Topical Encyclopedia
The term "conferred" in a biblical context often refers to the act of bestowing or granting authority, blessings, or gifts. This concept is significant throughout the Scriptures, as it highlights the divine and human interactions where authority, wisdom, or spiritual gifts are imparted.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of conferring is frequently associated with the transfer of blessings and authority. For instance, the patriarchal blessings conferred by fathers upon their sons were of great importance. In
Genesis 27, Isaac confers his blessing upon Jacob, believing him to be Esau, which sets the course for Jacob's future and the unfolding of God's covenant promises.
The conferring of authority is also evident in the anointing of kings. In
1 Samuel 16:13, Samuel anoints David as king, conferring upon him the Spirit of the Lord: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of conferring is often linked to the bestowal of spiritual gifts and authority within the early Church. Jesus conferred authority upon His disciples, empowering them to carry out His mission. In
Matthew 10:1, it is recorded, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness."
The apostolic authority conferred by Jesus is further emphasized in the Great Commission. In
Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."
The conferring of the Holy Spirit is another significant aspect. In
Acts 2, the Holy Spirit is conferred upon the believers at Pentecost, empowering them for ministry and marking the birth of the Church. This event fulfills Jesus' promise in
Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Apostolic and Ecclesiastical AuthorityThe conferring of authority within the Church is also seen in the appointment of leaders. In
Acts 6:6, the apostles conferred authority upon the seven chosen men by laying hands on them: "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them." This practice of laying on of hands continues as a means of conferring authority and blessing within the Church.
Paul's letters further illustrate the conferring of spiritual gifts and responsibilities. In
2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands."
ConclusionThe concept of conferring in the Bible underscores the importance of divine and human agency in the transmission of authority, blessings, and spiritual gifts. It reflects the orderly and purposeful nature of God's work through His chosen instruments, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises and the effective functioning of His Church.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Confer.
Greek
4814. sullaleo -- to talk together... Word Origin from sun and laleo Definition to talk together NASB Word Usage
conferred (1), discussed (1), talking (4). confer, talk with, commune.
...828. Augoustos -- Augustus, the name of a Roman emperor
... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Augoustos Phonetic Spelling: (ow'-goos-
tos) Short Definition: Augustus Definition: Augustus, a titleconferred on the...
4824. sumboulion -- counsel, by impl. a council
... a council NASB Word Usageconferred* (2), conspired* (1), conspiring (1), consultation
(1), consulted* (1), council (1), plotted together (1), together (2)....
2983. lambano -- to take, receive
... NASB Word Usage accept (1), accepting (1), attempted* (1), bring (2), caught (1),
caught caught (1), collect (1), collected (1),conferred* (2), conspired* (1...
Strong's Hebrew
1697. dabar -- speech, word... 2), commands (1), compliments* (1), concerned (1), concerning (1), concerning*
(3), conclusion* (1), conditions (1), conduct (2),
conferred (1), consultation (
...5414. nathan -- to give, put, set
... 2), brought (3), cast (3), cause (2), causes (1), certainly be given (1), certainly
give (1), comes (1), commit (1), committed (1),conferred (1), consider (1...
Library
Whether this Sacrament Ought to beConferred on those who are in...
... ON WHOM SHOULD THIS SACRAMENT BECONFERRED AND ON WHAT PART OF THE BODY?...
Therefore this sacrament should beconferred on them also....
On whom Should this Sacrament beConferred and on what Part of the...
... ON WHOM SHOULD THIS SACRAMENT BECONFERRED AND ON WHAT PART OF THE BODY?... (1) Whether
this sacrament should beconferred on those who are in good health?...
Benefits Should beConferred on the Poor Rather than on the Rich.....
... Book II. Chapter XXV. Benefits should beconferred on the poor rather than
on the rich? Benefits should beconferred on the poor...
That HavingConferred the Dignity of C??sars on his Three Sons at...
... Chapter XL."That havingconferred the Dignity of C??sars on his Three Sons at the
Three Decennial Periods of his Reign, he dedicated the Church at Jerusalem....
Whether Baptism Can beConferred in the Name of Christ?
... OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether Baptism can beconferred
in the name of Christ? Objection 1: It seems that...
Whether the Sacraments Can beConferred by Evil Ministers?
... OF THE CAUSES OF THE SACRAMENTS (TEN ARTICLES) Whether the sacraments
can beconferred by evil ministers? Objection 1: It seems...
How Great are the BenefitsConferred on Man through the Advent of...
... Chapter XI."How Great are the BenefitsConferred on Man Through the Advent of Christ.
Contemplate a little, if agreeable to you, the divine beneficence....
Whether Sanctifying Grace isConferred in the Sacrament of Order?
... OF THE EFFECT OF THIS SACRAMENT (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether sanctifying grace
isconferred in the sacrament of Order? Objection 1: It...
The HonorsConferred Upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book I. Chapter
XLII."The HonorsConferred upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches....
The Gifts of GraceConferred on Adam in Creation.
... A Treatise on rebuke and grace, Chapter 32."The Gifts of GraceConferred
on Adam in Creation. At that time, therefore, God had...
Thesaurus
Conferred (22 Occurrences)...Conferred (22 Occurrences).
... Luke 9:1 Then calling the Twelve together He
conferred on them power and authority over all the demons and to cure diseases; (WEY).
...Benediction
... That section of the church which regards the minister as clothed with sacerdotal
powers, holds that the blessings pronounced are actuallyconferred in the act...
Bound (175 Occurrences)
... Necessarily certain powers for administration must beconferred on this
company of men to carry out the purpose of Christ. That...
Bind (68 Occurrences)
... Necessarily certain powers for administration must beconferred on this
company of men to carry out the purpose of Christ. That...
Keys (2 Occurrences)
... Jesus. Do they signify powers and "privileges"conferred on Peter, exclusively
or representatively? Are they official or personal?...
Power (862 Occurrences)
... Jesus. Do they signify powers and "privileges"conferred on Peter, exclusively
or representatively? Are they official or personal?...
Office (64 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A special duty, trust, charge, or position,conferred by authority and for
a public purpose; a position of trust or authority; as, an executive or...
Grace (277 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor;
disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilegeconferred....
Doctor (5 Occurrences)
... Schools were established after the destruction of Jerusalem at Babylon and Tiberias,
in which academical degrees wereconferred on those who passed a certain...
Benefits (12 Occurrences)
... Psalms 103:10 Not according to our sins hath He done to us, Nor according
to our iniquities Hath Heconferred benefits upon us. (YLT)....
Resources
Does the Bible support the Catholic practice of a marriage annulment? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the doctors of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgConferred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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