Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptThe term "depend" in a biblical context refers to the reliance or trust one places in God, His promises, and His provisions. It encompasses the idea of faith, trust, and reliance on God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Dependence on God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the relationship between God and His people.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, dependence on God is often illustrated through the lives of the patriarchs, prophets, and the nation of Israel. For instance, Abraham's journey of faith exemplifies dependence on God's promises (
Genesis 12:1-4). The Israelites' reliance on God for deliverance from Egypt and sustenance in the wilderness further underscores this theme (
Exodus 16:4-5).
The Psalms frequently express a deep sense of dependence on God.
Psalm 37:5 encourages believers to "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it." This verse highlights the importance of entrusting one's life and plans to God, relying on His faithfulness to act.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of dependence on the Father. His life and ministry were marked by complete reliance on God's will and guidance. In
John 5:19 , Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does."
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes dependence on God in his epistles. In
Philippians 4:13 , he declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse reflects the belief that true strength and capability come from reliance on Christ.
Theological SignificanceDependence on God is foundational to the Christian faith. It acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine intervention and guidance. This dependence is not passive but involves active trust and obedience to God's Word. It is a recognition that apart from God, human efforts are insufficient.
The concept of dependence is closely linked to faith.
Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Dependence on God is an expression of faith, trusting in His character and promises.
Practical ImplicationsBelievers are called to live lives marked by dependence on God. This involves prayer, seeking God's guidance, and trusting in His provision.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Dependence on God also means recognizing His sovereignty in all circumstances, whether in times of abundance or trial. It is an assurance that God is in control and that His plans are for the ultimate good of those who love Him (
Romans 8:28).
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the word "depend" frequently, the concept permeates the Scriptures, calling believers to a life of trust and reliance on God. This dependence is a vital aspect of the Christian walk, shaping one's relationship with God and influencing daily living.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above.
2. (v. i.) To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined or undecided; as, a cause depending in court.
3. (v. i.) To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to be connected with anything, as a cause of existence, or as a necessary condition; -- followed by on or upon, formerly by of.
4. (v. i.) To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; -- with on or upon; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the mail at the usual hour.
5. (v. i.) To serve; to attend; to act as a dependent or retainer.
6. (v. i.) To impend.
Greek
2910. kremannumi -- to hang... Word Origin from a prim. root krem- Definition to hang NASB Word Usage
depend (1), hanged (1), hanging (3), hangs (1), hung (1). hang.
...2372. thumos -- passion
... This anger is directed sin with intense and . [ the Lord exercises , so we
mustdepend solely on Him as we experience (express) anger.]....
Strong's Hebrew
5027. nabat -- to look... root Definition to look NASB Word Usage beheld (1), behold (1), beholds (2), consider
(2),
depend (1), depended (1), gaze (1), gazed (1), look (34), look down
...Library
God's Dealing Does notDepend Upon any Contingent Merits of Men.
... A Treatise on the predestination of the saints, Chapter 29."God's Dealing
Does NotDepend Upon Any Contingent Merits of Men. And...
That the Peace of Our Heart Does notDepend on Another's Will, but...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XVII. That the peace of our heart does notdepend
on another's will, but lies in our own control. The chief...
That Our Progress in Holy Love Does notDepend on Our Natural...
... CONTAINING CERTAIN COUNSELS FOR THE PROGRESS OF THE SOUL IN HOLY LOVE. CHAPTER I.
THAT OUR PROGRESS IN HOLY LOVE DOES NOTDEPEND ON OUR NATURAL TEMPERAMENT....
On the Fact that the Power to Hurt Does notDepend Upon the Will...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XXII. On the fact that the
power to hurt does notdepend upon the will of the devils....
The Durations and Issues of WarDepend on the Will of God.
... Book V. Chapter 22."The Durations and Issues of WarDepend on the Will
of God. Thus also the durations of wars are determined...
Free Grace
... It does not.depend on any power or merit in man; no, not in any degree, neither
in whole, nor in part.... It does notdepend on his endeavors....
God's Works of Providence
... Thingsdepend upon that which made them, that which preserves them, and
that for which they are made. All thingsdepend on him as...
Application of Sanctification.
... Of course, under normal conditions conscious faith is the rule; but salvation
does notdepend upon the soul's actual experience....
Extracts No. 1.
... And after all, the truth, or falsity, of every proposition mustdepend on the truth
or falsity of the principles embraced in it; and not on the language in...
Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes?
... greatly from star to star, and must, moreover, blend upon earth into one collective
resultant: at most the differences would be such asdepend upon local...
Thesaurus
Depend (12 Occurrences)... 4. (vi) To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; --
with on or upon; as, we
depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we
...Fountain (57 Occurrences)
... All the perennial rivers and streams of the country are supplied from fountains,
anddepend comparatively little on surface water....
Depended (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofDepend. Multi-Version Concordance
Depended (6 Occurrences). Acts 12:20 Now Herod was very...
Confide (31 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:12 Therefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel: Because ye reject this
word, and confide in oppression and wilfulness, anddepend thereon, (DBY)....
Cistern (21 Occurrences)
... in the innumerable cisterns, wells and pools which abound throughout Palestine The
rainy season, upon which the various storage systemsdepend, commences at...
Aqueduct (4 Occurrences)
... in the innumerable cisterns, wells and pools which abound throughout Palestine The
rainy season, upon which the various storage systemsdepend, commences at...
Hinge (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (vi) To stand,depend, hang, or turn, as on a hinge; todepend chiefly for a
result or decision or for force and validity; -- usually with on or upon; as...
Pool (25 Occurrences)
... in the innumerable cisterns, wells and pools which abound throughout Palestine The
rainy season, upon which the various storage systemsdepend, commences at...
Trade (33 Occurrences)
... Flax was a specialty of Egypt (Isaiah 19:9) and is hardly mentioned in the Old
Testament, while for wool Israel had todepend largely on Moab (2 Kings 3:4...
Well (2882 Occurrences)
... in the innumerable cisterns, wells and pools which abound throughout Palestine The
rainy season, upon which the various storage systemsdepend, commences at...
Resources
What are practical ways to depend on God alone? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we commit our work to the Lord and have our plans established (Proverbs 16:3)? | GotQuestions.orgDo faith in God and science contradict? | GotQuestions.orgDepend: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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