Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceThanking, in the biblical context, refers to the expression of gratitude and appreciation, primarily directed towards God. It is a fundamental aspect of worship and a vital component of a believer's relationship with the Creator. Thankfulness is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a recognition of God's sovereignty, goodness, and provision in all aspects of life.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of thankfulness. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "yadah" is often used, which means to give thanks, praise, or confess. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eucharisteo" is frequently employed, signifying gratitude and thanksgiving.
Old Testament ExamplesThankfulness is deeply rooted in the worship practices of Israel. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with calls to thank God.
Psalm 100:4 instructs, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." This verse highlights the integral role of thanksgiving in approaching God.
The Israelites were also commanded to offer thank offerings as part of their sacrificial system (
Leviticus 7:12-15). These offerings were expressions of gratitude for God's deliverance and provision.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, thankfulness is a hallmark of Christian living. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to be thankful. In
1 Thessalonians 5:18 , he writes, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This directive underscores the idea that gratitude should be a constant attitude, regardless of life's situations.
Paul's letters often begin with expressions of thanks to God for the faith and love of the believers (e.g.,
Philippians 1:3-5,
Colossians 1:3-4). This practice reflects the apostolic model of gratitude as a response to God's work in the lives of others.
Theological SignificanceThankfulness is not only a response to God's blessings but also a recognition of His character. It acknowledges God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and mercy.
Romans 1:21 warns of the consequences of ingratitude, stating, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This passage illustrates that a lack of thankfulness can lead to spiritual decline.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness. This can be achieved through regular prayer, worship, and reflection on God's goodness.
Colossians 3:17 advises, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This verse suggests that thankfulness should permeate every aspect of a Christian's life.
ConclusionWhile a conclusion is not provided, the biblical mandate for thankfulness is clear. It is an essential expression of faith and devotion, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will and purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Thank.
Library
Revelations of Divine Love
... ever speeding [the help of] our needs; and when we shall receive our bliss it shall
be given us for a degree of joy, with endless worshipfulthanking from [132...
Business Phrases
... After very carefully considering. Againthanking you for the inquiry.... Inthanking
you for the patronage with which you have favored us....
Father and Child
... He is alwaysthanking God, he says, about them, for the grace of God which was given
them by Jesus Christ, that in everything they were enriched by Him, in all...
"The Age of Every Man Shall be Acknowledged Before Him in Heaven...
... of pain. Thisthanking is so high and so worshipful that the soul thinketh
it filleth him though there were no more. For methought...
Of the First Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... When St Francis heard of this bountiful offer of a thing which he had greatly desired,
he was exceeding glad, andthanking and praising God in the first place...
Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... is this to be remembered, that when we come before God in the hour of trouble,
remembering his great goodness to us in the past, and thereforethanking him, we...
section second.
... Thus too does Paul begin his letter to the Philippians;thanking God for their living
fellowship in the gospel from the beginning up to the present hour; and...
Power "In" and "Upon. "
... 5th chapter and 13th verse: "It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers
were as one to make one Sound, to be heard in praising andthanking the Lord...
The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... Ver.10. +But+, to turn now from teaching tothanking"+I rejoice+ (echaren: the English
present best gives the point of the "epistolary" aorist) +in the Lord+...
The Note of Cheer
... imperfections:"It was effective; it was successful. We came awaythanking God
for the testimony we had heard. And herein lay the success of...
Thesaurus
Thanking (4 Occurrences)... n.) of Thank. Multi-Version Concordance
Thanking (4 Occurrences). Luke 17:16 and
he threw himself at the feet of Jesus,
thanking Him. He was a Samaritan. (WEY).
...Praising (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make
one sound to be heard in praising andthanking Yahweh; and when they lifted...
Thankfulness (7 Occurrences)
Unison (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make
one sound to be heard in praising andthanking Yahweh; and when they lifted...
Thankless (1 Occurrence)
Endureth (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one,
to make one sound to be heard in praising andthanking the LORD; and when...
Endures (75 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make
one sound to be heard in praising andthanking Yahweh; and when they lifted...
Musical (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it came even to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as
one, to make one sound to be heard in praising andthanking the LORD; and when...
Cymbals (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make
one sound to be heard in praising andthanking Yahweh; and when they lifted...
Sang (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 5:13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make
one sound to be heard in praising andthanking Yahweh; and when they lifted...
Resources
What is the meaning and purpose of saying grace before a meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgShould we give gifts at Christmas? | GotQuestions.orgThanking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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