Topical Encyclopedia
Withstanding, in a biblical context, refers to the act of resisting, opposing, or standing firm against challenges, temptations, or adversaries. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where believers are often called to stand firm in their faith and resist various forms of evil.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, withstanding is often associated with resisting idolatry and remaining faithful to God amidst external pressures. For instance, the Israelites were frequently admonished to withstand the temptation to follow the gods of surrounding nations. In
Deuteronomy 7:25, they are instructed, "You must burn up the images of their gods. Do not covet the silver or gold that is on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God."
The prophets also exemplified withstanding as they stood against the corruption and idolatry of their times. Elijah, for example, withstood the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of the true God (
1 Kings 18:20-40).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, withstanding takes on a more personal and spiritual dimension. Believers are called to resist sin and the devil.
James 4:7 exhorts, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse highlights the importance of submission to God as a foundation for withstanding evil.
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the imagery of warfare to describe the Christian's struggle against spiritual forces. In
Ephesians 6:13, he writes, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." Here, withstanding is depicted as an active, prepared stance against spiritual adversity.
Paul also withstood opposition in his ministry. In
Galatians 2:11, he recounts how he opposed Peter to his face because Peter was acting hypocritically by withdrawing from Gentile believers. This incident underscores the necessity of withstanding even within the community of faith when truth and integrity are at stake.
Theological ImplicationsWithstanding is not merely a defensive posture but an active engagement in spiritual warfare. It requires discernment, courage, and reliance on God's strength. The believer's ability to withstand is rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word. As
Ephesians 6:10-11 states, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."
Practical ApplicationFor Christians today, withstanding involves resisting cultural pressures that contradict biblical values, standing firm in the face of persecution, and maintaining personal holiness. It also includes the responsibility to speak truth in love and to oppose false teachings within the church. The call to withstand is a call to be vigilant, prayerful, and steadfast in faith, trusting in God's promises and provision.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Withstand.
Strong's Hebrew
5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand... 1), take a stand (1), take their stand (1), took his stand (1), took their stand
(1), wait (1), waited (1), withstand (1), withstand* (1),
withstanding (1).
...657. ephes -- a ceasing
... extremity of the leg or foot -- ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing,
nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of...
Library
The Sword of the Spirit
... If even to stand requires all this care, judge ye what the warfare must be!
The apostle also speaks ofwithstanding as well as standing....
Accidents, not Punishments
... steam engine had never been known, and if the railway had never been constructed,
there would have been sudden deaths and terrible accidents, notwithstanding....
The Third Clause.
... According to this model, [8783] we subjoin, "Thy will be done in the heavens and
on the earth;" [8784] not that there is some powerwithstanding [8785] to...
Of the Exposition of the Resurrection, the Judgment, and Other...
... At this point, moreover, we ought to equip and animate the weakness of man in
withstanding temptations and offenses, whether these emerge without or rise...
Fragment ix. Of Abraham and Lot. ...
... [1092] And if it had not the river Jordan feeding it like a shell, [1093] and to
a great extentwithstanding its tendency, it would have failed more rapidly...
God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... That God bears good will to mankind, not"withstanding their apostasy, and is desirous
of their salvation, is from many considerations apparent....
The Converted Infidel
... wielded great influence in his town. But, notwithstanding all these
excellences, Mr. Lowe was an infidel. He ridiculed in his good...
For These Reasons There was Plainly Wanting a Divine Revelation,
... give men full assurance of the truth of those great motives of religion, the rewards
and punishments of a future state, which, notwithstanding the strongest...
We May Give yet Another Illustration, if it Seems Good to You. ...
... us of sin and of righteousness, [1682] didst Thou send Him only under Probus the
Roman emperor, and didst leave us orphaned, notwithstanding that Thou didst...
Treats of the Same.
... mortal. 93. What matter is it, if you have the best Director in the World,
if yet notwithstanding you want true submission? altho...
Thesaurus
Withstanding (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Withstand. Multi-Version Concordance
Withstanding (2 Occurrences). Joshua 22:19 Notwithstanding
...Withstands (2 Occurrences)
Withstandeth (2 Occurrences)
Endurance (31 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality ofwithstanding hardship or
stress; lastingness; perseverance; continuance. 2. (n.) The...
Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... preaching. The personal antagonism of Alexander manifested itself by his
greatlywithstanding the proclamation of the gospel by Paul....
Resources
What does it mean to resist the devil, and why will resistance cause the devil to flee? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the refiner's fire and launderer's soap in Malachi 3:2? | GotQuestions.orgWithstanding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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