Topical Encyclopedia
The term "bidden" is derived from the Old English word "biddan," meaning to ask, command, or invite. In the context of the Bible, "bidden" typically refers to being invited or commanded to do something, often by God or a figure of authority. This concept is significant in understanding the nature of divine calling and human response throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of being bidden is often associated with God's commands to His people. For instance, the Israelites were frequently bidden by God to follow His laws and commandments. In
Exodus 19:10, the Lord instructs Moses to prepare the people for His coming: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes.'" Here, the people are bidden to prepare themselves for a divine encounter.
The prophets were also bidden by God to deliver His messages to the people. In
Isaiah 6:8, the prophet responds to God's call: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah is bidden to take on the role of a prophet, illustrating the concept of divine invitation and human willingness.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of being bidden is often seen in the context of Jesus' teachings and parables. One notable example is the Parable of the Great Banquet in
Luke 14:16-24. In this parable, a man prepares a great feast and sends his servant to tell those who were bidden to come, for everything is now ready. However, those initially invited make excuses and do not attend, leading the master to invite others: "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.'" This parable illustrates the invitation to God's kingdom and the varied responses of those who are bidden.
Jesus Himself often bidden individuals to follow Him, as seen in
Matthew 4:19: "And He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" This call to the disciples is a direct invitation to partake in His ministry and mission.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being bidden in the Bible underscores the importance of obedience and responsiveness to God's call. It highlights the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency. Those who are bidden by God are given the opportunity to participate in His divine plan, whether through obedience to His commandments, acceptance of His invitations, or engagement in His mission.
In the broader theological context, being bidden can also be seen as a reflection of God's grace and initiative. God extends His invitation to humanity, calling individuals to repentance, faith, and service. The response to being bidden is a testament to one's faith and commitment to God's will.
Practical ApplicationFor believers today, the concept of being bidden serves as a reminder of the importance of listening for and responding to God's call in their lives. Whether through prayer, Scripture, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Christians are encouraged to be attentive to the ways in which God may be bidding them to act, serve, or grow in their faith. The willingness to respond to God's invitation is a crucial aspect of living a faithful and obedient Christian life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. p.) of Bid.
2. (p. p) of Bid.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIDDENbid'-n: "Called," "invited" (1 Samuel 9:13).
Strong's Hebrew
7121. qara -- to call, proclaim, read... summoning (1), summons (2). bewray self, that are
bidden, call for, forth,
self, upon, cry unto, be famous,. A primitive root (rather
...Library
Whether it is Fitting that those who Fast Should beBidden to...
... OF FASTING (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it is fitting that those who fast should
bebidden to abstain from flesh meat, eggs, and milk foods?...
And He Spake a Parable unto those which wereBidden There...
... The Text of the Diatessaron. Section XXX. And he spake a parable unto
those which werebidden there? [1] [2054] And he spake a...
On the Words of the Gospel, John ii. 2, "And Jesus Also wasBidden...
... Sermon LXXIII. On the words of the Gospel, John ii. 2, "and Jesus also was
bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.". [CXXIII. Ben.]...
The Chief Places at the Feast.
... And he spake a parable unto those that werebidden, when he marked how they chose
out the chief seats; saying unto them, "When thou artbidden of any man to a...
Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons...
... Though silenced, the Pharisees relented not, either as to their bigotry or their
hatred.] 7 And he spake a parable unto those that werebidden, when he marked...
The Lessons of a Feast
... 6. And they could not answer Him again to these things.7. And He put forth a parable
to those which werebidden, when He marked how they chose out the chief...
B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... 7 And he spake a parable unto those that werebidden, when he marked how they chose
out the chief seats; saying unto them, 8 When thou artbidden of any man to...
Of the Hidden and Holy People of the Almighty Christ, the Living...
... the holy people be longed for; and, indeed, let it be unknown by us where it abides,
acting by nine of the tribes and a half...; and he hasbidden to live by...
Matt. xxii. 1-14.
... The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage [2584]
for his son; and sent forth his servants to call them which werebidden to the...
In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the...
... The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast
for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that werebidden to the...
Thesaurus
Bidden (25 Occurrences)... 2. (p. p) of Bid. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BIDDEN. bid'-n: "Called," "invited"
(1 Samuel 9:13). Multi-Version Concordance
Bidden (25 Occurrences).
...Wedding (24 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that werebidden to
the wedding: and they would not come. (KJV WEY DBY WBS NAS)....
Room (174 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:8 When thou artbidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest
room; lest a more honourable man than thou bebidden of him; (KJV WBS)....
Haply (26 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:8 When thou artbidden of any man to a marriage feast, sit not down in the
chief seat; lest haply a more honorable man than thou bebidden of him, (ASV...
Lest (282 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:8 When thou artbidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest
room; lest a more honourable man than thou bebidden of him; (KJV WEY ASV...
Honourable (72 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:8 When thou artbidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest
room; lest a more honourable man than thou bebidden of him; (KJV DBY YLT)....
Spake (704 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which hadbidden him saw it, he spake within himself,
saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what...
Chief (696 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE WBS YLT). Luke 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which werebidden,
when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them....
Forth (1639 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT). Matthew 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that
werebidden to the wedding: and they would not come. (KJV ASV YLT)....
Bid (35 Occurrences)
Resources
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