Topical Encyclopedia The term "empty-handed" in the biblical context often signifies coming before God or others without an offering, gift, or means of support. It is a concept that appears in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting themes of worship, sacrifice, and divine provision.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of not appearing empty-handed is closely associated with the worship practices and sacrificial system of Israel. In Exodus 23:15, God commands the Israelites regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread: "You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As I commanded you, you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, because in that month you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before Me empty-handed." . This directive underscores the importance of bringing offerings to God as an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of His deliverance and provision. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 16:16-17, the Israelites are instructed concerning the three major pilgrimage festivals: "Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you." . This passage emphasizes the principle of giving according to one's means, reflecting the blessings received from God. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "empty-handed," the principle can be seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding generosity and stewardship. In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." . This reflects the idea that giving is a response to God's generosity and a means of participating in His work. The apostle Paul also addresses the concept of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." . Here, the emphasis is on the attitude and willingness to give, rather than the specific amount, aligning with the Old Testament principle of giving according to one's ability. Theological Implications The concept of not appearing empty-handed before God carries theological significance in terms of worship, gratitude, and reliance on divine provision. It reflects an understanding that all blessings come from God and that offerings are a tangible expression of faith and thankfulness. This principle encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God and to respond with generosity and stewardship of the resources entrusted to them. In summary, the biblical theme of being empty-handed is intricately connected to the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people, where offerings and gifts serve as a means of honoring God and acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. Greek 2756. kenos -- empty ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition empty NASB Word Usage empty (2), empty-handed (4), foolish (1), futile things (1), vain (10). empty, in vain. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2756.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 7387. reqam -- emptily, vainly... 7386, 7387. reqam. 7388 . emptily, vainly. Transliteration: reqam Phonetic Spelling: (ray-kawm') Short Definition: empty-handed. ... /hebrew/7387.htm - 6k Library The Third Chapter: Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many do not ... The Incense of Prayer The Devotion of Ruth The Veil Rent Account of St. Spyridon: his Modesty and Steadfastness. Jesus' Conditions of Friendship. "We have Seen his Star" Unfruitful Works of Darkness The Life Story of Pastor Wang Christ Our Mediator. --Continued. Thesaurus Empty-handed (13 Occurrences)Empty-handed. Empty, Empty-handed. Empty-headed . Multi-Version Concordance Empty-handed (13 Occurrences). Mark 12:3 ... /e/empty-handed.htm - 10k Cruelly (26 Occurrences) Empty (84 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Vintage-time (3 Occurrences) Empty-headed (1 Occurrence) Disposed (16 Occurrences) Crop (33 Occurrences) Choice (113 Occurrences) Abigal (1 Occurrence) Resources What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 3) | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the Word became flesh (John 1:14)? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian lose salvation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Empty-handed (13 Occurrences)Mark 12:3 Luke 1:53 Luke 20:10 Luke 20:11 Genesis 31:42 Exodus 3:21 Exodus 23:15 Exodus 34:20 Deuteronomy 15:13 Deuteronomy 16:16 Ruth 3:17 Job 22:9 Jeremiah 50:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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