Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: The term "eager" generally refers to a strong desire or enthusiasm to do or have something. In a biblical context, eagerness can be seen as a positive trait when it aligns with the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, and the will of God. It reflects a heart that is zealous and fervent in seeking the things of God. Biblical References and Context: 1. Eagerness in Seeking God: Eagerness is often associated with a sincere and passionate pursuit of God and His righteousness. In Psalm 63:1 , David expresses his eagerness to seek God: "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my body longs for You in a dry and weary land without water." This verse illustrates a deep longing and eagerness for God's presence and guidance. 2. Eagerness in Doing Good: The New Testament encourages believers to be eager in doing good works. In Titus 2:14 , Paul writes about Jesus Christ, "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Here, eagerness is linked with zeal for good works, reflecting a life transformed by Christ. 3. Eagerness in Spiritual Gifts: The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian church to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 14:1 , he states, "Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." This eagerness is directed towards building up the church and serving others through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 4. Eagerness in Sharing the Gospel: Eagerness is also seen in the context of evangelism and sharing the gospel. In Romans 1:15 , Paul expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel: "That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome." This eagerness reflects a commitment to spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. 5. Eagerness in Anticipating Christ's Return: Believers are encouraged to be eager in anticipating the return of Christ. In 2 Peter 3:12 , Peter writes, "as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat." This eagerness is characterized by a hopeful expectation and readiness for the fulfillment of God's promises. Theological Implications: Eagerness, when aligned with God's purposes, is a reflection of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is a demonstration of faith in action, characterized by a fervent desire to know God, serve others, and live according to His will. Eagerness in the Christian life is not merely an emotional response but a disciplined pursuit of holiness and godliness, motivated by love for God and others. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate eagerness in their spiritual lives by: · Regularly seeking God through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. · Actively participating in good works and service within the community. · Desiring and utilizing spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. · Sharing the gospel with boldness and compassion. · Living in anticipation of Christ's return, maintaining a posture of readiness and hope. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Sharp; sour; acid.2. (a.) Sharp; keen; bitter; severe. 3. (a.) Excited by desire in the pursuit of any object; ardent to pursue, perform, or obtain; keenly desirous; hotly longing; earnest; zealous; impetuous; vehement; as, the hounds were eager in the chase. 4. (a.) Brittle; inflexible; not ductile. Greek 4705. spoudaios -- hasty, eager, diligent ... hasty, eager, diligent. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: spoudaios Phonetic Spelling: (spoo-dah'-yos) Short Definition: diligent, earnest Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4705.htm - 6k 4289. prothumos -- willing, ready 4704. spoudazo -- to make haste, hence to give diligence 2206. zeloo -- to be jealous 725. harpagmos -- the act of seizing or the thing seized 1974. epipothia -- longing 603. apokaradokia -- strained expectancy 1938. epithumetes -- one who desires 3691. oxus -- sharp, swift 1972. epipothesis -- longing Strong's Hebrew 3700. kasaph -- to long (for)... 3699, 3700. kasaph. 3701 . to long (for). Transliteration: kasaph Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-saf') Short Definition: eager. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/3700.htm - 6k 1245. baqash -- to seek 7925. shakam -- to start or rise early 926. bahal -- to disturb, terrify 2742. charuwts -- sharp, diligent 3854. lahag -- study, devotion (to books) 2363. chuwsh -- to hasten, make haste 7602a. shaaph -- to gasp, pant, pant after, long for Library An Eager Coming Whether the Brave are More Eager at First than in the Midst of ... In Childhood, when with Eager Eyes Let Then the Eager Searcher into Words for Wisdom... How a Monk must Always be Eager to Preserve his Purity of Heart. Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness. Christ's Authority to Forgive A Fourfold Cord Glad Givers and Faithful Workers Thesaurus Eager (43 Occurrences)... of any object; ardent to pursue, perform, or obtain; keenly desirous; hotly longing; earnest; zealous; impetuous; vehement; as, the hounds were eager in the ... /e/eager.htm - 18k Pursuit (35 Occurrences) Eagerly (36 Occurrences) Quick (49 Occurrences) Glorious (91 Occurrences) Warning (30 Occurrences) Warnings (6 Occurrences) Fierce (92 Occurrences) Rage (43 Occurrences) Covetous (11 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? | GotQuestions.orgThe missing link'has it been found? | GotQuestions.org Why should I talk about my faith in the workplace? | GotQuestions.org Eager: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eager (43 Occurrences)Matthew 16:4 Matthew 21:46 Luke 6:19 John 5:18 Romans 1:15 Romans 8:19 Romans 15:23 1 Corinthians 10:6 1 Corinthians 14:1 1 Corinthians 14:12 1 Corinthians 14:39 2 Corinthians 7:7 2 Corinthians 8:11 Galatians 2:10 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 6:5 Philippians 1:20 Philippians 2:28 1 Thessalonians 2:17 1 Timothy 3:1 1 Timothy 6:10 Titus 2:14 Hebrews 11:16 James 3:1 1 Peter 1:11 1 Peter 3:13 1 Peter 5:2 2 Peter 1:10 2 Peter 2:2 Jude 1:3 Revelation 13:10 2 Chronicles 26:20 Job 5:5 Psalms 17:12 Psalms 56:6 Proverbs 28:20 Proverbs 28:22 Proverbs 31:13 Ecclesiastes 2:25 Ecclesiastes 7:9 Isaiah 58:2 Zephaniah 3:7 Zechariah 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms |