Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "cling" in the Bible often conveys a sense of deep attachment, loyalty, and steadfastness. It is used both in a literal and metaphorical sense to describe the relationship between individuals, as well as between humans and God. The Hebrew word often translated as "cling" is "dabaq," which means to adhere, stick, or cleave.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "cling" is frequently used to describe the covenantal relationship between God and His people. 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." Here, "hold fast" is synonymous with clinging to God, emphasizing a commitment to remain faithful and obedient to Him.
The book of Ruth provides a poignant example of personal loyalty and devotion.
Ruth 1:14 states, "Then they wept aloud again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her." Ruth's decision to cling to Naomi signifies her unwavering loyalty and determination to remain with her, despite the uncertain future.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of clinging is often related to spiritual perseverance and faithfulness. In
Romans 12:9 , Paul exhorts believers, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This instruction highlights the importance of adhering to moral and spiritual goodness in the life of a believer.
The idea of clinging to Christ is also central to the New Testament teachings. In
John 15:4 , Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of remaining in Him: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." This abiding relationship is akin to clinging, where believers are called to maintain a close and continuous connection with Christ.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, clinging to God is an expression of faith and trust. It signifies a believer's reliance on God's strength, guidance, and provision. In times of trial and uncertainty, clinging to God becomes a source of comfort and assurance. The act of clinging is not passive but involves an active pursuit of God's presence and will.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the call to cling to God and His teachings is a daily commitment. It involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands. Clinging to God also means rejecting worldly influences that draw one away from Him and instead, seeking to live a life that reflects His character and love.
In relationships, clinging can be seen in the context of marriage, where spouses are called to leave their parents and "be united" to each other, as described in
Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is a profound example of the commitment and intimacy that clinging entails.
Overall, the biblical concept of clinging underscores the importance of steadfastness, loyalty, and faithfulness in one's relationship with God and others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; -- usually followed by to or together.
2. (v. t.) To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
3. (v. t.) To make to dry up or wither.
4. (n.) Adherence; attachment; devotion.
Greek
2853. kollao -- to glue, unite... Word Origin from kolla (glue) Definition to glue, unite NASB Word Usage associate
(3),
cling (1), clings (1), hired (1), join (1), joined (2), joins (2), piled
...Strong's Hebrew
1692. dabaq -- tocling, cleave, keep close... 1691b, 1692. dabaq. 1693 . to
cling, cleave, keep close. Transliteration: dabaq
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bak') Short Definition:
cling. Word Origin a prim.
...1693. debeq -- tocling
... 1692, 1693. debeq. 1694 . tocling. Transliteration: debeq Phonetic Spelling:
(deb-ak') Short Definition: adhere. Word Origin (Aramaic...
2836. chashaq -- to be attached to, love
... A primitive root; tocling, ie Join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically
(or by interchangeable for chasak) to deliver -- have a delight, (have a...
Library
My Prayer to the Promise ShallCling --
... My prayer to the promise shallcling ". 8,8,8,8a "If ye shall ask anything in my
name, I will do it." " John 14:14. My prayer to the promise shallcling "....
Johnny,Cling Close to the Rock
... Johnny,Cling Close to the Rock.... The train came thundering along, and as it passed,
the sister cried out: "Johnny,cling close to the rock!...
How one CanCling to and Seek Christ Alone, Disdaining Everything...
... Chapter 2 How one cancling to and seek Christ alone, disdaining everything
else. Certainly, anyone who desires and aims to arrive...
Of the Fact that Two Angels AlwaysCling to Every Man.
... Of the fact that two angels alwayscling to every man. For Holy Scripture bears
witness that two angels, a good and a bad one,cling to each one of us....
Whence the Contentions of Philosophers have Sprung. Against those...
... Philosophers Have Sprung. Against Those Who Catch at Everything that Meets
Them, and Give It Credence, andCling to It. Origen Was...
Draw Me to Thee.
... (668) O holy Savior! Friend unseen, Since on thine arm thou bid'st me lean, Help
me, throughout life's changing scene, By faith tocling to thee!...
The Answer to Trust
... God delights in us when wecling to Him.... Let uscling to Him in our thoughts, hour
by hour, moment by moment, amidst all the distractions of daily life....
The Creed Chasm
... "Cling thou to that which He to Whom nought clings hath bid theecling,Cling
to that bond, to get thee free from every clinging thing."....
The Realization of Selfless Love
... Human lovescling to a particular object to the exclusion of all else, and when
that object is removed, great and deep is the resultant suffering to the one...
Holding Fast and Held Fast
... us, in regard to three things, which I may put as being the object, the nature,
and the issues of faith; or, in other words, to whom we are tocling, how we...
Thesaurus
Cling (35 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Cling (35 Occurrences).
... Mark 10:7 For this reason a man
shall leave his father and his mother, and shall
cling to his wife, (WEY).
...Robbery (18 Occurrences)
... not a prize to be on an equality," etc., ie, "did not look upon equality with God
as a prize which must not slip from his grasp" = "did notcling with avidity...
Fasten (28 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; tocling. Multi-Version
Concordance... I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will notcling to me....
Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "land-crocodile" (which see); (6) leTa'ah, English
Versions of the Bible "lizard"; compare Arabic laTa', "tocling to the ground...
Fast (157 Occurrences)
... For either he will hate one and love the other, or else he willcling fast to one
and scorn the other.... Abhor that which is evil.Cling to that which is good....
Possess (193 Occurrences)
... you already possess. (WEY). Revelation 2:25 Only that which you already
possess,cling to until I come. (WEY). Revelation 3:11 I am...
Victory (71 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Revelation 3:11 I am coming quickly:cling to that which you already possess,
so that your wreath of victory be not taken away from you. (WEY)....
Na'aman (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 5:27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman willcling to you and to your seed
forever." He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow. (See RSV)....
Utensils (72 Occurrences)
... come from market they will not eat without bathing first; and they have a good many
other customs which they have received traditionally andcling to, such as...
Learnt (12 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Timothy 3:14 But you mustcling to the things which you have learnt and
have been taught to believe, knowing who your teachers were, (WEY)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about optimism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a fruitful Christian? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.orgCling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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