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Subsistence, in a biblical context, refers to the means by which individuals or communities sustain life, particularly through the provision of food, water, and other necessities. The concept of subsistence is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting God's provision and the human responsibility to work and steward resources.

Divine Provision

The Bible consistently emphasizes God's role as the ultimate provider of all necessities. InGenesis 1:29, God provides for humanity by giving "every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it" for food. This initial provision underscores the abundance and sufficiency of God's creation for human sustenance.

In the wilderness, God provided manna and quail for the Israelites, demonstrating His ability to sustain His people even in desolate conditions (Exodus 16:4-15). This miraculous provision is a testament to God's faithfulness and care, as Moses reminds the Israelites inDeuteronomy 8:3, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."

Human Responsibility

While God provides, the Bible also emphasizes human responsibility in working for sustenance. InGenesis 2:15, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," indicating that labor is an integral part of God's design for humanity. The Apostle Paul reiterates this principle in2 Thessalonians 3:10, stating, "If anyone is not willing to work, neither shall he eat."

The Proverbs offer wisdom on diligence and hard work as means of ensuring subsistence.Proverbs 12:11 declares, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This highlights the importance of industriousness and prudent management of resources.

Stewardship and Generosity

Subsistence is also linked to the biblical principle of stewardship. Believers are called to manage resources wisely and to share with those in need. In1 Timothy 6:17-18, Paul instructs the wealthy "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." This reflects the understanding that God's provision is not only for personal sustenance but also for the benefit of the community.

The early church exemplified this communal approach to subsistence inActs 2:44-45, where "all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." This practice underscores the importance of generosity and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Faith and Trust

Ultimately, subsistence in the biblical sense is rooted in faith and trust in God's provision. Jesus teaches inMatthew 6:31-33, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God, trusting that He will meet their needs.

In summary, the biblical concept of subsistence encompasses divine provision, human responsibility, stewardship, generosity, and faith. It reflects a holistic approach to sustaining life, grounded in the understanding that God is the ultimate source of all that is necessary for life and godliness.1. (n.) That which furnishes support to life; means of support; livelihood; as, a meager subsistence.

2. (n.) Real being; existence.

3. (n.) Inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies.

4. (n.) Same as Hypostasis, 2.

1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, forsubsistence
... for the coming day, forsubsistence. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
epiousios Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-oo'-see-os) Short Definition: for the morrow...

5223. huparxis --subsistence, existence, property
...subsistence, existence, property. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
huparxis Phonetic Spelling: (hoop'-arx-is) Short Definition: goods, substance...

3993. penes -- one who works for his living
... poor. From a primary peno (to toil for dailysubsistence); starving, ie Indigent --
poor. Compare ptochos. see GREEK ptochos. (penesin) -- 1 Occurrence....

Concerning the one CompoundSubsistence of God the Word.
... Book III. Chapter VII."Concerning the one compoundsubsistence of God
the Word. We hold then that the divinesubsistence of God...

Whether "Person" is the Same as Hypostasis,Subsistence, and...
... The definition of "person" Whether "person" is the same as hypostasis,subsistence,
and essence?... Therefore "person" and "subsistence" mean the same....

In Reply to the Question Whether There is Nature that Has no...
... Book III. Chapter IX."In reply to the question whether there is Nature
that has noSubsistence. For although [2038] there is no...

In Reply to those who Ask if Christ'sSubsistence is Create or...
... Book IV. Chapter V."In reply to those who ask if Christ'ssubsistence
is create or uncreate. Thesubsistence [2267] of God the...

Now the Person in Each Declares the Independent Being and...
... Section VIII. Now the person in each declares the independent being andsubsistence.?
Now the person in each declares the independent being andsubsistence....

Concerning the Nature as viewed in Species and in Individual, and...
... bond of union, and is then spoken of as nature viewed in species: or universally
as the same, but with the addition of accidents, in onesubsistence, and is...

In Reply to those who Ask Whether the Natures of the Lord are...
... For since they are one in respect of their essence they cannot be spoken of as two
natures, but as they differ in respect ofsubsistence they are spoken of as...

Concerning the Fact that the Divinity of the Word Remained...
... the fact that the divinity of the Word remained inseparable from the soul and the
body, even at our Lord's death, and that Hissubsistence continued one....

That in one of Its Subsistences the Divine Nature is United in Its...
... What is common and general is predicated of the included particulars. Essence, then,
is common as being a form [1999] , whilesubsistence is particular....

Concerning the Number of the Natures.
... For although each has an independent existence, that is to say, is a perfect
subsistence and has an individuality of its own, that is, has a special mode of...

Subsistence (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) That which furnishes support to life; means of
support; livelihood; as, a meagersubsistence....Subsistence (2 Occurrences)....

Person (807 Occurrences)
... English translation, 244), "to be there and ready," and intimates the existing
circumstances, disposition of mind, or, as here, mode ofsubsistence in which...

Sabbatical (1 Occurrence)
... intended for the relief of the poor and for the awakening of a sense of responsibility
in the hearts of those better provided with the means ofsubsistence....

Trinity
... there is one only and true God, but in the unity of the Godhead there are three
coeternal and coequal Persons, the same in substance but distinct insubsistence...

Subsist (10 Occurrences)

Year (4027 Occurrences)
... intended for the relief of the poor and for the awakening of a sense of responsibility
in the hearts of those better provided with the means ofsubsistence....

Victual (6 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To supply with provisions forsubsistence; to provide with food; to store
with sustenance; as, to victual an army; to victual a ship....

Need (914 Occurrences)
... something; necessity; urgent want. 2. (n.) Want of the means ofsubsistence;
poverty; indigence; destitution. 3. (n.) That which...

Living (3112 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Manner of life; as, riotous living; penurious living; earnest
living. 4. (n.) Means ofsubsistence; sustenance; estate....

Livelihood (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Means ofsubsistence or living; as, to earn a livelihood; as dependent
on some means of support; support of life; maintenance....

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