Topical Bible: Devote

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The concept of "devote" in the Bible carries significant spiritual and religious implications, often associated with dedication, consecration, and the setting apart of people, objects, or time for God's purposes. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting a deep commitment to God and His commandments.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "devote" is "ḥāram," which can mean to ban, exterminate, or dedicate something irrevocably to God. This term is frequently used in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, where certain cities and their inhabitants were "devoted" to destruction as an offering to God. For example, in Joshua 6:17 , the city of Jericho is described: "Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the spies we sent."

The concept of devoting something to God also appears in the context of vows and offerings. Leviticus 27 outlines the laws regarding things devoted to the Lord, including people, animals, and property. These items were considered holy and set apart for God's use, underscoring the seriousness and irrevocability of such dedication.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the idea of devotion is often linked to personal commitment and spiritual discipline. The Greek word "proskartereō" is used to describe steadfastness and perseverance in prayer and service. Acts 2:42 illustrates this devotion among the early Christians: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of devotion in the context of Christian living. In Romans 12:1 , he urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is described as a spiritual act of worship. This call to devotion emphasizes a life wholly committed to God's service and purposes.

Devotion in Worship and Service

Devotion in the Bible is not limited to specific acts or rituals but encompasses a lifestyle of worship and service. It involves a heart fully committed to God, as seen in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Deuteronomy 6:5 : "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

The Psalms frequently express themes of devotion, highlighting a deep, personal relationship with God. Psalm 86:11 reflects a desire for undivided devotion: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name."

Devotion in Daily Life

The Bible encourages believers to live lives marked by devotion in all areas, including family, work, and community. Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse underscores the principle that all aspects of life can be acts of devotion when done for God's glory.

In summary, the biblical concept of devotion encompasses a comprehensive commitment to God, characterized by dedication, consecration, and a lifestyle of worship and service. Whether through specific acts of consecration or the daily living out of one's faith, devotion remains a central theme in the believer's relationship with God.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. t.) To appropriate by vow; to set apart or dedicate by a solemn act; to consecrate; also, to consign over; to doom; to evil; to devote one to destruction; the city was devoted to the flames.

2. (v. t.) To execrate; to curse.

3. (v. t.) To give up wholly; to addict; to direct the attention of wholly or compound; to attach; -- often with a reflexive pronoun; as, to devote one's self to science, to one's friends, to piety, etc.

4. (a.) Devoted; addicted; devout.

5. (n.) A devotee.

Greek

4980. scholazo -- to be at leisure, hence to devote oneself to
... to be at leisure, hence to devote oneself to. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
scholazo Phonetic Spelling: (skhol-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I have leisure ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4980.htm - 6k

332. anathematizo -- to declare anathema, devote to destruction
... to declare anathema, devote to destruction. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
anathematizo Phonetic Spelling: (an-ath-em-at-id'-zo) Short Definition: I curse ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/332.htm - 7k

4342. proskartereo -- to attend constantly
... [4342 means "to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible
implication of despite difficulty -- 'to devote oneself to, to keep on, to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4342.htm - 8k

4337. prosecho -- to hold to, turn to, attend to
... to, turn to, attend to. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prosecho Phonetic
Spelling: (pros-ekh'-o) Short Definition: I pay attention to, devote myself to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4337.htm - 8k

2653. katanathematizo -- curse.
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katanathematizo Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-an-ath-em-at-id'-zo) Short Definition: I curse, devote to destruction Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2653.htm - 7k

4689. spendo -- to pour out (as a drink offering), to make a ...
... Apparently a primary verb; to pour out as a libation, ie (figuratively) to devote
(one's life or blood, as a sacrifice) ("spend") -- (be ready to) be offered. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4689.htm - 7k

2119. eukaireo -- to have opportunity
... kahee-reh'-o) Short Definition: I have a good opportunity, have leisure Definition:
I have a good (favorable) opportunity, have leisure; I devote my leisure to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2119.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

2763. charam -- to ban, devote, exterminate
... 2762, 2763. charam. 2763a . to ban, devote, exterminate. Transliteration: charam
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-ram') Short Definition: accursed. ...
/hebrew/2763.htm - 5k

2763a. charam -- to ban, devote, exterminate
... 2763, 2763a. charam. 2763b . to ban, devote, exterminate. Transliteration:
charam Short Definition: destroyed. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/2763a.htm - 5k

2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen
... 1), carried out repairs (12), caught (1), caught fast (1), caught hold (1), collected
his strength (1), courageous (3), detained (1), devote (1), display great ...
/hebrew/2388.htm - 8k

5144. nazar -- to dedicate, consecrate
... food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (ie Apostatize));
specifically, to set apart (to sacred purposes), ie Devote -- consecrate, separate ...
/hebrew/5144.htm - 5k

