Topical Encyclopedia Entreaties, in the biblical context, refer to earnest requests or supplications made to God or others. The concept of entreaty is deeply rooted in the practice of prayer and communication with the divine, reflecting a heart of humility, dependence, and faith. Throughout the Scriptures, entreaties are depicted as a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God, demonstrating a reliance on His power, mercy, and grace.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, entreaties are often associated with prayer and supplication. The Hebrew word often translated as "entreaty" is "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which conveys a sense of pleading or seeking favor. One notable example is found in the account of Hannah, who made an earnest entreaty to the Lord for a child. In 1 Samuel 1:10-11 , it is written, "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. And she made a vow, pleading, 'O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.'" The Psalms also frequently express entreaties to God, often in times of distress or need. Psalm 28:2 states, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." Such passages highlight the psalmist's reliance on God's intervention and the belief that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, entreaties continue to play a significant role in the life of believers. The Greek word "δέησις" (deēsis) is often used to describe prayers and petitions. The Apostle Paul frequently encouraged the early church to engage in entreaties as part of their spiritual practice. In 1 Timothy 2:1 , Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." Entreaties are also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who often withdrew to solitary places to pray and make supplications to the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' entreaty is recorded in Luke 22:42 : "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done." This moment underscores the depth of Jesus' submission and reliance on the Father's will, serving as a model for believers in their own prayers. Theological Significance Entreaties are a profound expression of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. They reflect a recognition of human limitation and the need for divine intervention. The act of making entreaties is not merely about presenting requests but is also an acknowledgment of God's authority and a submission to His will. The Bible assures believers that God is attentive to their entreaties. In Philippians 4:6-7 , Paul encourages the church, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the peace that comes from entrusting one's concerns to God through earnest prayer. Practical Application For believers today, entreaties remain a vital component of spiritual life. They are a means of drawing near to God, seeking His guidance, and expressing dependence on His provision. Through entreaties, Christians are invited to bring their deepest concerns and desires before the Lord, trusting in His wisdom and timing. Incorporating entreaties into daily prayer life can deepen one's relationship with God and foster a spirit of humility and gratitude. As believers engage in this practice, they are reminded of the assurance found in Hebrews 4:16 : "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Entreaty.Greek 3849. parabiazomai -- to force against (nature) ... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: parabiazomai Phonetic Spelling: (par-ab-ee- ad'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I urge, constrain by entreaties Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3849.htm - 7k 1162. deesis -- a need, entreaty Strong's Hebrew 1696. dabar -- to speak... commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, X well ... /hebrew/1696.htm - 6k Library The Entreaties of God Congratulations and Entreaties. Epistle xix. To Marinianus, Archbishop. Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin. Troubles of the Closing Years. Acts XXI Letter xiv. To Heliodorus, Monk. Constant, Instant, Expectant The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs. Thesaurus Entreaties (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Entreaty. Multi-Version Concordance Entreaties (6 Occurrences). Mark 5:23 and besought Him with many entreaties. ... /e/entreaties.htm - 8k Entreating (10 Occurrences) Impudently (1 Occurrence) Recover (37 Occurrences) Entreateth (1 Occurrence) Poverty (25 Occurrences) Piety (21 Occurrences) Pleaded (21 Occurrences) Compel (10 Occurrences) Shrank (4 Occurrences) Resources Why did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is "You shall have no other gods before me" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Entreaties: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Entreaties (6 Occurrences)Mark 5:23 1 Timothy 2:1 1 Timothy 5:5 Hebrews 5:7 Job 19:17 Proverbs 18:23 Subtopics Related Terms |