The term "clung" in the context of the Bible often refers to a strong attachment or adherence, both physically and spiritually. It is used to describe the act of holding fast to something or someone with great devotion or determination. This concept is significant in understanding the relationships and commitments depicted in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "clung" is "dabaq," which conveys the idea of sticking closely or cleaving. One of the most notable uses of this term is found in the book of Ruth. Ruth 1:14 states, "Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her." Here, Ruth's decision to cling to Naomi signifies her unwavering loyalty and commitment, not only to Naomi but also to Naomi's people and God. This act of clinging is emblematic of covenantal faithfulness and devotion.

Another significant instance is found in Genesis 2:24 , which describes the marital bond: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." The phrase "be united" is often understood as "cling" or "cleave," highlighting the deep, inseparable bond intended in marriage.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent often used is "kollao," which also means to join closely or adhere. In Acts 11:23 , Barnabas encourages the believers in Antioch: "When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts." While the word "cling" is not directly used here, the concept of remaining steadfast and devoted to the Lord is akin to clinging.

Spiritual Implications

The act of clinging in the Bible is not merely physical but deeply spiritual. It represents a profound commitment to God and His commandments. Deuteronomy 10:20 instructs, "Fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." This command to "hold fast" is a call to cling to God with faithfulness and trust, emphasizing the importance of a personal and enduring relationship with the Creator.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

Clinging also carries moral and ethical dimensions, as seen in the exhortation to cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 advises, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This directive underscores the necessity of adhering to righteousness and moral integrity in the life of a believer.

Conclusion

The concept of clinging in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing loyalty, devotion, and steadfastness in relationships with God and others. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the kind of unwavering faith and commitment that is expected of believers, both in their personal lives and in their walk with God.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Cling.

2. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Cling.

3. (v. i.) Wasted away; shrunken.

1692. dabaq -- to cling, cleave, keep close
... root Definition to cling, cleave, keep close NASB Word Usage cleaves (4), cling
(14), clings (3), closely pursued (1), closer (1), clung (4), deeply attracted ...
/hebrew/1692.htm - 6k

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... He could hear no sound in the darkness. He stepped quickly aside, hearing not the
feet which followed, nor feeling him who clung to the skirt of his toga. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

Ruth, the Gleaner
... But the other one, whose name was Ruth, clung to Naomi, and would not leave her. ...
Ruth only clung the closer as she sobbed out her tender, loving words. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/ruth the gleaner.htm

The Secular Clergy
... But many of the great French feudal lords clung to their power over the local
bishoprics, and in Normandy, in Anjou, and in some parts of the south nearly a ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

The Division Between East and West
... had overrun Europe, still looked up to Rome as their centre and head; whilst the
Eastern Bishops, under the sway of the decaying empire, clung to Constantinople ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter ix the division between.htm

What God Will do for Us
... 'Because he has clung to Me in love, therefore will I deliver him; because he has
known My name, therefore will I set him on high,' and because he has clung ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what god will do for.htm

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... 9. Old men who clung to their food were beaten, and if the women concealed
it in their hands, their hair was torn for so doing. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... She clung with trembling to his side, while she listened to the narration of the
terrible overthrow of those gorgeous cities, and the rescue of her brother's ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... How his heart must have been torn asunder! On the one side was the lonely father
who clung to him: on the other, the hunted friend to whom he clung. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

Church and State in New England
... Puritan of Massachusetts, the voter in the theocratic commonwealth of New Haven,
and the holder of the liberal franchise in Connecticut, all clung to the ...
/.../chapter iii church and state.htm

The Scaffolding Left in the Body
... that human beings were once allied in habit as well as in body with some of the
apes, that they probably lived in trees, and that baby-men clung to their ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter ii the scaffolding left.htm

Clung (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Cling. 2. (v.) imp. & pp of Cling. 3.
(vi) Wasted away; shrunken. Multi-Version Concordance Clung (7 Occurrences). ...
/c/clung.htm - 8k

Robbery (18 Occurrences)
... Usually English commentators take "grasped" as meaning "clung to"-"did not think
equality with God should be clung to tenaciously"-but "to cling to" seems ...
/r/robbery.htm - 16k

Robber (14 Occurrences)
... Usually English commentators take "grasped" as meaning "clung to"-"did not think
equality with God should be clung to tenaciously"-but "to cling to" seems ...
/r/robber.htm - 13k

Cluster (6 Occurrences)

/c/cluster.htm - 10k

Clubs (7 Occurrences)

/c/clubs.htm - 8k

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)
... name netser, the typical reference to this-that Jesus through His settlement in
Nazareth was to become a Nazoraios, a `Nazarene.' " This name clung to Jesus ...
/n/nazarene.htm - 18k

Portico (37 Occurrences)
... Acts 3:11 While he still clung to Peter and John, the people, awe-struck, ran up
crowding round them in what was known as Solomon's Portico. (WEY DBY NAS RSV). ...
/p/portico.htm - 19k

Pirathonite (5 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:13 the King James Version), where also he was buried, "in the land of
Ephraim in the mount of the Amalekites." The latter name may have clung to a ...
/p/pirathonite.htm - 9k

Pirathon (2 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:13 the King James Version), where also he was buried, "in the land of
Ephraim in the mount of the Amalekites." The latter name may have clung to a ...
/p/pirathon.htm - 8k

Pentateuch
... Christ was ignorant of the composition of the Bible, or that, knowing the true state
of the case, he yet encouraged the people in the delusion they clung to? ...
/p/pentateuch.htm - 77k

Who was Jesse in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Clung: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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