Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "pursues" often relates to the actions of individuals or God in seeking, chasing, or striving after something or someone. This term can be found in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both physical pursuits and spiritual endeavors.
Old Testament Usage1.
Physical Pursuit: The Old Testament frequently depicts physical pursuits, often in the context of warfare or conflict. For example, in
1 Samuel 17:52, after David defeats Goliath, the men of Israel and Judah rise up and pursue the Philistines, demonstrating a literal chase in battle: "Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron."
2.
Divine Pursuit: God's pursuit of His people is a recurring theme. In
Psalm 23:6, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's goodness and mercy, which actively pursue the believer: "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Here, "follow" can be understood as a form of divine pursuit, indicating God's relentless love and care.
3.
Righteous Pursuit: The pursuit of righteousness and justice is emphasized in the wisdom literature.
Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This highlights the spiritual pursuit of godly virtues as a path to blessing and fulfillment.
New Testament Usage1.
Spiritual Pursuit: In the New Testament, the concept of pursuit often shifts to spiritual matters. Believers are encouraged to pursue godliness and spiritual gifts. In
1 Timothy 6:11, Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This pursuit is an active, ongoing effort to grow in Christ-like character.
2.
Pursuit of Peace: The New Testament also emphasizes the pursuit of peace within the community of believers.
Romans 14:19 advises, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." This pursuit involves intentional actions to maintain harmony and build up the body of Christ.
3.
God's Pursuit of Humanity: The parables of Jesus often illustrate God's pursuit of the lost. In
Luke 15, the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son all depict a God who actively seeks out and rejoices over the return of sinners. This divine pursuit underscores God's grace and desire for reconciliation with humanity.
Theological ImplicationsThe theme of pursuit in the Bible underscores the dynamic relationship between God and humanity. It reflects God's initiative in seeking out His people and the call for believers to actively pursue a life that aligns with His will. The pursuit of righteousness, peace, and spiritual growth is a hallmark of the Christian life, requiring diligence and intentionality. Through these pursuits, believers are drawn closer to God and reflect His character to the world.
Greek
1376. dioktes -- a persecutor... Definition: a persecutor. Cognate: 1376 -- a ; one who
pursues ("hunt
down"), used only in 1 Tim 1:13. See 1377 (). Word Origin
...Strong's Hebrew
7291. radaph -- to pursue, chase, persecute... hunts (1), passed (1), persecute (6), persecuted (5), persecutors (4), press (1),
pursue (36), pursued (37), pursuer (1), pursuers (9),
pursues (9), pursuing
...Library
Pursues the Same.
... Humility, Divine Wisdom, True Annihilation, and Internal Peace. CHAP. II.
Pursues the Same. 6. In the external Way they take care...
Pursues the Same.
... Of the Ghostly Father, the Obedience that's due to him; of Indiscreet Zeal, and
of Internal and External Penance. CHAP. X.Pursues the same. 74....
Pursues the Same Matter.
... Of the Ghostly Father, the Obedience that's due to him; of Indiscreet Zeal, and
of Internal and External Penance. CHAP. XIV.Pursues the same Matter. 104....
Pursues the Same Matter.
... Divine Wisdom, True Annihilation, and Internal Peace. CHAP. VIII.Pursues
the Same Matter. 73. You must know, that the Lord will...
Pursues the Same Matter.
... Of the Ghostly Father, the Obedience that's due to him; of Indiscreet Zeal, and
of Internal and External Penance. CHAP. VIII.Pursues the same Matter. 58....
Pursues the Same Matter.
... Wisdom, True Annihilation, and Internal Peace. CHAP. XIV.Pursues the
Same Matter. 133. God doth not always communicate himself...
Nor Should I Think it Needful to Discuss Whether GodPursues a...
... Chapter III. Nor should I think it needful to discuss whether Godpursues
a worthy course in? Nor should I think it needful to...
To Go on to the Point which HePursues at Great Length...
... Book IV. Chapter 15. " 23. To go on to the point which hepursues at great
length? "23. To go on to the point which hepursues...
The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul
... Mystical Way. CHAP. VIII.Pursues the same Matter. CHAP. IX. Shewing how... internal
Peace. CHAP. X.Pursues the same. CHAP. XI. When, and...
That Varro Has Made Out that Two Hundred and Eighty-Eight...
... In other words, the supreme good is the reason of philosophizing; and therefore
that cannot be called a sect of philosophy whichpursues no way of its own...
Thesaurus
Pursues (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pursues (15 Occurrences).
... Those who hate you will rule
over you; and you will flee when no one
pursues you. (WEB RSV).
...Enemies (317 Occurrences)
... enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you; and you will flee when no
onepursues you. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Shephelah (2 Occurrences)
... (2) Wady ec-Surar: Wady ec-Surar, the Valley of Sorek, crosses the Shephelah South
of Gezer, andpursues a tortuous course past Beth-shemesh and Kiriath-jearim...
Flee (187 Occurrences)
... enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you; and you will flee when
no onepursues you. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Pursuers (19 Occurrences)
Sword (427 Occurrences)
... their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they
shall flee, as one flees from the sword; and they will fall when no onepursues...
Nile (37 Occurrences)
... These unite at the town of Khartoum, whence itpursues its course for 1,800 miles,
and falls into the Mediterranean through its two branches, into which it is...
Unfriendly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unfriendly (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly
manpursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. (WEB NIV)....
Fearful (73 Occurrences)
... their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they
shall flee, as one flees from the sword; and they will fall when no onepursues...
Fool (95 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A person deficient in intellect; one who acts absurdly, orpursues a course
contrary to the dictates of wisdom; one without judgment; a simpleton; a...
Resources
Does God pursue us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is quietism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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