Topical Bible: Besought

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "besought" is an archaic past tense of "beseech," meaning to earnestly request or implore. In the context of the Bible, it often reflects a deep sense of urgency or desperation in prayer or petition, whether directed towards God or another person. This term appears in various narratives throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the human condition and the reliance on divine intervention.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "besought" is frequently used to describe the earnest prayers and petitions of the faithful. For instance, in Exodus 32:11, Moses besought the LORD on behalf of the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as, "But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, 'O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?'"

This instance highlights the role of intercessory prayer, where Moses stands in the gap for the people, pleading for God's mercy and forgiveness. It underscores the importance of leaders who are willing to intercede on behalf of those they lead.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, "besought" is often used in the context of individuals seeking healing or deliverance from Jesus. In Mark 5:18, after Jesus healed the demon-possessed man, the man "besought" Jesus to allow him to accompany Him. The BSB states, "As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him."

This passage illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the natural response of gratitude and devotion from those who have experienced His miraculous touch. The man's request to follow Jesus reflects a desire for continued fellowship and discipleship.

Theological Implications

The use of "besought" in Scripture often conveys a sense of humility and recognition of one's dependence on God. It is a posture of submission, acknowledging that human strength and wisdom are insufficient without divine aid. This term also emphasizes the relational aspect of faith, where believers are encouraged to bring their requests before God with sincerity and trust.

In the broader biblical narrative, the act of beseeching God is a demonstration of faith. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a testament to the belief that He is both willing and able to intervene in the lives of His people. The earnestness of such petitions often reflects the depth of one's faith and the urgency of the need.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the concept of beseeching God serves as a reminder of the power of prayer. It encourages Christians to approach God with their deepest concerns, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. The examples of those who besought God in the Bible serve as models for how to approach Him with reverence, persistence, and faith.

In summary, "besought" captures the essence of earnest prayer and petition throughout the biblical text, highlighting the human need for divine intervention and the transformative power of faith.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (imp. & p. p.) of Beseech.

2. (p. p) of Beseech.

Library

God is Besought for It, Because it is his Gift.
... A Treatise on the gift of perseverance, Chapter 3."God is Besought for
It, Because It is His Gift. But why is that perseverance ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 3 god is besought for.htm

That under Pretence of Keeping the Purse Women have to Besought to ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XI. That under pretence of keeping the purse women
have to besought to dwell with them. Hence many are led ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xi that under pretence.htm

Lord of Life and Love
... "My name is Legion: for we are many.". And he besought him much that he would not
send them away out of the country. ... And all the devils besought him, saying: ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter v lord of life.htm

Whether it Pertains to Christ to Pray According to his Sensuality?
... Objection 2: Further, prayer would seem to pertain to that which desires
what is besought. Now Christ besought something that His ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it pertains to christ.htm

Concerning Bernice's Petition to Florus, to Spare the Jews, but in ...
... head. Which things Bernice was now performing, and stood barefoot before
Florus's tribunal, and besought him [to spare the Jews]. ...
/.../chapter 15 concerning bernices petition.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... the good-will of the people secured to him; but when four years [16] had passed
since his father's reconciliation to him, he came to him, and besought him to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

John iv. 40-43
... John iv. 40-43. John iv.40-43 "So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought
Him that He would tarry with them: and He abode there two days. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

Texts Explained; Twelfthly, Matthew xxvi. 39; John xii. 27, &C. ...
... up and down [3169] , as if thereby recommending their heresy anew, allege; "Behold,
He wept,' and said, Now is My soul troubled,' and He besought that the cup ...
/.../chapter xxix texts explained twelfthly matthew.htm

The Demoniac of Gadara
... And he saith unto Him, My name is Legion; for we are many. And he besought
Him much that He would not send them away out of the country. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 1-20 the demoniac of.htm

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
... If Jesus asked the demon its name, he did so that he might disclose this fact to
his disciples.] ^b 10 And he besought him much that he would not send them ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lvi jesus heals two gergesene.htm

Thesaurus

Besought (57 Occurrences)
...Besought (57 Occurrences). Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou
cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/besought.htm - 23k

Swine (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying,
If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. ...
/s/swine.htm - 15k

Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:29 His fellow-bondman therefore, having fallen down at his feet, besought
him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. (DBY YLT). ...
/f/fallen.htm - 38k

Syrophenician (1 Occurrence)
... When our Lord retired into the borderland of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21), a
Syro-phoenician woman came to him, and earnestly besought him, in behalf of her ...
/s/syrophenician.htm - 7k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... Mark 5:23 and he besought him much, saying, My little daughter is at extremity;
I pray that thou shouldest come and lay thy hands upon her so that she may be ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

Arimathea (4 Occurrences)
... According to this Joseph, "the friend of Pilate and the Lord," was present at the
trial of Jesus, and immediately upon its conclusion besought of Pilate that ...
/a/arimathea.htm - 12k

Falling (233 Occurrences)
... it came to pass as he was in one of the cities, that behold, there was a man full
of leprosy, and seeing Jesus, falling upon his face, he besought him saying ...
/f/falling.htm - 36k

Abide (162 Occurrences)
... YLT). John 4:40 So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him
to abide with them: and he abode there two days. (ASV DBY). ...
/a/abide.htm - 38k

Suffer (195 Occurrences)
... YLT). Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out,
suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/suffer.htm - 36k

Devils (48 Occurrences)
... way. (KJV). Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast
us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (KJV). ...
/d/devils.htm - 31k

Resources

Besought: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Besought (57 Occurrences)

Matthew 8:31
So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Matthew 8:34
And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
(KJV WEY ASV WBS)

Matthew 14:36
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Matthew 15:23
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Matthew 17:14
When they had returned to the people, there came to Him a man who fell on his knees before Him and besought Him.
(WEY)

Matthew 18:29
And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Matthew 18:32
Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me:
(Root in ASV DBY RSV)

Mark 5:10
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Mark 5:12
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
(KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS)

Mark 5:18
And as he was entering into the boat, he that had been possessed with demons besought him that he might be with him.
(ASV DBY)

Mark 5:23
And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
(KJV WEY DBY WBS RSV)

Mark 7:26
The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Mark 7:32
They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him.
(See RSV)

Mark 8:22
And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 4:38
And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
(KJV ASV WBS RSV)

Luke 5:12
And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Luke 7:4
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Luke 8:31
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
(KJV WEY DBY WBS)

Luke 8:32
And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Luke 8:37
Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 8:38
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
(KJV DBY WBS)

Luke 8:41
And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Luke 9:40
And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Luke 11:37
And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 15:28
But he became angry and would not go in. And his father went out and besought him.
(DBY)

Luke 22:32
but I have besought for thee that thy faith fail not; and thou, when once thou hast been restored, confirm thy brethren.
(DBY YLT)

John 4:31
In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."
(See RSV)

John 4:40
So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
(KJV ASV WBS)

John 4:47
When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
(KJV ASV WBS)

John 19:31
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
(KJV WBS)

John 19:38
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
(KJV WBS)

Acts 8:31
And he said, How can I, except some one shall guide me? And he besought Philip to come up and sit with him.
(ASV)

Acts 10:48
he commanded them also to be baptized in the name of the Lord; then they besought him to remain certain days.
(YLT)

Acts 13:42
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Acts 16:15
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Acts 16:39
And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Acts 19:31
And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
(ASV)

Acts 21:12
And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Acts 25:2
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
(KJV ASV DBY WBS)

Acts 27:33
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
(KJV ASV WBS)

1 Corinthians 16:12
But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all 'his' will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
(ASV)

2 Corinthians 12:8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
(KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS RSV)

1 Timothy 1:3
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(KJV WBS)

Genesis 42:21
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Exodus 32:11
And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Deuteronomy 3:23
And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

1 Kings 13:6
And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 1:13
And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

2 Kings 13:4
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

2 Chronicles 33:12
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Esther 8:3
And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Jeremiah 26:19
Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.
(KJV)

Daniel 2:16
Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
(See RSV)

Daniel 9:13
As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us; yet we besought not Jehovah our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
(DBY)

Zephaniah 1:6
And those removing from after Jehovah, And who have not sought Jehovah, nor besought Him.
(YLT)

Subtopics

Besought

Related Terms

Besought (57 Occurrences)

Bondman (108 Occurrences)

Says (1491 Occurrences)

Best (252 Occurrences)