5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... through (1), contrary (2), cross (29), cross over (31), crossed (31), crossed over
(17), crossing (5), crossing over (5), current (1), devote (1), drew across ...
/hebrew/5674a.htm - 7k

Library

Adoro Te Devote (No. 1)
... No. 227a Adoro te devote (No. 1). Adoro te devote (No.1) St Thomas Aquinas
1227-1274 Gregorian. Fifth Mode. 1. Adoro te devote, latens ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 227a adoro te devote.htm

Adoro Te Devote (No. 2)
... No. 227b Adoro te devote (No. 2). Adoro te devote (No.2) Ch. Gounod Arr.
by NAM. Lento. 1. Adoro te devote, latens Deitas, Quae sub ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 227b adoro te devote.htm

In the Spiritual Israel the High-Priests are those who Devote ...
... Book I. 3. In the Spiritual Israel the High-Priests are Those Who Devote Themselves
to the Study of Scripture. But what is the bearing of all this for us? ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/3 in the spiritual israel.htm

That the Philosophers who Give Good Instructions Live Badly, by ...
... XVI."That the Philosophers Who Give Good Instructions Live Badly, by the Testimony
of Cicero; Therefore We Should Not So Much Devote Ourselves to the Study ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi that the philosophers who.htm

Of the Way in which they Devote Themselves in their Cells Equally ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XIV. Of the way in which they devote themselves in
their cells equally to manual labour and to prayer. And ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiv of the way.htm

Whether Religious are Bound to Manual Labor?
... many listen." Therefore it would seem that religious should not desist from manual
labor on account of such like spiritual works to which they devote themselves ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religious are bound to.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... When they feel inclined to do good works, they devote themselves thereto, often
beyond their power; at one time they will do one thing, at another time another ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires
two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within ...
... For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have been put over
their brethren for their souls' sake, devote themselves with the whole effort ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vii that the ruler.htm

Letter xxviii. (AD 394 or 395. )
... 2. We therefore, and with us all that are devoted to study in the African churches,
beseech you not to refuse to devote care and labour to the translation of ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxviii a d 394 or.htm

Thesaurus

Devote (36 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To appropriate by vow; to set apart or dedicate by a solemn act; to consecrate;
also, to consign over; to doom; to evil; to devote one to destruction ...
/d/devote.htm - 18k

Captured (143 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:34 and we capture all his cities at that time, and devote the whole
city, men, and the women, and the infants -- we have not left a remnant; (See ...
/c/captured.htm - 36k

Give (13501 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To devote; to apply; used reflexively, to devote or apply one's self; as,
the soldiers give themselves to plunder; also in this sense used very ...
/g/give.htm - 16k

Forfeit (12 Occurrences)
... The word occurs only once as the translation of charam, "to shut in," frequently
to devote or consecrate a person or thing to God beyond redemption (compare ...
/f/forfeit.htm - 13k

Dedicate (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To set apart and consecrate, as to a divinity, or for sacred uses; to devote
formally and solemnly; as, to dedicate vessels, treasures, a temple, or a ...
/d/dedicate.htm - 13k

Capture (53 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:34 and we capture all his cities at that time, and devote the whole
city, men, and the women, and the infants -- we have not left a remnant; (YLT ...
/c/capture.htm - 23k

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To make, or declare to be, sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set
apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service or worship of God; as, to ...
/c/consecrate.htm - 31k

Devoted (72 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Devote. 2. (a.) Consecrated to a purpose;
strongly attached; zealous; devout; as, a devoted admirer. Int. ...
/d/devoted.htm - 29k

Infants (71 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:34 and we capture all his cities at that time, and devote the whole
city, men, and the women, and the infants -- we have not left a remnant; (YLT ...
/i/infants.htm - 28k

Remnant (157 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:34 and we capture all his cities at that time, and devote the whole
city, men, and the women, and the infants -- we have not left a remnant; (YLT ...
/r/remnant.htm - 43k

Resources

What is a religious order? | GotQuestions.org

Why should I get married? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of mutual consent in 1 Corinthians 7:5? | GotQuestions.org

Devote: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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

Concordance

Devote (36 Occurrences)

Acts 6:4
But, as for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the delivery of the Message."
(WEY NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not refuse one another, unless perhaps it is just for a time and by mutual consent, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer and may then associate again; lest the Adversary begin to tempt you because of your deficiency in self-control.
(WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
(See NAS NIV)

1 Timothy 4:15
Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.
(See RSV)

Titus 3:8
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;
(See NIV)

Titus 3:14
Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
(See NIV)

