Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextDipping, in biblical terms, refers to the act of immersing or submerging something into a liquid. This action is often associated with various religious, cultural, and ritualistic practices found throughout the Bible. The concept of dipping is seen in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is used in literal, symbolic, and ceremonial contexts.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, dipping is frequently associated with purification and ceremonial practices. One notable instance is found in
Leviticus 14:6, where the priest is instructed to dip a live bird, along with cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, into the blood of a bird that has been slaughtered over fresh water. This ritual was part of the cleansing process for a person healed of a skin disease.
Another significant mention is in the account of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was instructed by the prophet Elisha to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed of his leprosy (
2 Kings 5:14). This act of dipping was both a test of faith and a means of divine healing.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, dipping is often associated with the practice of baptism, which symbolizes purification, repentance, and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the term "dipping" is not explicitly used in the context of baptism, the practice itself involves immersion in water, as seen in the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (
Matthew 3:16).
The act of dipping is also mentioned in the context of the Last Supper. In
John 13:26, Jesus identifies His betrayer by saying, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread after I have dipped it." This act of dipping bread into a dish was a customary part of the Passover meal and held significant meaning in the identification of Judas Iscariot as the betrayer.
Symbolism and SignificanceDipping in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings of cleansing, purification, and transformation. It signifies a transition from impurity to purity, from sin to righteousness, and from old life to new life. The act of dipping, especially in the context of baptism, represents a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ.
In the broader biblical narrative, dipping serves as a reminder of God's provision, healing, and the importance of obedience to His commands. Whether through the cleansing rituals of the Old Testament or the sacrament of baptism in the New Testament, dipping underscores the transformative power of faith and the believer's journey towards holiness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dip.
2. (n.) The act or process of immersing.
3. (n.) The act of inclining downward.
4. (n.) The act of lifting or moving a liquid with a dipper, ladle, or the like.
5. (n.) The process of cleaning or brightening sheet metal or metal ware, esp. brass, by dipping it in acids, etc.
6. (n.) The practice of taking snuff by rubbing the teeth or gums with a stick or brush dipped in snuff.
Greek
909. baptismos -- (the act of) adipping or washing... (the act of) a
dipping or washing. Part of
... Word Origin from baptizo Definition (the
act of) a
dipping or washing NASB Word Usage washing (1), washings (2).
...908. baptisma -- (the result of) adipping or sinking
... (the result of) adipping or sinking. Part of... Word Origin from baptizo Definition
(the result of) adipping or sinking NASB Word Usage baptism (20). baptism....
907. baptizo -- to dip, sink
... Phonetic Spelling: (bap-tid'-zo) Short Definition: I dip, submerge, baptize Definition:
lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonialdipping; I baptize...
Strong's Hebrew
4351. mekurah -- origin... birth, habitation, nativity. Or mkorah {mek-o-raw'}; from the same as kuwr in the
sense of
dipping; origin (as if a mine) -- birth, habitation, nativity.
...Library
John Chapter xiii. 26-31.
... it was after this that we come to the moment when, in accordance with John's account,
the Lord made a full disclosure of His betrayer bydipping and holding...
Whether Christ Gave his Body to Judas?
... lxii in Joan.), "perchance the feigning of Judas is denoted by thedipping
of the bread; just as some things are dipped to be dyed....
Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
... for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. [For former comment
on the custom of washing ordipping see page 312. Belief...
Judas.
... The circle of suspicion is thus narrowed to the one or two who were not only so
intimate as to be eating at the same table, but as to bedipping in the same...
Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
... Man baptizes and does not baptize; he baptizes, because he performs the work of
dipping the baptized person; he does not baptize, because in this work he does...
Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... the bones were afterwards burnt. They also ate the garlic and green herbs
in haste,dipping them in the sauce. All this time they...
A Simple Sermon for Seeking Souls
... The Church of England holdethdipping.... The dear little ones are so tender, that a
few drops suffice instead of thedipping which their own church enforces....
Favor of the Reader.
... I only ask this Favor of the Reader, that he would not pass any Censure upon this
Book, from onlydipping into this, or that particular Part of it, but give it...
Introductory Notice to Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria.
... Alexander, looking forth from his windows, sees him "playing church" with his
schoolmates, and actuallydipping a young pagan in the sea, "in the name of the...
The Fourfold Treasure
... Though Paul had to write many sharp things to those ancient Plymouth Brethren at
Corinth, yet how sweetly did he prevent all bitterness bydipping his pen in...
Thesaurus
Dipping (4 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) The process of cleaning or brightening sheet metal or metal ware, esp.
brass, by
dipping it in acids, etc.
...Dipping (4 Occurrences).
...Dip (17 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To take out, bydipping a dipper, ladle, or other receptacle, into a fluid
and removing a part; -- often with out; as, to dip water from a boiler; to...
Scoop (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A large ladle; a vessel with a long handle,
used fordipping liquids; a utensil for bailing boats....
Wash (105 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To cleanse by ablution, ordipping or rubbing in water; to apply water or
other liquid to for the purpose of cleansing; to scrub with water, etc., or...
Salute (48 Occurrences)
... etc. 3. (vt) To honor, as some day, person, or nation, by a discharge of
cannon or small arms, bydipping colors, by cheers, etc. 4...
Lutheran
... English term. The action which the Greek words express may be performed
by plunging, drenching, staining,dipping, sprinkling. The...
Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... English term. The action which the Greek words express may be performed
by plunging, drenching, staining,dipping, sprinkling. The...
Dippeth (6 Occurrences)
Baptist (16 Occurrences)
... been lost had immersion not been practiced." Lightfoot says further: "Every person
baptized must dip his whole body, now stripped and made naked, at onedipping...
Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... been lost had immersion not been practiced." Lightfoot says further: "Every person
baptized must dip his whole body, now stripped and made naked, at onedipping...
Resources
Is intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.orgDipping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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