Topical Encyclopedia
The term "stepped" in the context of the Bible often refers to the physical act of walking or moving forward, symbolizing progress, journey, or divine guidance. While the specific word "stepped" may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both literal and metaphorical journeys.
Biblical Instances and Symbolism1.
Abraham's Journey: In
Genesis 12:1, God commands Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and go to a land that He will show him. This stepping out in faith is a pivotal moment in biblical history, symbolizing obedience and trust in God's promises. The act of stepping into the unknown becomes a foundational example of faith for believers.
2.
The Israelites' Exodus: The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land is a significant narrative where stepping forward is both literal and symbolic. In
Exodus 14:22, the Israelites "went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left." This miraculous event underscores God's provision and the importance of stepping forward in faith despite daunting obstacles.
3.
Jesus Walking on Water: In the New Testament,
Matthew 14:29 recounts Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus. "Come," said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. This act of stepping is a profound demonstration of faith and reliance on Christ, highlighting the believer's call to trust in Jesus amidst life's storms.
4.
The Path of Righteousness: The Psalms frequently use the imagery of walking or stepping to describe living a life in accordance with God's will.
Psalm 37:23 states, "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey." Here, stepping is associated with divine guidance and the assurance that God directs the paths of the righteous.
5.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, as detailed in the Book of Acts, are a testament to the spread of the Gospel through the physical act of stepping into new territories.
Acts 16:9-10 describes Paul's vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, prompting Paul and his companions to step into Europe to preach the Gospel, thus expanding the reach of Christianity.
Theological ImplicationsThe act of stepping in the Bible often signifies a response to God's call, an act of faith, and a movement towards fulfilling divine purposes. It reflects the believer's journey of faith, where each step is guided by trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan. The concept of stepping is intertwined with themes of obedience, courage, and the transformative power of faith in action.
Practical ApplicationFor believers today, the biblical concept of stepping serves as a reminder to walk in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision. It encourages Christians to take bold steps in their spiritual journey, whether in personal growth, ministry, or daily life, knowing that God orders their steps and delights in their path.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Step.
2. (a.) Provided with a step or steps; having a series of offsets or parts resembling the steps of stairs; as, a stepped key.
Greek
1684. embaino -- to walk on, to step into, ie embark... the same as basis Definition to walk on, to step into, ie embark NASB Word Usage
embarked (1), entered (1), get (2), getting (3), got (9),
stepped (1), went on
...Strong's Hebrew
3381. yarad -- to come or go down, descend... down (1), lowered (3), once (1), poured (1), poured down (1), pull down (1), put
down (1), put off (1), run down (5), sank down (1), shed (2),
stepped down (1
...Library
Chapter twenty-one
... gilt letters on the panel of the door. Two girlsstepped out of the crowd
towards the carriage. The older one had entered and taken...
The Day of Blood at Prague.
... House: in front of their window was the scaffold, draped in black cloth, twenty
feet high, and twenty-two yards square; from the window theystepped out on to...
The Bible Way.
... If sometimes you can not see just where Jesusstepped, take the precious Book
of God, and it will be a lamp to show you the way he trod....
He Has You on his Heart.
... Saturday morning they went down to the railroad station to get the train, andstepped
into the station just as the train was pulling out at the other end....
The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... Edinburgh, and with him was Honeyman bishop of Orkney.""When the arch-bishop had
entered, and taken his seat in the coach, Mr. Mitchelstepped straight to...
One of the Jews, Stepping Up, Asked Leave of the Procurator to Say...
... and casts out demons? And another Jewstepped up and said: I was born blind;
I heard sounds, but saw not a face. And as Jesus passed...
And the Jews, Hearing that Joseph had Begged the Body of Jesus...
... begged the body of Jesus, sought him and the twelve who said that Jesus was not
born of fornication, and Nicodemus, and many others who hadstepped up before...
Quaker City Excursion
... As the boat would rise upon a wave and sink away, one personstepped in after another
until it was filled, when another boat would take its place....
Conversion
... converted is to cross the line which separates light from darkness, and may be done
as easily as if one drew a line in the path before him andstepped over it....
What Old Bill could not Do
... A pleasant-faced young manstepped up to him and said, "Come in, Bill, and I will
get you a good seat." He mechanically followed the usher in....
Thesaurus
Stepped (16 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Provided with a step or steps; having a series of offsets or parts resembling
the steps of stairs; as, a
stepped key.
...Stepped (16 Occurrences).
...Waters (386 Occurrences)
... YLT). Matthew 14:29 He said, "Come!" Peterstepped down from the boat, and
walked on the waters to come to Jesus. (WEB ASV DBY YLT)....
Onto (22 Occurrences)
... crowed. (See NAS). Luke 8:27 When Jesusstepped ashore, a certain man out
of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He...
Wore (19 Occurrences)
... honey. (WEY NAS NIV). Luke 8:27 When Jesusstepped ashore, a certain man
out of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He...
Walked (178 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:29 He said, "Come!" Peterstepped down from the boat, and walked on the
waters to come to Jesus. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Troubling (51 Occurrences)
... John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled
the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the waterstepped in was...
Tombs (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 8:27 When Jesusstepped ashore,
a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him....
Met (118 Occurrences)
... him. (KJV WBS). Luke 8:27 When Jesusstepped ashore, a certain man out of
the city who had demons for a long time met him. He wore...
Bearers (11 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 2 Samuel 6:13 And it cometh to pass, when those bearing the ark of Jehovah
havestepped six steps, that he sacrificeth an ox and a fatling. (See NAS)...
Bittern (4 Occurrences)
... It was probably bestowed by people who found the bird hiding in swamps during the
daytime, and saw that it would almost allow itself to bestepped upon before...
Resources
What is theistic evolution? | GotQuestions.orgIn what ways is sin a slippery slope? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Sarah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgStepped: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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