Topical Encyclopedia The concept of yearning in the Bible often reflects a deep, intense longing or desire, typically for God, His presence, or His righteousness. This longing is a fundamental aspect of the human experience as depicted in Scripture, illustrating the innate desire for communion with the Creator and the fulfillment found in Him alone.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, yearning is frequently expressed in the Psalms, where the psalmists articulate a profound desire for God. Psalm 42:1-2 captures this sentiment vividly: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" This imagery of a deer panting for water illustrates an intense, life-sustaining need for God, emphasizing the psalmist's deep spiritual thirst. The prophets also convey a sense of yearning, often in the context of Israel's relationship with God. In Isaiah 26:9 , the prophet declares, "My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." Here, yearning is linked to a desire for God's justice and righteousness to be realized on earth. New Testament Context In the New Testament, yearning is often associated with the anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Apostle Paul expresses this longing in Romans 8:23 : "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." This passage highlights the Christian's yearning for the ultimate redemption and the completion of God's salvific work. Yearning is also evident in the personal relationship with Christ. In Philippians 1:23 , Paul writes, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed." This reflects a deep longing to be in the presence of Christ, surpassing all earthly desires. Spiritual Implications Yearning in the biblical sense is not merely a passive longing but an active pursuit of God and His will. It involves a heartfelt desire for a deeper relationship with Him, a longing for His presence, and a commitment to living according to His purposes. This yearning is often accompanied by prayer, worship, and a diligent seeking of God's Word. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate this yearning as a vital aspect of their spiritual lives. In Matthew 5:6 , Jesus states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This beatitude underscores the promise that those who earnestly seek God and His righteousness will find satisfaction and fulfillment. Conclusion Yearning, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound expression of the human soul's desire for God and His righteousness. It is a recurring theme that underscores the believer's longing for communion with the Creator, the anticipation of Christ's return, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Through this yearning, believers are drawn closer to God, finding their ultimate satisfaction in Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To pain; to grieve; to vex.2. (v. i.) To be pained or distressed; to grieve; to mourn. 3. (v. i. & t.) To curdle, as milk. 4. (v. i.) To be filled with longing desire; to be harassed or rendered uneasy with longing, or feeling the want of a thing; to strain with emotions of affection or tenderness; to long; to be eager. Greek 3713. orego -- to stretch out, to reach after, to yearn for ... to stretch out, to reach after, to yearn for. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: orego Phonetic Spelling: (or-eg'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I stretch forth ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3713.htm - 7k 1971. epipotheo -- to long for 4697. splagchnizomai -- to be moved in the inward parts, ie to ... 1973. epipothetos -- greatly desired Strong's Hebrew 3648. kamar -- to grow warm and tender, to be or grow hot... be black, be kindled, yearn. A primitive root; properly, to intertwine or contract, ie (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively ... /hebrew/3648.htm - 6k 3616. kaleh -- a failing Library That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after ... Whether a Movement of the Free Will against Sin is Required for ... Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy Second Part of the Book. Letter to a Young Widow. Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage their ... Repentance, Of the Hindrances which an Unbelieving Husband Puts in his Wife's ... Danger of Having to Take Part in Heathenish Rites, and Revels. Conditions of Effectual Prayer. Thesaurus Yearn (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Yearn (4 Occurrences). ... (WEB NAS). Philippians 1:8 For God is my witness how I yearn over all of you with tender Christian affection. ... /y/yearn.htm - 7k Yearly (16 Occurrences) Yearned (5 Occurrences) Earn (6 Occurrences) Bowels (40 Occurrences) Concupiscence (3 Occurrences) Supplication (71 Occurrences) Exceeding (101 Occurrences) Chamber (73 Occurrences) Affection (30 Occurrences) Resources Is it important for a Christian to have daily devotions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bowing or kneeling in prayer? | GotQuestions.org What is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org Yearn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Yearn (4 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 9:14 Philippians 1:8 Genesis 43:30 Deuteronomy 28:32 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |