her young men...
Mail (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:3 Against him whobends let the archer bend his bow, and against him
who lifts himself up in his coat of mail: and don't spare her young men...
Bene (4 Occurrences)
Archer (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:3 Against him whobends let the archer bend his bow, and against him
who lifts himself up in his coat of mail: and don't spare her young men...
Sychar (1 Occurrence)
... see JACOB'S WELL). It is on the right of the road where itbends from
the plain of Makhneh into the pass of Shechem. Fully half...
Scale-armor (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:3 Against him whobends let the archer bend his bow, and against him
who lifts himself up in his coat of mail: and don't spare her young men...
Resources
What does it mean that iron sharpens iron? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgBends: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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