Topical Encyclopedia
In contemporary usage, the term "subscribe" often refers to the act of signing up for a service or agreeing to receive regular updates or publications. However, in a biblical context, the concept of subscribing can be understood through the lens of commitment, agreement, and covenant.
Biblical Context and UsageWhile the specific term "subscribe" does not appear in the Bible, the underlying principles of commitment and agreement are deeply embedded in biblical teachings. The Bible frequently addresses the importance of making commitments, whether to God, to others, or to a particular course of action.
Covenants and AgreementsThe Bible is replete with examples of covenants, which are solemn agreements between two parties. These covenants often required a form of "subscription" in the sense of a committed agreement to the terms set forth. For instance, the covenant between God and Abraham involved promises and commitments from both parties (
Genesis 17:1-8). Abraham's faith and obedience were his way of subscribing to God's covenant.
Commitment to GodIn the New Testament, the concept of subscribing can be seen in the call to discipleship. Jesus called His followers to a life of commitment and dedication, asking them to "take up their cross daily and follow Me" (
Luke 9:23). This act of following Christ is akin to subscribing to His teachings and way of life, requiring a wholehearted commitment.
The Role of ConfessionConfession of faith can also be seen as a form of subscription. In
Romans 10:9 , Paul writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This confession is a public declaration of one's commitment to Christ, subscribing to the truth of the Gospel.
Community and FellowshipThe early church provides a model of communal subscription to the teachings of the apostles and to fellowship.
Acts 2:42 states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion reflects a collective commitment to a shared faith and practice.
Implications for BelieversFor believers today, subscribing to the teachings of the Bible involves a commitment to live according to its principles. This includes regular engagement with Scripture, participation in the life of the church, and adherence to the moral and ethical teachings found within the Bible. It is a call to live out one's faith in every aspect of life, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
In summary, while the term "subscribe" may not be explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical teaching through the ideas of covenant, commitment, and confession. Believers are called to subscribe to the truth of God's Word and to live in faithful obedience to His commands.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To write underneath, as one's name; to sign (one's name) to a document.
2. (v. t.) To sign with one's own hand; to give consent to, as something written, or to bind one's self to the terms of, by writing one's name beneath; as, parties subscribe a covenant or contract; a man subscribes a bond.
3. (v. t.) To attest by writing one's name beneath; as, officers subscribe their official acts, and secretaries and clerks subscribe copies or records.
4. (v. t.) To promise to give, by writing one's name with the amount; as, each man subscribed ten dollars.
5. (v. t.) To sign away; to yield; to surrender.
6. (v. t.) To declare over one's signature; to publish.
7. (v. i.) To sign one's name to a letter or other document.
8. (v. i.) To give consent to something written, by signing one's name; hence, to assent; to agree.
9. (v. i.) To become surely; -- with for.
10. (v. i.) To yield; to admit one's self to be inferior or in the wrong.
11. (v. i.) To set one's name to a paper in token of promise to give a certain sum.
12. (v. i.) To enter one's name for a newspaper, a book, etc.
Strong's Hebrew
3789. kathab -- to write... describe, record, prescribe,
subscribe, writing,. A primitive root; to grave,
by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe
...Library
The Macedonians, Pressed by the Emperor's violence Toward Them...
... Chapter XII."The Macedonians, pressed by the Emperor's Violence toward them, send
a Deputation to Liberius Bishop of Rome, andsubscribe the Nicene Creed....
General Introduction.
... I therefore agree to it, and willinglysubscribe to it." These are the words of
one plainly deliberating, not blindly subscribing out of obedience....
part vi.
... Upon his arrival he desired him, and urged him with the usual arguments, with which
he thought also to deceive the others, that he wouldsubscribe against us...
Epistle Xcviii. To Theodore, Curator of Ravenna.
... far. Furthermore, be it known to your Glory that the King's men who have
been sent hither press us tosubscribe to the compact....
The First Commandment
... the earth upon nothing.' Job 26:7. It makes God to be a God to us, when we are
persuaded in our hearts, and confess with our tongues, andsubscribe with our...
Biographical Sketch.
... "Subscribe,subscribe, dear husband, do!... The only result of this petition was, that
the Reformed were forthwith commanded tosubscribe the edict....
part iv.
... to the Bishops and Magistrates, directing the Magistrates to urge on the Bishops,
and informing the Bishops that either they mustsubscribe against Athanasius...
The Life of Mr. Patrick Simpson.
... Mr. Adamson was his uncle by the mother's side; and when some of his brethren seemed
willing to acquiesce in the king's mandate, andsubscribe their submission...
From this First Proof that the Prince had Been Won Over to their...
... of the judgment which they had pronounced in regard to Athanasius, an edict was
issued by the emperor to the effect that those who did notsubscribe to the...
Since the Most Religious Bishops of Egypt have Postponed for the...
... Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXX. It is the custom of the Egyptians that none
subscribe [299] without the permission of their Archbishop....
Thesaurus
Subscribe (2 Occurrences)... own hand; to give consent to, as something written, or to bind one's self to the
terms of, by writing one's name beneath; as, parties
subscribe a covenant or
...Witness (295 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To see the execution of, as an instrument, andsubscribe it for the purpose
of establishing its authenticity; as, to witness a bond or a deed....
Foothills (19 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:44 Men shall buy fields for money, andsubscribe the deeds, and seal
them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about...
Evidences (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:44 Men shall buy fields for money, andsubscribe evidences, and seal
them, and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about...
Environs (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:44 Men shall buy fields for money, andsubscribe the writings, and seal
them, and take witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the environs of...
Subscribed (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofSubscribe. Multi-Version Concordance
Subscribed (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 32:10 I subscribed...
Surname (11 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:5 One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the
name of Jacob; and another shallsubscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and...
Signed (8 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:44 Men shall buy fields for money, andsubscribe the deeds, and seal
them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about...
Sign (181 Occurrences)
... 17. (n.) To make a sign upon; to mark with a sign. 18. (n.) To affix a signature
to; to ratify by hand or seal; tosubscribe in one's own handwriting. 19....
Suborned (2 Occurrences)
Resources
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