Topical Encyclopedia
The term "leaned" in the Bible often conveys the idea of reliance, trust, or support. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe physical support or spiritual dependence on God or others. The concept of leaning is significant in understanding the relationship between humanity and the divine, as well as interpersonal relationships within the biblical narrative.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "lean" is "שָׁעַן" (sha'an), which means to support oneself or rely on something. One of the most notable uses of this term is found in
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . Here, the admonition is to rely on God's wisdom rather than human insight, emphasizing a spiritual dependence on divine guidance.
Another instance is found in
2 Kings 7:2, where an officer of the king of Israel expresses doubt about God's provision during a famine, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of heaven, could this happen?" Elisha responds that the officer will see it with his own eyes but will not eat any of it. The officer's skepticism and lack of faith in God's power illustrate the danger of leaning on one's own understanding rather than trusting in God's promises.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of leaning is less frequently mentioned, but the idea of reliance and trust is prevalent. The Greek word "ἐπιστηρίζω" (epistērizō) can be related to the concept of leaning, as it means to strengthen or support. In
Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas are described as "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith" . This act of strengthening is akin to providing support, much like leaning on a sturdy structure.
Metaphorical and Spiritual ImplicationsThe metaphorical use of leaning in the Bible often points to the spiritual posture of believers. Leaning on God is an expression of faith and trust, acknowledging human limitations and the need for divine intervention.
Isaiah 10:20 speaks of a remnant of Israel who "will no longer lean on him who struck them, but will truly lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel" . This passage highlights a shift from reliance on oppressive powers to a faithful dependence on God.
In the Psalms, the imagery of God as a rock or fortress further illustrates the concept of leaning.
Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge" . Here, the psalmist expresses a deep trust in God's protection and strength, akin to leaning on a solid and unmovable foundation.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical concept of leaning serves as a reminder to place trust in God rather than in human wisdom or strength. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that true security and guidance come from the Lord. In times of uncertainty or difficulty, leaning on God's promises and character provides comfort and assurance.
The biblical exhortation to lean not on one's own understanding but to trust in the Lord is a timeless principle that continues to resonate with believers today, calling them to a deeper faith and reliance on God's unfailing support.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Lean.
Greek
377. anapipto -- to fall back... Word Origin from ana and pipto Definition to fall back NASB Word Usage
leaned back
(1), leaning back (1), recline (1), reclined (3), sat down (2), sit down (4
...Strong's Hebrew
8172. shaan -- to lean, support oneself... root Definition to lean, support oneself NASB Word Usage lean (3),
leaned (2), leaning
(2), leans (2), relied (4), rely (4), rest yourselves (1), supported (1
...Library
November 20. "The Disciple whom Jesus LovedLeaned on his Breast"...
... NOVEMBER 20. "The disciple whom Jesus lovedleaned on His breast" (John xxi. 20).
"The disciple whom Jesus lovedleaned on His breast" (John 21:20)....
The Love of Rameses
... slept. The guardian nobles that stood about the royal pairleaned heavily upon
their arms.... silence. Ramesesleaned toward Masanath again....
Rachel's Refuge
... Hath he forgot the place?". Sheleaned over the parapet and called the ape.... "Tell
him where Kenkenes went!". The Egyptianleaned over the parapet. "Fie!...
Believe.
... did so. Heleaned his elbows on the cot and clasped his hands together
and said, "That's good; won't you read it again.". I read...
June 28. "Leaning Upon Her Beloved" (Songs of Solomon viii. 5).
... Let us go forth leaning on His breast and feeding on His life. For John not
onlyleaned but also fed. It was at supper that heleaned....
Chapter thirty
... As Mr. Maxwell went on, faces all over the hallleaned forward in a way seldom seen
in church audiences or anywhere except among workingmen or the people of...
Healing for the Wounded
... A friend is forsaken by one upon whom heleaned, to whose very soul he was knit,
so that their two hearts had grown into one; and he feels that his heart is...
The Son of the Murket
... Kenkenesleaned on his elbow toward him.... But while he was gone, she wandered
over to Kenkenes andleaned on the back of his chair....
The Debt of Israel
... Deborah looked at the girl fixedly for a moment. Then she put up her hand and
leaned on the soft young shoulder. "Am I not left?" she asked....
"The Spirit and Power of Elijah" --Not the Soul --Were in the...
... the other hand, in a deeper sense that the words are not, "But they did unto him
whatsoever they listed in him," for the things which sufferedleaned upon the...
Thesaurus
Leaned (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Leaned (14 Occurrences). John 13:25 So he, having his
head on Jesus's bosom,
leaned back and asked, "Master, who is it?" (WEY).
...Lean (22 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position
thus inclining or deviating; as, sheleaned out at the window; a leaning...
Bosom (47 Occurrences)
... on the breast of his neighbor. Thus, Johnleaned on the breast of Jesus
at supper (John 21:20). The rabbis divided the state after...
Leaning (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 7:2 Then the captain on whose hand the kingleaned answered the man of God,
and said: 'Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might this...
Grasped (11 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:29 And Samson grasped the two middle pillars upon which the house rested,
and heleaned his weight upon them, his right hand on the one and his left...
Officer (70 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 7:2 Then the captain on whose hand the kingleaned answered the man of God,
and said, "Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be...
Royal (154 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 7:2 Then the captain on whose hand the kingleaned answered the man of God,
and said, "Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be...
Rested (81 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested,
andleaned on them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left...
Quake (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 29:7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their
shoulders; and when theyleaned on you, you broke, and paralyzed all of...
Noticed (19 Occurrences)
... John 21:20 Peter turned round and noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved
following--the one who at the supper hadleaned back on His breast and had asked...
Resources
Why does God allow people to be disabled / handicapped? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New American Bible (NAB)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between Sheol, Hades, Hell, the lake of fire, Paradise, and Abraham's bosom? | GotQuestions.orgLeaned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
