Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of loneliness is a profound human experience that is addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. Loneliness can be understood as a state of feeling isolated or alone, even when surrounded by others. It is a condition that affects the heart and spirit, often leading individuals to seek solace and companionship.
Biblical Instances of Loneliness1.
Adam in the Garden of Eden: The first instance of loneliness can be seen in the account of Adam. In
Genesis 2:18, God observes, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This highlights the inherent need for companionship and community, as God created Eve to be with Adam, addressing his solitude.
2.
David's Lament: King David, a man after God's own heart, often expressed feelings of loneliness and abandonment in the Psalms. In
Psalm 25:16, David cries out, "Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted." This plea reveals the depth of his isolation and his reliance on God for comfort.
3.
Elijah's Despair: The prophet Elijah experienced profound loneliness after his victory over the prophets of Baal. In
1 Kings 19:10, Elijah laments, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts... I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life to take it." Despite his faithfulness, Elijah felt isolated and pursued, yet God provided him with reassurance and companionship.
4.
Jesus in Gethsemane: The ultimate example of loneliness is found in Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced deep sorrow and isolation as He prayed alone, while His disciples slept. In
Matthew 26:38, He says, "My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me." This moment underscores the weight of His impending sacrifice and the solitude He faced.
God's Presence in LonelinessThe Bible consistently affirms that God is present with those who feel lonely. In
Psalm 68:6, it is written, "God sets the lonely in families; He leads out the prisoners with singing." This verse emphasizes God's care and provision for those who are isolated, offering them a place of belonging.
Isaiah 41:10 provides further assurance: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise of God's presence and support is a source of comfort for the lonely.
Community and FellowshipThe New Testament encourages believers to seek fellowship and community as a remedy for loneliness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." The early church exemplified this through communal living and mutual support, as seen in
Acts 2:42-47.
Prayer and SolitudeWhile loneliness is often seen as negative, the Bible also presents solitude as an opportunity for spiritual growth and communion with God. Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray, as noted in
Luke 5:16: "But Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed." This practice highlights the importance of seeking God in times of solitude, transforming loneliness into a time of spiritual renewal.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges the reality of loneliness but offers hope and companionship through God's presence, the support of the community, and the practice of prayer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
superl.) Sequestered from company or neighbors; solitary; retired; as, a lonely situation; a lonely cell.
2. (superl.) Alone, or in want of company; forsaken.
3. (superl.) Not frequented by human beings; as, a lonely wood.
4. (superl.) Having a feeling of depression or sadness resulting from the consciousness of being alone; lonesome.
Strong's Hebrew
3173. yachid -- only, only one, solitary... Word Origin from yachad Definition only, only one, solitary NASB Word Usage
lonely (2), one and child (1), only (5), only son (4).
...909. badad -- to be separate, isolated
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be separate, isolated NASB Word Usage
alone (1),lonely (1), shoots (2), straggler (1). alone....
6505. pered -- a mule
... mule. From parad; a mule (perhaps from hislonely habits) -- mule. see HEBREW
parad. 6504, 6505. pered. 6506 . Strong's Numbers.
910. badad -- isolation, separation
... Word Origin from badad Definition isolation, separation NASB Word Usage alone (6),
apart (1), isolated (1), itself (1),lonely (1), secluded (1)....
3490. yathom -- an orphan
... fatherless child, orphan. From an unused root meaning to belonely; a bereaved person --
fatherless (child), orphan. 3489, 3490. yathom. 3491 ....
Library
TheLonely Christ
... LUKE Chaps. XIII to XXIV THELONELY CHRIST. 'Ye are they which have continued with
Me in My temptations'"Luke 22 28.... II. See here thelonely Christ....
Herdsmen KeepingLonely vigil
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH Herdsmen keepinglonely vigil. 8,7,8,7,7,7. Herdsmen
keepinglonely vigil. While the earth in slumber lay;...
TheLonely Defender of the Bible
... Nicolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig the Singer of Pentecost Chapter Twelve TheLonely
Defender of the Bible.... He became thelonely defender of the Bible....
M. Anonymous. The Strength of theLonely.
... VII. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 336. 10s. M. Anonymous. The Strength of theLonely.
1 Thoughlonely be thy path, fear not, for He Who marks...
The Burial of Moses
... OF MOSES. By Nebo'slonely mountain, On this side Jordan's wave, In a vale
in the land of Moab There lies alonely grave. And no...
A Portrait Gallery
... have sinned, and in Christ all can be forgiven." It was a strange story, and yet
as Fu listened he felt it was true, and as he took the long,lonely walk over...
Charity and Loneliness.
... 13. The possession of this Divine Charity often necessitates walking in a
lonely path.... way. Superior love necessitates alonely walk....
Grundtvig's Later Years
... Thelonely Defender of the Bible became a respected sage and the acknowledged leader
of a fast growing religious and folk movement, both in Denmark and the...
Alive unto God.
... Day after day passed over Gordon in hislonely exile far away.... He knows that he is
permitted to walk the samelonely path as Jesus trod before him....
A Death in the Desert
... The great law-giver and leader had been all his days alonely man; and now, surrounded
by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more...
Thesaurus
Lonely (14 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Sequestered from company or neighbors; solitary;
retired; as, a
lonely situation; a
lonely cell.
...Lonely (14 Occurrences).
...Lone (1 Occurrence)
... See Loanin. 2. (a.) Being without a companion; being by one's self; also, sad from
lack of companionship;lonely; as, a lone traveler or watcher....
Solitude (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) state of being alone, or withdrawn from society; alonely life; loneliness....
3. (a.) solitary orlonely place; a desert or wilderness....
Solitary (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Living or being by one's self; having no companion
present; being without associates; single; alone;lonely....
Desolate (189 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Left alone; forsaken;lonely; comfortless. 4. (a.) Lost to shame;
dissolute.... Psalms 68:6 God sets thelonely in families....
Long (2810 Occurrences)
Vast (54 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Waste; desert; desolate;lonely. 2. (superl.)
of the vast ocean; vast mountains; the vast empire of Russia....
Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... "Thatlonely grave in the royal necropolis would eloquently testify to coming
generations that all earthly monarchy must bow before the inviolable order of the...
Inhabited (64 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:6 God -- causing thelonely to dwell at home, Bringing out bound ones
into prosperity, Only -- the refractory have inhabited a dry place. (YLT)....
Refractory (7 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 68:6 God -- causing thelonely to dwell at home, Bringing out bound
ones into prosperity, Only -- the refractory have inhabited a dry place. (YLT)...
Resources
What can we learn from the prayers that Jesus prayed? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 Timothy - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of marriage? | GotQuestions.orgLonely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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