Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "closer" is not directly found in the Bible as a standalone word. However, the concept of drawing closer to God, to one another, and to spiritual truths is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The idea of closeness in the biblical sense often refers to intimacy, fellowship, and a deepening relationship with God and fellow believers. Biblical References: 1. Drawing Closer to God: The Bible frequently encourages believers to draw near to God, promising that He will reciprocate. James 4:8 states, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and purity as prerequisites for closeness with God. 2. Intimacy with Christ: Jesus invites His followers into a close relationship with Him. In John 15:4 , He says, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." This metaphor of the vine and branches illustrates the necessity of remaining connected to Christ to experience spiritual vitality and growth. 3. Fellowship with Believers: The early church exemplified closeness among believers. Acts 2:42 describes their community: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage highlights the importance of communal worship, learning, and support in fostering closeness among Christians. 4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in bringing believers closer to God. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Spirit's intercession aids believers in aligning their hearts with God's will, fostering a deeper connection. 5. Closeness in Marriage: The Bible also speaks to the closeness between husband and wife. Ephesians 5:31 quotes Genesis, saying, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This union reflects the intimate and committed relationship that God intends for marriage. Theological Implications: · Sanctification: Closeness to God is often associated with the process of sanctification, where believers are gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ. This process involves a continual drawing near to God through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience. · Community and Unity: The call to be closer to one another within the body of Christ underscores the importance of unity and love among believers. This unity is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel. · Eternal Perspective: The ultimate closeness believers will experience is in eternity with God. Revelation 21:3 promises, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This future hope encourages believers to seek closeness with God now, in anticipation of eternal fellowship with Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, closes; specifically, a boot closer. See under Boot.2. (n.) A finisher; that which finishes or terminates. 3. (n.) The last stone in a horizontal course, if of a less size than the others, or a piece of brick finishing a course. Greek 4057. perissos -- abundantly ... from perissos Definition abundantly NASB Word Usage all the more (3), even more (1), even...more (1), far more (3), furiously (1), more (2), much closer (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4057.htm - 7k 4862. sun -- with, together with (expresses association with) Strong's Hebrew 1695. dabeq -- a clinging, cleaving... cleave, joining, stick closer. From dabaq; adhering -- cleave, joining, stick closer. see HEBREW dabaq. 1694, 1695. dabeq. 1696 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/1695.htm - 6k 5066. nagash -- to draw near, approach 1692. dabaq -- to cling, cleave, keep close 7138. qarob -- near Library A Friend that Sticketh Closer than a Brother. Pr 18:24 O for a Closer Walk with God The Real Thing of Light. "Above the Sun. " God Proclaiming his Own Name 'Is it I?' He Comes to his Own. Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone How Love Effects the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer. But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ... Thesaurus Closer (7 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, closes; specifically, a boot closer. See under Boot. ... Multi-Version Concordance Closer (7 Occurrences). ... /c/closer.htm - 8k Watchman (19 Occurrences) Education (4 Occurrences) Birds (125 Occurrences) Closely (38 Occurrences) Reported (104 Occurrences) Noose (3 Occurrences) Nathanael (6 Occurrences) Ophir (12 Occurrences) Levi (79 Occurrences) Resources How can I have a closer relationship with God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about the existence of black holes? | GotQuestions.org Closer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Closer (7 Occurrences)Hebrews 2:1 Genesis 45:4 Ruth 3:12 1 Samuel 17:41 1 Samuel 17:48 2 Samuel 18:25 Proverbs 18:24 Subtopics Related Terms |