The concept of "entrust" in the Bible carries significant theological and practical implications, reflecting the relationship between God and humanity, as well as interpersonal relationships among believers. To entrust is to assign responsibility or care of something or someone to another, often implying a sense of confidence and faith in the one receiving the trust.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Entrustment: In Scripture, God is often depicted as entrusting His people with responsibilities, gifts, and missions. This divine entrustment is seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money to steward wisely. The parable illustrates the expectation of faithfulness and accountability in managing what God has given.

2. Apostolic Entrustment: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of being entrusted with the gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul writes, "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." This highlights the sacred responsibility of proclaiming the gospel message, emphasizing integrity and divine approval over human approval.

3. Interpersonal Entrustment: Believers are called to entrust one another with various responsibilities within the body of Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This passage underscores the importance of discipleship and the transmission of sound doctrine through trustworthy individuals.

4. Entrusting to God: The act of entrusting oneself or one's concerns to God is a recurring theme in the Bible. In 1 Peter 5:7, believers are encouraged to "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This reflects a deep trust in God's providence and care, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Theological Implications

The concept of entrustment in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character of God as trustworthy and faithful. It calls believers to reflect God's character by being faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to them, whether it be spiritual gifts, material resources, or the gospel message itself. Entrustment also involves a relational dynamic, where trust is built and maintained through faithfulness and integrity.

Practical Applications

1. Stewardship: Believers are encouraged to view their resources, talents, and time as entrusted by God for His purposes. This perspective fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability, urging Christians to use their gifts for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom.

2. Discipleship: The entrustment of sound teaching and doctrine to faithful individuals is crucial for the growth and health of the church. This involves mentoring and training others to carry on the work of the ministry, ensuring the continuity of the faith.

3. Trust in God: In times of uncertainty or anxiety, believers are called to entrust their cares to God, relying on His wisdom and care. This act of trust is a demonstration of faith, acknowledging God's ability to handle all aspects of life.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of entrustment is multifaceted, encompassing divine, apostolic, and interpersonal dimensions. It challenges believers to be faithful stewards, reliable teachers, and trusting followers of God, reflecting His character in all areas of life.(v. t.) See Intrust.4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust
... to believe, entrust. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pisteuo Phonetic Spelling:
(pist-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I believe, have faith in Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4100.htm - 12k

2010. epitrepo -- to turn to, entrust, hence to permit
... to turn to, entrust, hence to permit. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epitrepo
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-trep'-o) Short Definition: I allow, permit ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2010.htm - 7k

3908. paratithemi -- to place beside, to set before
... before. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: paratithemi Phonetic Spelling:
(par-at-ith'-ay-mee) Short Definition: I set before, serve, entrust to Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3908.htm - 8k

2939. ktistes -- a creator
... 1 Pet 4:19: "Therefore, those also who suffer according to the (2307 ) of (2316 )
shall entrust their souls to a faithful (2939 ) in doing what is right" (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2939.htm - 7k

3027. yad -- hand
... 1), direction (10), directions (1), discouraged* (2), discouraging* (1), do (1),
done (2), encourage* (1), encouraged* (3), enough (1), entrust* (1), entrusted ...
/hebrew/3027.htm - 8k

5414. nathan -- to give, put, set
... 26), delivers (3), designate (1), designated (1), direct (1), display (1), displayed
(1), distribute (2), divide (1), enabled (1), entrust* (1), entrusted (2 ...
/hebrew/5414.htm - 9k

Men Entrust their Safety Rather to a Just than to a Prudent Man. . ...
... Book II. Chapter X. Men entrust their safety rather to a just than to a prudent
man.? Men entrust their safety rather to a just than to a prudent man. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x men entrust their.htm

Faith Required in all Matters.
... For what husbandman can reap, unless he first trust his seed to the earth? Or who
can cross the sea, unless he first entrust himself to the boat and the pilot? ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter viii faith required in all.htm

Brakel and Comrie.
... What we call to believe' Scripture calls to trust,' to confide,' to entrust.' Speaking
of divine things revealed to us in the Word alone, we must not be ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvi brakel and comrie.htm

It is Very Desirable that Parents Should Encourage the Desire for ...
... of God's sake, who shall not receive sevenfold more in this present time, and in
the world to come shall have everlasting life." [3224] Entrust your faith to ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xii it is very.htm

Nor Indeed were the Prayers of the Gentile Cornelius Unheard...
... sound limbs are of no avail to save his life, and that one wounded limb is enough
to cause his death?" They certainly do not say this, but they entrust him to ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 8 10 nor.htm

Pray to Thy Father which is in Secret or Alone with God.
... We have but in secret, alone with God, to entrust our life before men to Him; He
will reward us openly; He will see to it that the answer to prayer be made ...
/.../murray/lord teach us to pray/pray to thy father which.htm

Third Lesson. Pray to Thy Father, which is in Secret;'
... We have but in secret, alone with God, to entrust our life before men to Him; He
will reward us openly; He will see to it that the answer to prayer be made ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/third lesson pray to thy.htm

Virtue must Never be Given up for the Sake of a Friend. ...
... a comfort in this life to have one to whom thou canst open thy heart, [765] with
whom thou canst share confidences, and to whom thou canst entrust the secrets ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxii virtue must never.htm

Letter Xl. St. Ambrose Begs Theodosius to Listen to Him, as He ...
... You, O Emperor, will have an apostate Count, and to him will you entrust the
victorious standards? Will you entrust the labarum, consecrated ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xl st ambrose begs.htm

On the Danger of Increasing Riches
... When he entrusted you with a little, did he not entrust you with it that
you might lay out all that little in doing good? And when ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 126 on the danger.htm

Entrust (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) See Intrust. Multi-Version Concordance Entrust
(9 Occurrences). Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches ...
/e/entrust.htm - 9k

Confide (31 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To entrust with valuable knowledge or
secrets; as, the prince confides in his ministers. 2. (vt ...
/c/confide.htm - 14k

Commit (142 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To give in trust; to put into charge
or keeping; to entrust; to consign; -- used with to, unto. ...
/c/commit.htm - 39k

Consign (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To give, transfer, or entrust, in a formal manner; as, to consign goods
to a shipper, as if by signing over into the possession of another, or into a ...
/c/consign.htm - 7k

Accordance (118 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:18 This is the charge which I entrust to you, my son Timothy, in accordance
with the inspired instructions concerning you which were given me long ...
/a/accordance.htm - 37k

Yielded (28 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:46 and Jesus cried out in a loud voice, and said, "Father, to Thy hands
I entrust my spirit." And after uttering these words He yielded up His spirit. ...
/y/yielded.htm - 14k

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/v/vine-dressers.htm - 11k

Vintage (14 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/v/vintage.htm - 11k

Uttering (10 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:46 and Jesus cried out in a loud voice, and said, "Father, to Thy hands
I entrust my spirit." And after uttering these words He yielded up His spirit. ...
/u/uttering.htm - 9k

Wretches (1 Occurrence)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/w/wretches.htm - 6k

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