Topical Encyclopedia
The term "departs" in the Bible often signifies a physical or spiritual movement away from a place, person, or state of being. It can denote both positive and negative connotations depending on the context in which it is used. The concept of departing is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating themes of obedience, disobedience, divine guidance, and human choice.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "departs" frequently describes the physical movement of individuals or groups. For example, in
Genesis 12:4, Abram departs from Haran in obedience to God's call: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran." Here, departure signifies obedience and faith in God's promises.
Conversely, departure can also indicate a turning away from God. In
1 Samuel 16:14, the departure of the Spirit of the LORD from Saul marks a significant spiritual decline: "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." This departure signifies divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, "departs" often relates to the actions of Jesus and His disciples. In
Matthew 4:12, Jesus departs to Galilee after hearing of John the Baptist's imprisonment: "When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee." This departure is strategic, aligning with God's plan for Jesus' ministry.
The term also appears in the context of spiritual departure. In
1 Timothy 4:1, Paul warns of a future apostasy: "Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons." Here, departure signifies a falling away from true doctrine and faith.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of departing in a spiritual sense is significant in understanding the relationship between God and humanity. In
Deuteronomy 31:6, God promises His presence to the Israelites, urging them not to fear: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This assurance highlights that while humans may depart from God, His faithfulness remains steadfast.
In the New Testament, the promise of the Holy Spirit as a constant presence for believers underscores the importance of remaining in Christ.
John 14:16-17 states, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you." This indwelling presence ensures that believers are never spiritually abandoned.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe Bible frequently associates departure with moral and ethical choices. In
Proverbs 3:7, believers are admonished to "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil." This departure from evil is a conscious decision to align one's life with God's will and righteousness.
In the New Testament, the call to depart from sin is echoed in
2 Timothy 2:19: "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.'" This departure is a hallmark of genuine faith and repentance.
ConclusionThe theme of departing in the Bible encompasses a wide range of meanings, from physical movement to spiritual and moral decisions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, the consequences of disobedience, and the assurance of God's unchanging presence for those who remain faithful.
Strong's Hebrew
1980. halak -- to go, come, walk... 1), continued (5), continues...along (1), continuing (1), continuing* (1), crawls
(1), darting back (1), depart (14), departed (55),
departs (1), desires (1
...4185. mush -- to depart, remove
... root Definition to depart, remove NASB Word Usage cease (1), depart (6), departed
(1),departs (2), give way (1), left (1), move (2), remove (2), removed (2...
3318. yatsa -- to go or come out
... 1), comes (17), comes forth (4), coming (12), coming forth (2), defamed* (1), defames*
(1), depart (3), departed (12), departing (1),departs (1), departure (1...
Library
The Ancient LawDeparts
... THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Circumcision 88. The ancient lawdeparts. SM [325]St.... Compilers
of Hymns Ancient & Modern. The ancient lawdeparts. And all its terrors cease;...
PeterDeparts for Sidon.
... Homily VII. Chapter V."PeterDeparts for Sidon. After Peter had spent a few days
in teaching them in this way, and in healing them, they were baptized....
Of the Soul and the Body, and of their Union and Separation and...
... For the body does not perish together with the soul; but when the souldeparts it
remains entire for many days, and frequently by medical preparations it...
As Concerning Purity of Body; Here Indeed a Very Honorable Regard...
... But since each mandeparts from eternity just in so far as hedeparts from truth,
it is most absurd to say, that by departing therefrom it is possible for any...
Whether all Sins are Equal?
... For it matters much in sickness or deformity, whether onedeparts more
or less from the due commensuration of humors or members....
Whether it is Lawful for the Accused to Escape Judgment by...
... If the lower authoritydeparts from the order of the higher, we ought not to submit
to it, for instance "if the proconsul order one thing and the emperor...
John Chapter i. 14-Jun
... in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not." [31] Behold, both here He is
now, and here He was, and here He is always; and He neverdeparts,departs no...
Whether There Should be Different Duties or States in the Church?
... various members are held together in unity by the power of the quickening spirit,
and are dissociated from one another as soon as that spiritdeparts, so too...
That God's Love is to be Mingled with Ilk Time and Deed nor Fails...
... I dread that that I love loves me not again; and yet if I dread not on this account
I should be fearful on account of death thatdeparts ill lovers and wastes...
Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard...
... as a light in a dark place until the Day-star arises in the heart, and that then
man hath no more need to seeke that of the holy Scripture whichdeparts of it...
Thesaurus
Departs (16 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Departs (16 Occurrences).
... (WEB). 1 Corinthians
7:15 Yet if the unbeliever
departs, let there be separation.
...Soul (554 Occurrences)
... (2) As the life-breath, itdeparts at death (Genesis 35:18 Jeremiah 15:2). Hence,
the desire among Old Testament saints to be delivered from Sheol (Psalm 16:10...
Depart (211 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:11 (but if shedeparts, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled
to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife....
Departure (22 Occurrences)
Unmarried (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:11 (but if shedeparts, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled
to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife....
Unbeliever (7 Occurrences)
... send him away; (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 7:15 Yet if the unbelieverdeparts,
let there be separation. The brother or the sister is...
Leaves (55 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:39 Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him
so that he foams, and it hardlydeparts from him, bruising him severely....
Lifts (26 Occurrences)
... all diligence. (See NIV). Job 27:21 The east wind carries him away, and
hedeparts. It sweeps him out of his place. (See RSV). Job...
Whirls (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Whirls (1 Occurrence). Job 27:21 The east wind carries
him away, and hedeparts. It sweeps him out of his place. (See NAS)....
Foam (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:39 Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him
so that he foams, and it hardlydeparts from him, bruising him severely....
Resources
They went out from us... | GotQuestions.orgIs “name it claim it” teaching biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs The Divine Comedy / Dante's Inferno a biblically accurate description of Heaven and Hell? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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