Movatterモバイル変換

Dictionary of Bible Themes  » 5000 Humanity  » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  » 5901 loneliness

God intends human beings to live together in harmony and to value one another, but Scripture recognises many reasons for individuals to feel unwanted and isolated.

Loneliness is not part of God's plan for human beings

Genesis 2:18See alsoPsalm 68:5-6;Isaiah 49:15

God is with his people at all times and in all circumstances

Isaiah 41:10See alsoDeuteronomy 31:8;Joshua 1:9;Psalm 27:10;Isaiah 43:2;Matthew 28:20;John 14:18;Hebrews 13:5-6

Reasons why people may experience loneliness

Sin

Isaiah 59:2See alsoGenesis 4:10-12;1 Samuel 28:5-6;Psalm 81:11-12;Isaiah 64:7;Hosea 5:6;Ephesians 4:18

Remorse

Matthew 27:4-5See also1 Chronicles 21:17;Matthew 26:75

Lack of friends

Psalm 142:4See alsoJohn 5:7;John 14:18

Social ostracism

John 4:9A moral outcast (see Jn 4:18), she was collecting water at the hottest part of the day, when she could do so alone.See alsoLuke 19:7A Jew who worked for the Roman occupying power was considered a traitor.

Public shame

John 8:3See alsoMark 15:29-32

Desertion

2 Timothy 4:16See alsoPsalm 38:11;Psalm 88:18

Loss of family

Luke 7:12See alsoRuth 1:3-5;2 Samuel 18:33;2 Kings 4:1;Job 1:20-21;Psalm 27:10;Matthew 2:17-18;Jeremiah 31:15;1 Timothy 5:5

Loss of identity

Luke 8:27 ppMark 5:2-3See alsoLuke 8:30 ppMark 5:9

Discontent

Ecclesiastes 4:8See alsoEcclesiastes 2:10-11,18;Hebrews 13:5-6

Disability

Acts 3:2See alsoLeviticus 21:17-18;Matthew 9:32;Matthew 12:22

Disease

Luke 17:12Lepers were forbidden to mix with those not affected.See alsoLeviticus 13:4;Numbers 5:1-3;2 Kings 7:3;2 Chronicles 26:21

Insomnia

Psalm 102:7See alsoJob 7:4;Daniel 6:18

Depression

1 Kings 19:4See alsoDeuteronomy 33:27;Job 7:16;Psalm 43:5;Psalm 73:16-17;Jeremiah 15:10;Micah 7:1

Poverty

Proverbs 19:7See also1 Kings 17:12;Proverbs 19:4;Luke 15:14-16

Old age

Psalm 71:9See also2 Samuel 19:34-35

Dying and the approach of death

Psalm 23:4See alsoPsalm 18:4-6;Romans 8:38-39

Loneliness experienced as a consequence of God's calling

God's setting apart for service

1 Kings 19:10See alsoJudges 6:14-15;Jeremiah 1:5;Jeremiah 4:18-19;Jeremiah 15:16-17

Leadership

Mark 10:32See alsoExodus 24:1-2;Joshua 1:6-7;Matthew 20:17-19

Responsibility

Numbers 11:14See alsoExodus 18:17-18;2 Corinthians 11:28

Jesus Christ experienced loneliness

Matthew 27:46 ppMark 15:33-34See alsoPsalm 22:1-2;Matthew 4:1-2 ppLuke 4:1-2;Matthew 14:23;Luke 4:28-30;John 6:67;John 16:32

Positive aspects of loneliness

Solitude provides an opportunity for communion with God

Matthew 6:6See alsoExodus 3:1-2;Exodus 33:9;2 Kings 4:32-33;Matthew 26:39;Mark 1:35;Mark 6:45-46;Revelation 1:9

Engaging in spiritual warfare

Genesis 32:24

The opportunity for spiritual experiences away from the crowd

Mark 9:2See alsoDaniel 10:8;2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Solitude as rest from the turmoil of everyday life

Mark 6:31-32See alsoMatthew 11:28

See also

1110  God, present everywhere
2530  Christ, death of
5056  rest
5689  friendlessness
5690  friends
5734  relationships
5770  abandonment
5795  bereavement
7921  fellowship
8341  separation
8482  spiritual warfare
8602  prayer