Topical Encyclopedia
The term "clave" is an archaic form of the verb "cleave," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , "clave" is used to describe actions of adherence, division, or splitting. The word "cleave" can have dual meanings: to split or divide, and to adhere closely or remain faithful. This duality is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the term is used both literally and metaphorically.
1.
Adherence and Loyalty: In the context of adherence, "clave" signifies a strong attachment or loyalty. This is often seen in relationships, such as marriage, where the term is used to describe the bond between husband and wife.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Here, the concept of cleaving is foundational to the biblical understanding of marriage, emphasizing unity and fidelity.
2.
Spiritual Devotion: The term is also used to describe spiritual devotion and commitment to God. In
Deuteronomy 10:20 , the Israelites are commanded, "Fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." The phrase "hold fast" is synonymous with cleaving, indicating a call to unwavering faithfulness and dedication to God.
3.
Division and Separation: Conversely, "clave" can also mean to split or divide. This usage is evident in the context of physical actions or divine interventions. For example, in
Exodus 14:21 , during the parting of the Red Sea, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided." Here, the act of cleaving the sea demonstrates God's power to create a path of deliverance for His people.
4.
Moral and Ethical Implications: The concept of cleaving also carries moral and ethical implications. In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, the idea of cleaving to righteousness and wisdom is a recurring theme.
Proverbs 3:3 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." This metaphorical use of cleaving underscores the importance of internalizing and adhering to godly virtues.
5.
Historical and Cultural Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context of "clave" enhances its significance in Scripture. In ancient Hebrew culture, the idea of cleaving was integral to covenant relationships, whether between individuals or between God and His people. The covenantal aspect of cleaving underscores the seriousness and depth of commitment expected in these relationships.
In summary, the term "clave" in the Bible encompasses themes of unity, loyalty, division, and moral integrity. Its usage reflects the multifaceted nature of human relationships and divine interactions, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and commitment in the biblical narrative.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) imp. of Cleave.
2. (p. p.) of Cleave.
3. (p. p.) of Cleave.
Library
Him Then I had Found at Rome, and HeClave to Me by a Most...
... Book VI Chapter X Him then I had found at Rome, and heclave to me by
a most? Him then I had found at Rome, and heclave to me...
Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... 'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel....6. Heclave to the Lord, and departed
not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'"2 Kings 18:5,6....
How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those...
... son of Hemor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he loved her, and seized
her, and lay with her, and defiled her by force; and his soulclave unto her...
Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... Howbeit certain menclave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius
the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them....
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast...
... sorts of sick folk. The one came to the Physician,clave to Christ, heard,
honoured, followed Him, were converted. He received all...
Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... told, verse 3, that "Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass,
and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, andclave the wood...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks...
... For He left father and mother, andclave to his wife, that two might be one flesh.'
[3064] He left His Father, in that here He did not show Himself as equal...
John Chapter i. 34-51
... interpreted, Master), where dwellest Thou?" They did not follow Him in such manner
as that they should cleave to Him; for it is plain when theyclave unto Him...
A Full Reward.
... amongst that people. On the death of her husband, she stillclave to her
mother-in-law and to her GOD, the GOD of Israel. She so...
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money...
... him. And I fought with Achor for two hours, and I killed him; and Iclave
his shield into two parts, and I chopped off his feet....
Thesaurus
Clave (16 Occurrences)...Clave (16 Occurrences).
... Genesis 34:3 And his soul
clave unto Dinah the daughter of
Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. (KJV ASV).
...Cleaved (36 Occurrences)
... son. And heclave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went
unto the place of which God had told him. (See JPS). Genesis...
Cleave (52 Occurrences)
... CLEAVE. klev: Is used in the Bible in two different senses: (1) baqa` "to split,"
or "to rend." We are told that Abraham "clave the wood for the burnt-offering...
Jaw-bone (3 Occurrences)
... In verse 19 the Authorized Version reads, "Godclave a hollow place that was in
the jaw, and there came water thereout." This is a mis-translation of the words...
Jawbone (3 Occurrences)
... In verse 19 the Authorized Version reads, "Godclave a hollow place that was in
the jaw, and there came water thereout." This is a mis-translation of the words...
Asunder (37 Occurrences)
... Cleave asunder (1) (nibhqa'): The same root as of biq`ah, "a valley." "The ground
clave asunder" and swallowed up Dathan and Abiram with their households...
Claw
Korah (51 Occurrences)
... out and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their
little children," and it came to pass "that the groundclave asunder that...
Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:19 But Godclave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water
thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived...
Thirsted (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused
the waters to flow out of the rock for them: heclave the rock also, and the...
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