Exodus 13:12
that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn which you have that comes from an animal. The males shall be Yahweh's.
(See NAS)

Exodus 23:24
Thou dost not bow thyself to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their doings, but dost utterly devote them, and thoroughly break their standing pillars.
(YLT)

Exodus 30:16
And thou shalt take the atonement-money of the children of Israel, and devote it to the service of the tent of meeting; and it shall be a memorial to the children of Israel before Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.
(DBY)

Leviticus 18:21
"'You shall not give any of your children to sacrifice to Molech; neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am Yahweh.
(See RSV)

Leviticus 27:28
"'Notwithstanding, no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to Yahweh.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 2:34
and we capture all his cities at that time, and devote the whole city, men, and the women, and the infants -- we have not left a remnant;
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 3:6
and we devote them, as we have done to Sihon king of Heshbon, devoting every city, men, the women, and the infants;
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 7:2
and Jehovah thy God hath given them before thee, and thou hast smitten them -- thou dost utterly devote them -- thou dost not make with them a covenant, nor dost thou favour them.
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 20:17
but shalt utterly devote them to destruction, the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee;
(DBY YLT)

Joshua 6:18
But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so would you make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV YLT RSV NIV)

Joshua 6:21
and they devote all that 'is' in the city, from man even unto woman, from young even unto aged, even unto ox, and sheep, and ass, by the mouth of the sword.
(YLT NIV)

Joshua 10:1
And it cometh to pass, when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heareth that Joshua hath captured Ai, and doth devote it (as he had done to Jericho and to her king so he hath done to Ai and to her king), and that the inhabitants of Gibeon have made peace with Israel, and are in their midst, --
(YLT)

Joshua 10:37
and capture it, and smite it by the mouth of the sword, and its king, and all its cities, and every person who 'is' in it -- he hath not left a remnant -- according to all that he did to Eglon -- and doth devote it, and every person who 'is' in it.
(YLT)

Joshua 11:20
for from Jehovah it hath been to strengthen their heart, to meet in battle with Israel, in order to devote them, so that they have no grace, but in order to destroy them, as Jehovah commanded Moses.
(YLT)

Judges 1:17
And Judah goeth with Simeon his brother, and they smite the Canaanite inhabiting Zephath, and devote it; and 'one' calleth the name of the city Hormah.
(YLT)

Judges 21:11
And this 'is' the thing which ye do; every male, and every woman knowing the lying of a male, ye devote.'
(YLT)

1 Samuel 15:9
And Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep and oxen, and beasts of the second bearing, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not devote them to destruction; but everything that was mean and weak, that they destroyed utterly.
(DBY YLT)

1 Kings 9:21
their sons who are left behind them in the land, whom the sons of Israel have not been able to devote -- he hath even lifted up 'on' them a tribute of service unto this day.
(YLT)

2 Kings 19:11
Lo, thou hast heard that which the kings of Asshur have done to all the lands -- to devote them; and thou art delivered!
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 4:41
And these who are written by name come in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smite their tents, and the habitations that have been found there, and devote them to destruction unto this day, and dwell in their stead, because pasture for their flock 'is' there.
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 20:23
and the sons of Ammon stand up, and Moab, against the inhabitants of mount Seir, to devote and to destroy, and at their finishing with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped, a man against his neighbour, to destroy.
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 31:4
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh.
(See NAS NIV)

Job 11:13
"If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 37:11
Lo, thou hast heard that which the kings of Asshur have done to all the lands -- to devote them -- and thou art delivered!
(YLT)

Jeremiah 30:21
Their prince shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach to me: for who is he who has had boldness to approach to me? says Yahweh.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 50:21
Against the land of Merathaim: Go up against it, and unto the inhabitants of Pekod, Waste and devote their posterity, An affirmation of Jehovah, And do according to all that I have commanded thee.
(YLT)

Jeremiah 50:26
Come ye in to her from the extremity, Open ye her storehouses, Raise her up as heaps, and devote her, Let her have no remnant.
(YLT)

Jeremiah 51:3
Let not the treader tread his bow, Nor lift himself up in his coat of mail, Nor have ye pity on her young men, Devote ye to destruction all her host.
(YLT NAS)

Daniel 11:44
And reports trouble him out of the east and out of the north, and he hath gone forth in great fury to destroy, and to devote many to destruction;
(YLT)

Micah 4:13
Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass; and you will beat in pieces many peoples: and I will devote their gain to Yahweh, and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Devote

Related Terms

Ban (12 Occurrences)

Accursed (26 Occurrences)

Liable (7 Occurrences)

Anathema (6 Occurrences)

Devote (36 Occurrences)

Achan (7 Occurrences)

Redeemed (78 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Unfaithfully (19 Occurrences)