Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, bears are mentioned in several contexts, often symbolizing strength, ferocity, and divine judgment. The bear, a formidable creature in the ancient Near East, is used metaphorically and literally in the Scriptures to convey various spiritual and moral lessons.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 2:23-25: One of the most notable accounts involving bears is the account of the prophet Elisha. As Elisha was traveling to Bethel, a group of youths mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha cursed them in the name of the LORD, and two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. This incident underscores the seriousness of disrespecting God's prophets and serves as a warning against irreverence. 2. 1 Samuel 17:34-37: Bears are also mentioned in the context of David's early life as a shepherd. When David was preparing to face Goliath, he recounted to King Saul how he had defended his flock from both lions and bears. David said, "When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth." This passage highlights David's courage and faith in God's deliverance, as he equates his past victories over wild animals with his confidence in defeating the Philistine giant. 3. Proverbs 28:15: In wisdom literature, the bear is used metaphorically to describe the nature of a wicked ruler. "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." This proverb illustrates the oppressive and destructive nature of unjust leadership, likening it to the threat posed by a powerful and aggressive animal. 4. Isaiah 11:7: In prophetic literature, bears are part of the imagery used to describe the peace and harmony of the Messianic age. "The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This vision of peace signifies the restoration of creation and the reconciliation of former adversaries under the reign of the Messiah. 5. Daniel 7:5: In apocalyptic literature, the bear is one of the four beasts in Daniel's vision, representing a kingdom. "And behold, another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’" This imagery is often interpreted as symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its strength and conquests. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical symbolism, the bear often represents power and danger. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience. The bear's ferocity is a metaphor for divine judgment, as seen in the account of Elisha, while its strength is a testament to God's protection and deliverance, as demonstrated in David's life. The use of bears in prophetic and apocalyptic literature further emphasizes the themes of judgment and restoration. In Daniel, the bear symbolizes a powerful empire, while in Isaiah, it becomes part of a vision of peace and harmony in the future kingdom of God. Overall, the bear in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, reflecting both the might of earthly powers and the ultimate authority of God over creation. Greek 4722. stego -- to cover closely (so as to keep water out) ... ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition to cover closely (so as to keep water out), generally to bear up under NASB Word Usage bears (1), endure (3). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4722.htm - 7k 4160. poieo -- to make, do 5297. hupophero -- to bear by being under, to endure 5342. phero -- to bear, carry, bring forth 2592. karpophoreo -- to bear fruit 4615. sinapi -- mustard (a plant) 2590. karpos -- fruit 5427. phronema -- the thought (that which is in the mind) 4808. suke -- a fig tree Strong's Hebrew 6030a. anah -- to answer, respond... accuse (1), accused (1), agrees to make (1), answer (94), answer* (1), answered (102), answering (1), answers (5), bear (2), bear witness (1), bears (1), bears ... /hebrew/6030a.htm - 6k 7852. satam -- to bear a grudge or cherish animosity against 6006. amas -- to load, carry a load 3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget 1677. dob -- a bear 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take Library A Lamb Bears all the Guilt Away. All Scripture Bears Full Witness to this Truth, and the End and ... The Psalmist Bears Witness that Divine Justice Employs Certain ... How Simon Bears his Exposure. He Replies to the Cavil that the one who is Born must be of one ... The Perennial Freshness of the Bible Bears Witness to Its Divine ... Appendix (E). Text of the Concluding Scholion of victor of ... Thy Teeth are Like a Flock of Sheep that are Even Shorn, which ... That the Believer Ought not to be Punished for Other Offences ... How the Soul Amidst These Interior Anguishes Knows not the Love ... Thesaurus Bears (62 Occurrences)...Bears (62 Occurrences). ... Matthew 27:8 for which reason that piece of ground received the name, which it still bears, of 'the Field of Blood.' (WEY). ... /b/bears.htm - 24k She-bears (1 Occurrence) Produces (27 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Bear (425 Occurrences) Kernel (4 Occurrences) Firstbegotten (1 Occurrence) First-begotten (2 Occurrences) Fawns (4 Occurrences) Fruit (318 Occurrences) Resources Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a false witness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about Christian mothers? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bears (62 Occurrences)Matthew 7:17 Matthew 13:23 Matthew 27:8 Mark 4:28 Luke 6:43 Luke 13:9 Luke 18:7 John 1:15 John 3:32 John 5:32 John 8:18 John 12:24 John 15:2 John 15:5 John 19:35 John 21:24 Acts 22:5 Romans 2:15 Romans 8:16 Romans 9:1 1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 13:7 Galatians 4:24 Galatians 4:27 Hebrews 1:3 Hebrews 6:8 Hebrews 10:15 James 1:15 1 Peter 2:19 2 Peter 3:9 1 John 5:6 Genesis 1:29 Genesis 49:21 Genesis 50:15 Exodus 21:4 Leviticus 12:2 Leviticus 12:5 Leviticus 12:7 Leviticus 20:17 Deuteronomy 1:31 Deuteronomy 25:6 Deuteronomy 28:57 Deuteronomy 29:18 1 Samuel 17:36 1 Kings 8:43 2 Kings 2:24 2 Chronicles 6:33 2 Chronicles 20:9 Job 22:8 Job 39:1 Psalms 68:19 Proverbs 25:18 Isaiah 3:9 Isaiah 59:11 Jeremiah 7:10 Jeremiah 7:14 Jeremiah 7:30 Jeremiah 25:29 Jeremiah 32:34 Jeremiah 34:15 Daniel 9:18 Joel 2:22 Subtopics Related Terms |