Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, "alighting" refers to the act of descending or coming down from a position of height, often used in the context of divine or angelic appearances, as well as human actions. The concept of alighting is significant in Scripture as it often signifies the presence and intervention of God or His messengers in the affairs of humanity.
Divine AlightingOne of the most profound instances of divine alighting is found in the account of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at His baptism. In
Matthew 3:16 , it is written, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him." This event marks the anointing of Jesus for His public ministry and signifies the approval and presence of God the Father.
Angelic AlightingAngels, as messengers of God, also alight upon the earth to deliver messages or provide assistance. In
Genesis 28:12 , Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels of God ascending and descending on it. This vision signifies the connection between heaven and earth and God's ongoing involvement with His creation. The alighting of angels in this context underscores their role as intermediaries between God and humanity.
Human AlightingIn a more literal sense, alighting can refer to the act of dismounting from a vehicle or animal. In the Old Testament, this is often seen in the context of travel or significant encounters. For example, in
Exodus 4:24 , it is noted, "Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him." Here, the act of stopping and alighting at a lodging place becomes a pivotal moment for Moses, leading to a critical encounter with God.
Symbolic AlightingThe concept of alighting also carries symbolic meaning, representing moments of revelation, divine intervention, or the fulfillment of God's promises. In the New Testament, the alighting of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles at Pentecost (
Acts 2:3) is described as "tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." This event signifies the empowerment of the apostles to spread the Gospel and the birth of the Church.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, alighting can be seen as a manifestation of God's immanence—His active presence in the world. Whether through the descent of the Holy Spirit, the appearance of angels, or significant human actions, alighting serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It highlights the moments when the divine intersects with the human, bringing about transformation, guidance, and fulfillment of divine purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Alight.
Greek
4098. pipto -- to fall... and contracted form of peto (pet'-o); (which occurs only as an alternate in certain
tenses); probably akin to petomai through the idea of
alighting; to fall
...Library
The Shunammite's Boy.
... Thenalighting from his ass, he went up the outside stair to a little chamber on
the wall, which was always ready to receive him, and there he and his servant...
The Love of Rameses
... chairs. Meanwhile the pacing sentries made frank criticism and gazed at
eachalighting new-comer with eyes of connoisseurs. When...
After These Assertions, He Takes from the Gospel of Matthew...
... After these assertions, he takes from the Gospel of Matthew, and perhaps also from
the other Gospels, the account of the dovealighting upon our Saviour at His...
Of the Kings of Latium, the First and Twelfth of Whom, ??neas and...
... were unwilling to write that he was slain in battle, but said he was nowhere to
be found, and that it was not from his name, but from thealighting of birds...
The Word as a Means of Grace
... but I cannot tell when or how this may be." According to this popular conception,
the Holy Spirit might be compared to a dove flying about, andalighting at hap...
The Procession of Amen
... While Kenkenes examined them in detail, a long, in-drawn breath of wonder from the
circle of spectators caused him to look at thealighting owner of the litter...
The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... but no sooner did the champions meet than their lances shivered in pieces from the
furious shock, and flew high up into the air, when,alighting from their...
The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian
... down from heaven and filled the whole house in which they were assembled; and tongues
like flames of fire, distributed themselves among them,alighting for a...
Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing....
... 4. Observe then, how the Apostle,alighting upon this same topic, and directing
himself to those very Greeks who said, that they had not from the beginning...
Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians .
... "Hear me, O Lord." P. "Kyrie eleison," three times. Pr. "Through Hisalighting upon
them, and His overshadowing, may He make this bread indeed, living body...
Thesaurus
Alighting (1 Occurrence)...Alighting (1 Occurrence).
... At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit
of God descending like a dove and
alighting upon Him, (WEY RSV).
...Immediately (141 Occurrences)
... At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending
like a dove andalighting upon Him, (WEY WBS YLT NAS RSV)....
Moment (71 Occurrences)
... water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove andalighting upon Him, (WEY NIV)....
Alighteth (3 Occurrences)
Alike (67 Occurrences)
Resources
What are some of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John the Baptist in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Hebrew word ruach? | GotQuestions.orgAlighting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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