Topical Encyclopedia
The term "wields" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of handling or using an instrument, typically a weapon or tool, with authority and skill. This concept is frequently associated with the exercise of power, control, and influence, whether in a physical, spiritual, or metaphorical sense.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the imagery of wielding is often connected to warfare and the use of weapons. For instance, in the historical narratives and poetic literature, the act of wielding a sword or spear is emblematic of strength and valor. The warriors of Israel, such as David and his mighty men, are depicted as skilled in wielding their weapons in battle. This is seen in passages like
2 Samuel 23:18, where Abishai, one of David's mighty men, is noted for his prowess in combat.
The concept of wielding is also metaphorically applied to God's power and judgment. In
Isaiah 34:5, the Lord's sword is described as being "sated with blood," symbolizing divine judgment against the nations. Here, the act of wielding signifies God's sovereign authority to execute justice.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the idea of wielding is less frequently associated with physical weapons and more with spiritual authority and influence. The Apostle Paul, in
Ephesians 6:17, speaks of the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." This metaphorical use of wielding highlights the believer's call to engage in spiritual warfare using the Word of God as a powerful tool for defense and proclamation.
The concept extends to the authority of Christ, who is depicted in Revelation as wielding a sharp sword that comes from His mouth (
Revelation 19:15). This imagery underscores the power of Christ's word and His ultimate authority over all creation.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the act of wielding in the Bible underscores themes of authority, responsibility, and divine empowerment. Believers are called to wield the spiritual tools and gifts given by God with wisdom and discernment. This includes the responsible use of Scripture, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines in the life of faith.
Moreover, the imagery of wielding serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority of God and Christ over all things. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereign power and to align themselves with His purposes, wielding their God-given abilities in service to His kingdom.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the concept of wielding encourages Christians to be intentional and skillful in their spiritual lives. Just as a warrior must train to effectively wield a weapon, believers are called to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word. This involves regular study, meditation, and prayer, equipping them to stand firm in faith and to engage the world with the truth of the Gospel.
In summary, the biblical concept of wielding encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting the importance of authority, skill, and divine empowerment in the life of faith.
Greek
1203. despotes -- lord, master... 1203 (from , "husband") -- properly, an authority figure ("master") who
exercises complete jurisdiction (
wields unrestricted power).
...Strong's Hebrew
5130. nuph -- to move to and fro, wave, sprinkle... 6), shake...back and forth (1), shakes (1), shed abroad (1), sprinkled (1), wave
(13), waved (1), waving (1), wield (3), wielded (1), wielding (1),
wields (1).
...8610. taphas -- to lay hold of, wield
... play (1), profane (1), seize (5), seized (13), seizes (1), surely be captured (1),
take (3), taken over (1), took (3), took hold (3), wielding (1),wields (1)....
Library
The Sword of the Spirit
... He is quiet as the dew, tender as the anointing oil, soft as the zephyr of eventide,
and peaceful as a dove; and yet, under another aspect, hewields a deadly...
Our Ally
... Succourer and Friend is 'the Spirit of truth,' by which is designated, not so much
His characteristic attribute, as rather the weapon which Hewields, or the...
Love and Fear
... foam and swirl all manner of evils, some of them certain, some of them probable,
any of them possible, since we are at discord with Him whowields all the...
The Theme of Acts
... It is not we that have to fight against evil; at the best we are but the sword which
Christwields, and all the power is in the hand thatwields it....
The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... Whence came it, and what power is this which itwields?" And, doubtless, whenever
God shall be pleased to bring forth his Church in power, and to make her...
His Conversion
... saluted him: "It is hard for thee to kick against the goad!" The figure of speech
is borrowed from a custom of Eastern countries: the ox-driverwields a long...
The Hymnwriter
... View, despite the world's derision,. Zion's sunlit height and stream?Wields still
anyone the power. To repeat her anthems strong,. And with joyful heart embower...
On Reading.
... Hence there is no greater responsibility before God than that which man assumes
when hewields the pen in the name of humanity, whether for noble or selfish...
Hymn for the Epiphany
... Behold the Flower of David shine, Of Jesse's root the Branch benign: The sceptre
spread with blossoms rareWields o'er the world its lordship fair....
Attributes of Love.
... for realizing its end. Itwields all the infinite natural attributes of
God. It is the mainspring that moves all heaven. It is the...
Thesaurus
Wields (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Wields (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 10:15 Will the
axe say high-sounding words against him who is using it, or
...God (45911 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Figuratively applied to one whowields great or despotic power. 6. (vt)
To treat as a god; to idolize. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHILDREN OF GOD...
Wielding (4 Occurrences)
Imperial (14 Occurrences)
... authority or edict. 2. (a.) Belonging to, or suitable to, supreme authority,
or one whowields it; royal; sovereign; supreme. 3. (a.) of...
Man (26072 Occurrences)
... Thessalonians 2:3-10, usually regarded as descriptive of the Papal power; but "in
whomsoever these distinctive features are found, whoeverwields temporal and...
Bill (9 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) One whowields a bill; a billman. 8. (n.) A pickax, or mattock. 9. (n.)
The extremity of the arm of an anchor; the point of or beyond the fluke. 10....
Batter (1 Occurrence)
... slope. 8. (vi) To slope gently backward. 9. (n.) One whowields a bat; a
batsman. Multi-Version Concordance Batter (1 Occurrence)....
Striker (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, strikes; specifically,
a blacksmith's helper whowields the sledge. 2. (n...
Wife (437 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the Revived Roman Empire? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean by “you are gods” / "ye are gods" in Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
