Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5901 loneliness

God intends human beings to live together in harmony and to value one another, but Scripture recognises many reasons for individuals to feel unwanted and isolated.

Loneliness is not part of God's plan for human beings

Genesis 2:18 See also Psalm 68:5-6; Isaiah 49:15

God is with his people at all times and in all circumstances

Isaiah 41:10 See also Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:10; Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 28:20; John 14:18; Hebrews 13:5-6

Reasons why people may experience loneliness

Sin

Isaiah 59:2 See also Genesis 4:10-12; 1 Samuel 28:5-6; Psalm 81:11-12; Isaiah 64:7; Hosea 5:6; Ephesians 4:18

Remorse

Matthew 27:4-5 See also 1 Chronicles 21:17; Matthew 26:75

Lack of friends

Psalm 142:4 See also John 5:7; John 14:18

Social ostracism

John 4:9 A moral outcast (see Jn 4:18), she was collecting water at the hottest part of the day, when she could do so alone. See also Luke 19:7 A Jew who worked for the Roman occupying power was considered a traitor.

Public shame

John 8:3 See also Mark 15:29-32

Desertion

2 Timothy 4:16 See also Psalm 38:11; Psalm 88:18

Loss of family

Luke 7:12 See also Ruth 1:3-5; 2 Samuel 18:33; 2 Kings 4:1; Job 1:20-21; Psalm 27:10; Matthew 2:17-18; Jeremiah 31:15; 1 Timothy 5:5

Loss of identity

Luke 8:27 pp Mark 5:2-3 See also Luke 8:30 pp Mark 5:9

Discontent

Ecclesiastes 4:8 See also Ecclesiastes 2:10-11,18; Hebrews 13:5-6

Disability

Acts 3:2 See also Leviticus 21:17-18; Matthew 9:32; Matthew 12:22

Disease

Luke 17:12 Lepers were forbidden to mix with those not affected. See also Leviticus 13:4; Numbers 5:1-3; 2 Kings 7:3; 2 Chronicles 26:21

Insomnia

Psalm 102:7 See also Job 7:4; Daniel 6:18

Depression

1 Kings 19:4 See also Deuteronomy 33:27; Job 7:16; Psalm 43:5; Psalm 73:16-17; Jeremiah 15:10; Micah 7:1

Poverty

Proverbs 19:7 See also 1 Kings 17:12; Proverbs 19:4; Luke 15:14-16

Old age

Psalm 71:9 See also 2 Samuel 19:34-35

Dying and the approach of death

Psalm 23:4 See also Psalm 18:4-6; Romans 8:38-39

Loneliness experienced as a consequence of God's calling

God's setting apart for service

1 Kings 19:10 See also Judges 6:14-15; Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 4:18-19; Jeremiah 15:16-17

Leadership

Mark 10:32 See also Exodus 24:1-2; Joshua 1:6-7; Matthew 20:17-19

Responsibility

Numbers 11:14 See also Exodus 18:17-18; 2 Corinthians 11:28

Jesus Christ experienced loneliness

Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:33-34 See also Psalm 22:1-2; Matthew 4:1-2 pp Luke 4:1-2; Matthew 14:23; Luke 4:28-30; John 6:67; John 16:32

Positive aspects of loneliness

Solitude provides an opportunity for communion with God

Matthew 6:6 See also Exodus 3:1-2; Exodus 33:9; 2 Kings 4:32-33; Matthew 26:39; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:45-46; Revelation 1:9

Engaging in spiritual warfare

Genesis 32:24

The opportunity for spiritual experiences away from the crowd

Mark 9:2 See also Daniel 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Solitude as rest from the turmoil of everyday life

Mark 6:31-32 See also Matthew 11:28

See also

1110  God, present everywhere
2530  Christ, death of
5056  rest
5689  friendlessness
5690  friends
5734  relationships
5770  abandonment
5795  bereavement
7921  fellowship
8341  separation
8482  spiritual warfare
8602  prayer