Topical Encyclopedia
Panting is a physiological response characterized by rapid, shallow breathing, often associated with intense physical exertion, thirst, or emotional distress. In the biblical context, panting is used metaphorically to describe a deep longing or intense desire for God and His presence. This imagery is particularly vivid in the poetic and wisdom literature of the Bible, where it conveys a sense of spiritual yearning and dependence on God.
One of the most well-known references to panting in the Bible is found in the Psalms.
Psalm 42:1-2 states, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" Here, the psalmist uses the image of a deer panting for water to express a deep spiritual thirst and longing for communion with God. This metaphor highlights the essential and life-sustaining nature of a relationship with the Divine, much like water is to a thirsty animal.
The concept of panting is also present in other parts of Scripture, where it is associated with a longing for God's word and righteousness. In
Psalm 119:131 , the psalmist declares, "I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments." This verse underscores the psalmist's earnest desire for God's guidance and instruction, reflecting a heart that seeks to align with God's will.
In the prophetic literature, panting can symbolize the desperation and urgency of those who seek deliverance and salvation.
Isaiah 21:4 describes a vision of impending judgment, where the prophet's heart "pants" in anticipation of the coming events. This usage conveys a sense of anxiety and the need for divine intervention.
Panting, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human soul's innate desire for God. It illustrates the intensity of spiritual longing and the recognition that true fulfillment and peace are found only in a relationship with the Creator. This imagery encourages believers to seek God earnestly, acknowledging their dependence on Him for spiritual sustenance and life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pant.
Strong's Hebrew
5090. nahag -- to drive, conduct... to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), ie Lead, carry away; reflexively,
to proceed (ie Impel or guide oneself); also (from the
panting induced by
...Library
The SoulPanting for God.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 428. " The Soulpanting for God. 428. 7s. M.6l.
Montgomery. The Soulpanting for God. 1 As the hart, with...
Let Him Go Now, and withPanting Lungs and Swollen Throat Find...
... Book III. Chapter 16. " 19. Let him go now, and withpanting lungs
and swollen throat find fault? "19. Let him go now, and...
Come and Welcome
... your way, and to prepare your path, and he will bid you come after him all through
life, and in the solemn hour of death, when you shall liepanting upon your...
To the Reader. Christian Reader
... as a Saviour, and his never enough to be admired tenderness and condescending
willingness to accept of humble, heart broken, and heart-panting sinners after him...
The Wail of a Broken Heart
... As soon as Ahimaaz is within earshot, thoughpanting with running, no doubt, he
shouts, with what breath is left, the one word, 'Peace!' and then, at David's...
Jesus About his Father's Business
... His soul waspanting after suffering; groaning, crying out to be permitted
to drink of the cup of our redemption even to the dregs....
Paul's Desire to Depart
... death we may not rest assured that they are therefore righteous, for they may desire
it for wrong reasons; but if for right reasons they arepanting to enter...
Addition to Acts of Philip.
... has risen to enlighten thee. And when she was thus speaking, the gloomy tyrant
came running andpanting. And Nicanora, who was before...
Modern Examples of Prayer
... Ardour andpanting after God have been characteristics of great souls in all ages
of the Church and Samuel Rutherford was a striking example of this fact....
He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who...
... belongings; when lo, seized with sudden weakness, he stood still, and his strength
failing he threw himself on the ground in the same spot,panting and weary....
Thesaurus
Panting (5 Occurrences)...Panting (5 Occurrences). Psalms 38:10 My heart 'is'
panting, my power hath forsaken
me, And the light of mine eyes, Even they are not with me. (YLT).
...Reproaches (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 57:3 He sendeth from the heaven, and saveth me, He reproached --
who ispanting after me. Selah. God sendeth forth His kindness and His truth....
Reproached (27 Occurrences)
... Psalms 57:3 He sendeth from the heaven, and saveth me, He reproached -- who ispanting
after me. Selah. God sendeth forth His kindness and His truth. (YLT)....
Mare (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Sighing, suffocativepanting, intercepted utterance, with a sense of pressure
across the chest, occurring during sleep; the incubus; -- obsolete...
Panteth (4 Occurrences)
Pants (4 Occurrences)
Saveth (36 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 57:3 He sendeth from the heaven, and saveth me, He reproached -- who
ispanting after me. Selah. God sendeth forth His kindness and His truth....
Heaving (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Heave. 2. (n.) A lifting or rising; a swell; apanting or
deep sighing. Multi-Version Concordance Heaving (3 Occurrences)....
Pollute (42 Occurrences)
... Amos 2:7 Who arepanting for the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, And
the way of the humble they turn aside, And a man and his father go unto the...
Resources
What does it mean that deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7)? | GotQuestions.orgPanting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
