Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextIn the biblical context, "visiting" often refers to the act of going to see someone, typically with the intention of offering support, comfort, or fellowship. It can also imply God's intervention or attention to His people, either in blessing or judgment. The concept of visiting is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, compassion, and community that are central to biblical teachings.
Old Testament ReferencesVisiting in the Old Testament is frequently associated with God's direct involvement in the lives of individuals and nations. For instance, in
Genesis 21:1, the Lord "visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised." This visitation resulted in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, highlighting God's faithfulness and the miraculous birth of Isaac.
In
Exodus 20:5, God warns of visiting "the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me," illustrating the concept of divine judgment. This visitation is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commandments.
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament expands on the theme of visiting through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and the early church. In
Matthew 25:36, Jesus speaks of visiting the sick and imprisoned as acts of righteousness, saying, "I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." This passage underscores the importance of compassion and service to others as expressions of faith.
James 1:27 further emphasizes the significance of visiting, stating, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." Here, visiting is linked to the practice of true religion, characterized by care for the vulnerable and a commitment to personal holiness.
Theological ImplicationsVisiting, as depicted in the Bible, is an expression of God's love and care, both through His direct actions and through the actions of His people. It reflects the call to live in community, bearing one another's burdens and extending grace and mercy. The act of visiting is a tangible demonstration of the Gospel, as believers are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Practical ApplicationsIn practical terms, visiting can take many forms, from personal visits to those in need, to participating in community outreach and mission work. It involves being present, offering support, and sharing the love of Christ with others. Believers are encouraged to be intentional in their visiting, seeking opportunities to serve and uplift those around them, following the example set by Jesus and the early church.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a comprehensive manual on visiting, the principles and examples found within its pages offer a clear guide for believers. Visiting is an integral part of living out one's faith, reflecting the heart of God and the teachings of Scripture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Visit.
2. (a. & vb. n.) from Visit.
Greek
1984. episkope -- avisiting, an overseeing... a
visiting, an overseeing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: episkope
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-is-kop-ay') Short Definition: visitation of judgment
...1927. epidemeo -- to be at home
... city). Word Origin from epi and demos Definition to be at home NASB Word
Usagevisiting (1), visitors (1). dwelling as a stranger....
3939. paroikeo -- to dwell near, ie reside as a foreigner
... Word Origin from para and oikeo Definition to dwell near, ie reside as a foreigner
NASB Word Usage lived as an alien (1),visiting (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
6485. paqad -- to attend to, visit, muster, appoint... 1), supervisors (1), surely take care (3), take care (1), take notice (1), took
a census (1), took note (1), untouched* (1), visit (7), visited (6),
visiting (4
...Library
Onvisiting the Sick
... Second Series Sermon 98 OnVisiting the Sick. "I was sick, and ye visited me."... And
touching this I would inquire,. I. What is implied invisiting the sick? II....
Ep. xxviii. Invisiting the Mountain Cities which Border on...
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Ep. XXVIII. Invisiting the mountain cities
which border on Pamphylia I fished up in the Mountains?...
Visiting Relatives in the East
... Chapter XVIIIVisiting Relatives in the East. After our return from California
I found that my body was much worn by our labors in that State....
Ofvisiting Provinces.
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon LII. (Greek lvi.) Ofvisiting provinces.
Ofvisiting provinces. Honoratus and Urban, the bishops...
Jesus Living at Nazareth andvisiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth...
... Ministry. XVI. Jesus Living at Nazareth andVisiting Jerusalem in His Twelfth
Year. (Nazareth and Jerusalem, ad7 or 8.) ^C Luke 2:40-52....
Preface to Book ii.
... you were I not to write to you by him in whom you have a part as well as I. It seems
to me preferable to lose some letter paper by his notvisiting you rather...
In the Homes of the People
... one. After dinner, they set out again,visiting until six o'clock, and
even then,visiting was not entirely ruled out. Whenever...
On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield
... He joined with them in fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays; invisiting the sick and
the prisoners; and in gathering up the very fragments of time, that no...
1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a...
... Macpherson inter zeal for souls, and her longing to save them from the curse of
drink; had been residing in the Home of Industry, andvisiting public-houses in...
The Second Commandment
... that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor
serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God,visiting the iniquity...
Thesaurus
Visiting (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Visiting (10 Occurrences).
... Then
visiting town after town
he everywhere made known the Good News until he reached Caesarea. (WEY).
...Re-visiting (1 Occurrence)
Re-visiting. Revisit, Re-visiting. Revival . Multi-Version Concordance
Re-visiting (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 12:21...
Visit (97 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To make a visit or visits; to maintainvisiting relations; to practice
calling on others. 5. (n.) The act ofvisiting, or...
Unpunished (24 Occurrences)
... 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience
and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty,visiting the iniquity of...
Forgiving (11 Occurrences)
... 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience
and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty,visiting the iniquity of...
Rebellion (51 Occurrences)
... 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience
and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty,visiting the iniquity of...
Clearing (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 34:7 keeping mercy unto thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and
sin, but by no means clearing the guilty;visiting the iniquity of the...
Steadfast (194 Occurrences)
... 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience
and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty,visiting the iniquity of...
Jealous (43 Occurrences)
... Exodus 20:5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh
your God, am a jealous God,visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the...
Fourth (87 Occurrences)
... Exodus 20:5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh
your God, am a jealous God,visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the...
Resources
Letter from the President of Got Questions Ministries | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a kippah / yarmulke? | GotQuestions.orgShould a church be seeker sensitive? | GotQuestions.orgVisiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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