Topical Encyclopedia
Importunity refers to persistent and urgent solicitation, often characterized by an insistent and pressing nature. In the context of the Bible, importunity is most notably illustrated in the teachings of Jesus, where it is portrayed as a virtue in prayer and supplication to God. The concept underscores the importance of perseverance and faith in one's spiritual life.
Biblical References:1.
Luke 11:5-8: In this passage, Jesus shares the Parable of the Friend at Midnight to teach about the power of persistent prayer. He describes a scenario where a man goes to his friend's house at midnight to ask for bread. Despite the inconvenience, the friend eventually gives in due to the man's persistence. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs" (
Luke 11:8). This parable emphasizes that God responds to those who earnestly and persistently seek Him.
2.
Luke 18:1-8: The Parable of the Persistent Widow further illustrates the theme of importunity. Jesus tells of a widow who repeatedly approaches an unjust judge, seeking justice against her adversary. Despite his initial reluctance, the judge eventually grants her request due to her persistence. Jesus uses this account to encourage His followers to "always pray and not lose heart" (
Luke 18:1). The parable highlights that if an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a just and loving God respond to His children's persistent prayers.
Theological Implications:Importunity in prayer is not about wearing down God with repeated requests, but rather about demonstrating faith and dependence on Him. It reflects a deep trust in God's character and His willingness to provide for His people. The Bible encourages believers to approach God with confidence and persistence, knowing that He is attentive to their needs and desires.
Practical Application:For Christians, importunity serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers are not immediately forthcoming. It encourages believers to cultivate a prayer life marked by perseverance, trusting that God hears and will respond in His perfect timing. This persistent approach to prayer is an expression of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.
Historical Context:In the cultural context of the New Testament, hospitality and community support were highly valued. The parables of importunity would have resonated with Jesus' audience, who understood the social dynamics of neighborly assistance and the importance of persistence in achieving one's goals. These teachings reinforced the idea that God, unlike human counterparts, is infinitely more willing and able to respond to the needs of His people.
Conclusion:Importunity, as taught in the Bible, is a powerful principle that encourages believers to engage in persistent and faith-filled prayer. It assures Christians that their earnest petitions are heard by a compassionate and responsive God, who desires to bless and provide for His children.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality of being importunate; pressing or pertinacious solicitation; urgent request; incessant or frequent application; troublesome pertinacity.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
IMPORTUNITYim-por-tu'-ni-ti: Occurs only inLuke 11:8, where it is the rendering of anaideia (Westcott-Hort, anaidia). This Greek word implies an element of impudent insistence rising to the point of shamelessness which the English word "importunity" fails to express, thus weakening the argument of the parable, which is that if by shameless insistence a favor may be won, even from one unwilling and ungracious, still more surely will God answer the earnest prayer of His people. God's willingness to give exceeds our ability to ask. The parable teaches by way of contrast, not by parallel.
David Foster Estes
Greek
335. anaideia -- shamelessness...importunity, shamelessness. From a compound of a (as a negative particle (compare
aneu)) and aidos; impudence, ie (by implication)
importunity --
importunity.
...Strong's Hebrew
6293. paga -- to meet, encounter, reach... A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by
importunity -- come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession
...Library
Importunity Rewarded.
...IMPORTUNITY REWARDED. One day Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them
to pray. So... good. [Illustration:IMPORTUNITY REWARDED.]....
Prayer andImportunity
... VI. PRAYER ANDIMPORTUNITY. "How glibly we talk of praying without ceasing!
Yet we are quite apt to quit, if our prayer remained...
'Because of hisImportunity'
... GENESIS 'BECAUSE OF HISIMPORTUNITY'. 'And the... petitions. His was the holy
'importunity' which Jesus sent forth for our imitation. The...
Prayer andImportunity (Continued)
... VII. PRAYER ANDIMPORTUNITY (Continued).... This he proceeded to do, and by dint of
importunity secured what ordinary solicitation had failed to obtain....
Because of hisImportunity
... CHAPTER IV Because of HisImportunity. "I say unto you, Though he will not
rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because...
Eighth Lesson. Because of hisImportunity;'
... EIGHTH LESSON. Because of hisimportunity;'. Because of hisimportunity;'
Or, The Boldness of God's Friends. And He said unto them...
Bishop Hosius Said: OurImportunity and Great Pertinacity and...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon VII. Bishop Hosius said: Ourimportunity and
great pertinacity and unjust petitions have brought it about? (Greek.)...
IndiscreetImportunity.
... INDISCREETIMPORTUNITY. "I gave thee a king in mine anger." HOSEA xiii.11.... The
obvious lessons are:-. 1. Be discreet in yourimportunity....
"Because of hisImportunity. "
... "BECAUSE OF HISIMPORTUNITY.". "Nov.19 [1846]."I am now led more and more
to importune the Lord to send me the means, which are...
"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages...
... deprived of retirement."David Brainerd. Christ putsimportunity as a
distinguishing characteristic of true praying. We must not only...
Thesaurus
Importunity (1 Occurrence)...IMPORTUNITY. im-por-tu'-ni-ti: Occurs only in Luke 11:8, where it is the rendering
of anaideia (Westcott-Hort, anaidia).
...Importunity (1 Occurrence).
...Prayers (99 Occurrences)
... 1. The Lord's Prayer 2. Christ's Doctrine of Prayer: Sacredness,Importunity,
Conditions 3. Prayers Offered by Christ (1) The High-priestly Prayer (2) The...
Press (57 Occurrences)
... 11. (v.) To try to force (something upon some one); to urge or inculcate with
earnestness orimportunity; to enforce; as, to press divine truth on an audience....
Impose (12 Occurrences)
Knock (7 Occurrences)
... Knocking is used as a sign ofimportunity (Matthew 7:7, 8; Luke 13:25), and of the
coming of Christ (Luke 12:36; Revelation 3:20). Noah Webster's Dictionary....
Needeth (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his
friend, yet because of hisimportunity he will rise and give him as many as...
Urge (34 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To press the mind or will of; to ply with motives, arguments, persuasion,
orimportunity. 3. (vt) To provoke; to exasperate....
Urgent (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Urging; pressing; besetting; plying, withimportunity;
calling for immediate attention; instantly important....
Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Convenience of situation; fitness. 3. (n.)Importunity; earnestness.
Multi-Version Concordance Opportunity (35 Occurrences)....
Grate (6 Occurrences)
... Hence; To produce exasperation, soreness, or grief; to offend by oppression or
importunity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GRATE; GRATING....
Resources
What is the meaning of importunity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about persistence? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about perseverance? | GotQuestions.orgImportunity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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