Topical Encyclopedia The term "descended" in the Bible often refers to movement from a higher place to a lower one, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It is used in various contexts, including the descent of individuals, divine beings, and spiritual entities. This entry explores the different uses and theological implications of "descended" in the biblical narrative.1. Physical Descent: In a literal sense, "descended" is used to describe the movement of people from higher elevations to lower ones. For example, in Genesis 12:10, Abram "went down" to Egypt due to a famine in the land of Canaan. This physical descent often signifies a change in circumstances or a transition in the narrative. 2. Divine Descent: The concept of divine descent is significant in the Bible, where God or His presence descends to interact with humanity. In Exodus 19:20, "The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit." This descent signifies God's willingness to engage with His people and deliver His commandments. 3. Christ's Descent: A pivotal theological concept is the descent of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Christ's descent is both literal and metaphorical. Ephesians 4:9-10 states, "What does 'He ascended' mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things." This passage is often interpreted to mean Christ's incarnation and His descent into Hades, emphasizing His victory over sin and death. 4. The Holy Spirit: The descent of the Holy Spirit is another critical event in the New Testament. In Acts 2:3-4, during Pentecost, "They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit's descent empowers the apostles and marks the birth of the Church. 5. Angelic Descent: Angels are also described as descending from heaven to deliver messages or execute God's will. In Genesis 28:12, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, with "the angels of God ascending and descending on it." This vision reassures Jacob of God's presence and promises. 6. Eschatological Descent: In eschatological contexts, descent often refers to future events. Revelation 21:2 describes the New Jerusalem: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This descent symbolizes the ultimate union of heaven and earth in God's redemptive plan. 7. Metaphorical Descent: Metaphorically, descent can signify a fall from grace or a decline in moral or spiritual standing. In Isaiah 14:12, the fall of Lucifer is described: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn!" This descent represents the consequences of pride and rebellion against God. In summary, the concept of "descended" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from physical movement to profound theological truths. It highlights God's interaction with humanity, the mission of Christ, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Descend.Greek 1549. ekgonos -- born of, a descendant, ie a grandchild ... of, a descendant, ie a grandchild. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ekgonos Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-gon-on) Short Definition: descended, a descendant ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1549.htm - 6k 1491. eidos -- appearance, fashion, shape, sight. 1831. exerchomai -- to go or come out of 3652. Olumpas -- Olympas, a Christian 3751. osphus -- the loin 2597. katabaino -- to go down 393. anatello -- to cause to rise, to rise Strong's Hebrew 836. Asher -- "happy one," a son of Jacob, also the tribe ...... 835, 836. Asher. 837 . "happy one," a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, also perhaps a city in Palestine. Transliteration ... /hebrew/836.htm - 6k 3878. Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him 1570. galash -- to recline 3778. Kasdi -- a region of S. Bab. and its inhab. 4851. Mash -- a son of Aram 3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget 8095. Shimon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite ... 2216. Zerubbabel -- "begotten in Babylon," a leader of returning ... 4519. Menashsheh -- "causing to forget," a son of Joseph, also a ... 1835. Dan -- "judge," a son of Jacob, also his desc. and their ... Library The Holy Ghost Descended in the Shape of Cloven Tongues of Fire on ... Why is There Added, "He Descended into Hell"? Writing vi. Matthan, Descended from Solomon, Begat Jacob. ... Many have Descended into the Deep, not So as to Walk on It... That He Descended into Hell is Also Evidently Foretold in the ... The Word of God did not Become Flesh Except in the virgin's Womb ... Afterwards, on Another Occasion, Having Descended to the Outer ... And with Respect to his Having Descended among Men... Christ First Delivered the Faith. The Apostles Spread It; they ... Abgar Comes into the East, Maintains Ardaches Upon the Throne of ... Thesaurus Descended (64 Occurrences)... & pp) of Descend. Multi-Version Concordance Descended (64 Occurrences). ... And Peter, having descended from the ship, walked upon the waters to go to Jesus. (DBY). ... /d/descended.htm - 25k Descend (34 Occurrences) Ascended (48 Occurrences) Casluhim (2 Occurrences) Giants (18 Occurrences) Nehelamite (4 Occurrences) Apostles' Jonathan (109 Occurrences) Lud (10 Occurrences) Languages (36 Occurrences) Resources From whom are the modern Palestinians descended? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are Y-Chromosomal Adam and Mitochondrial Eve? | GotQuestions.org What is the Table of Nations? | GotQuestions.org Descended: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Descended (64 Occurrences)Matthew 7:25 Matthew 7:27 Matthew 14:29 Matthew 17:9 Matthew 28:2 Mark 9:9 Luke 3:22 Luke 4:31 Luke 6:17 Luke 8:23 Luke 10:30 John 2:12 John 3:13 John 5:4 John 7:42 Acts 9:32 Acts 11:5 Acts 16:8 Acts 24:1 Romans 1:3 Romans 9:6 Romans 11:22 Ephesians 4:9 Ephesians 4:10 2 Timothy 2:8 Hebrews 7:5 Hebrews 7:14 Genesis 10:14 Genesis 28:12 Genesis 36:16 Genesis 36:17 Genesis 36:18 Genesis 36:21 Genesis 36:29 Genesis 36:30 Genesis 36:40 Exodus 1:5 Exodus 19:18 Exodus 33:9 Exodus 34:5 Deuteronomy 9:21 Joshua 2:23 Joshua 17:9 Joshua 18:13 Joshua 18:16 Joshua 18:17 2 Samuel 17:18 2 Samuel 21:20 2 Samuel 21:22 1 Kings 18:31 1 Chronicles 2:53 1 Chronicles 20:6 1 Chronicles 20:8 2 Chronicles 34:12 Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 Nehemiah 10:38 Psalms 133:3 Proverbs 30:4 Song of Songs 4:1 Song of Songs 6:5 Isaiah 57:9 Daniel 4:13 Jonah 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms |