Topical Encyclopedia
The term "notwithstanding" is used in the Bible to convey a sense of exception or contrast, often indicating that despite certain circumstances or conditions, a particular action or truth remains. It serves as a conjunction or preposition to highlight a contrast between what has been stated and what follows. In the context of Scripture, "notwithstanding" underscores the sovereignty of God, the persistence of His promises, and the resilience of faith amidst challenges.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "notwithstanding" is used to emphasize God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises despite human failure or opposition. For example, in
Numbers 14:44, the Israelites attempted to enter the Promised Land "notwithstanding" the warning from Moses that the Lord was not with them. This highlights the futility of human effort when it is not aligned with God's will.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, "notwithstanding" often appears in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles to illustrate the triumph of divine truth over human misunderstanding or adversity. In
Matthew 11:11, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist, saying, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Here, "notwithstanding" introduces a profound spiritual truth that transcends earthly status.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "notwithstanding" in Scripture reflects the tension between human limitations and divine possibilities. It serves as a reminder that God's purposes prevail despite human shortcomings. This term reassures believers of the steadfastness of God's promises and the certainty of His plans, even when circumstances seem contrary.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, "notwithstanding" encourages a perspective of faith that looks beyond immediate challenges to the ultimate reality of God's sovereignty. It calls Christians to trust in God's promises and remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that His purposes will be accomplished regardless of present difficulties.
Key Verses·
Numbers 14:44 : "But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses departed from the camp."
·
Matthew 11:11 : "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
In summary, "notwithstanding" is a powerful biblical term that underscores the contrast between human limitations and divine possibilities, encouraging believers to trust in God's unchanging nature and His ultimate plan for redemption.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
prep.) Without prevention, or obstruction from or by; in spite of.
2. (adv. / conj.) Nevertheless; however; although; as, I shall go, notwithstanding it rains.
Greek
2539. kaiper -- although... although, though. 2539 (2532 , "and, even" which intensifies 4007 , "indeed") -- "
though," "though ," " (
notwithstanding)". Word Origin
...4133. plen -- yet, except
... yet (3). nevertheless, however,notwithstanding, save, than. From pleion;
moreover (besides), ie Albeit, save that, rather, yet...
235. alla -- otherwise, on the other hand, but
... other things, ie (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) -- and, but (even),
howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no,notwithstanding, save, therefore...
3676. homos -- yet, but yet
... Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, ie (conjunctionally)notwithstanding,
yet still -- and even, nevertheless, though but. see GREEK homou....
Strong's Hebrew
7535. raq -- but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least...... only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although -- but, even, except, howbeit
howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but,
notwithstanding, only, save
...389. ak -- surely, howbeit
... of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only -- also, in any wise, at least,
but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless,notwithstanding, only, save...
Library
Notwithstanding, not Even Then Will the Merciful and Benignant God...
... Piece XXXV.Notwithstanding, not even then will the merciful and benignant
God leave the race of men?Notwithstanding, not even...
Argument. --In Fine,Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have...
... Argument."In Fine,Notwithstanding the Said Heretics Have Gathered the Origin of
Their Error from Consideration of What is Written: Although We Call Christ...
Notwithstanding the Depravity of Man's Soul by Original Sin, There...
... Chapter XLI."Notwithstanding the Depravity of Man's Soul by Original Sin, There
is Yet Left a Basis Whereon Divine Grace Can Work for Its Recovery by...
Notwithstanding their Conceits, the God of the Marcionites Fails...
... Chapter XVIII."Notwithstanding Their Conceits, the God of the Marcionites Fails
in the Vouchers Both of Created Evidence and of Adequate Revelation....
Notwithstanding, those who have Written in this Manner Regarding...
... Chapter IV.Notwithstanding, those who have written in this manner regarding
the "chief good" will go down?Notwithstanding, those...
That we Must,Notwithstanding the Opinion of Apuleius, Reject the...
... Book VIII. Chapter 22."That We Must,Notwithstanding the Opinion of Apuleius,
Reject the Worship of Demons. None of these four...
On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said...
... On the words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, etc., where Jesus said that He was not
going up unto the feast, andnotwithstanding went up. [CXXXIII. Ben.]...
The Fourth Rule of Prayer Is, thatNotwithstanding of Our Being...
... Of Prayer. John Calvin Chapter 11 The fourth rule of prayer is, that
notwithstanding of our being thus abased and truly? The fourth...
Foreword
...Notwithstanding the fact that the Second Coming of Christ occupies a prominent place
in the Holy Scriptures,notwithstanding the fact that this subject is a...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 2, "Now when John Heard in...
... "Among them that are born of women," saith the Lord, "there hath not risen a greater
than John the Baptist:notwithstanding, he that is less in the kingdom of...
Thesaurus
Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences)... 2. (adv. / conj.) Nevertheless; however; although; as, I shall go,
notwithstanding it rains. Multi-Version Concordance
Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences).
...Tower (74 Occurrences)
... This building, however,notwithstanding its importance, was to all appearance never
regarded by the Babylonians as the Tower of Babel, for the very good reason...
Though (623 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (conj.) Granting, admitting, or supposing that;
notwithstanding that; if. 2. (adv.) However; nevertheless...
Essenes
... Essenes.Notwithstanding this silence of the Gospels, the prominence of this
third sect is undeniable. Even in Egypt they are known....
Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... Since the researches of Joseph Halevy (1868), some date within the Christian era
has seemed preferable,notwithstanding their ignorance of Talmudic rules....
Commanders (93 Occurrences)
... of God.Notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said,'He shall
not go up with us to the battle.' (See NAS RSV NIV). 2...
Nevertheless (153 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (conj.) Not the less;notwithstanding; in spite of;
yet. Multi-Version Concordance Nevertheless (153 Occurrences)....
Offices (14 Occurrences)
... of Divine calling appeared from time to time; the foundation work of Moses was built
on; the regular order of the worship of Yahweh,notwithstanding many lapses...
Silas (22 Occurrences)
... But some texts proceed in 15:34, "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there
still," and others add "and Judas alone proceeded." Of this, the first half...
Shinar (8 Occurrences)
... The Semites of Babylonia were to all appearance thick-set and muscular, but the
Sumerians,notwithstanding the stumpy figures which their statues and bas...
Resources
How does the Bible define a good Christian family? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Millerites? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Zechariah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgNotwithstanding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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