In biblical terminology, the concept of "founds" is closely related to the ideas of foundation, establishment, and creation. It often refers to the act of laying a base or groundwork upon which something is built or established. This concept is significant both in the physical sense, such as the founding of cities or structures, and in the spiritual sense, such as the establishment of faith or the Church.

Old Testament Usage

The Hebrew word often translated as "founded" is יָסַד (yasad), which means to establish or lay a foundation. This term is frequently used in the context of God's creation and the establishment of the earth. For instance, in Proverbs 3:19 , it is written, "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding." This verse highlights the divine wisdom and understanding involved in the creation of the world, emphasizing God's sovereign role as the ultimate founder.

In the context of cities and structures, the founding of Zion is a significant theme. Psalm 87:1 states, "His foundation is on the holy mountains." Here, the psalmist refers to the establishment of Zion, the city of God, as a place of divine significance and stability.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word θεμελιόω (themelioō) is used to convey the idea of founding or establishing. This term is often applied to the spiritual foundation of the Church and the believer's faith. Ephesians 2:20 describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This passage underscores the importance of a solid spiritual foundation, with Christ as the central and essential element.

The parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 further illustrates the importance of a strong foundation. Jesus teaches that those who hear His words and act on them are like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The house withstands the storms because it is founded on a solid base, symbolizing the stability and security found in obedience to Christ's teachings.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the concept of "founds" extends beyond physical structures to encompass the spiritual realm. The foundation of one's faith is of utmost importance in Christian doctrine. 1 Corinthians 3:11 states, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." This verse emphasizes that Christ is the only true foundation for salvation and spiritual life.

The idea of founding also relates to the establishment of God's kingdom. Hebrews 11:10 speaks of Abraham, who "was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." This reflects the eschatological hope of a heavenly city, divinely founded and eternal.

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of being founded on Christ calls for a life built on His teachings and example. It encourages Christians to examine the foundations of their faith and ensure they are rooted in biblical truth. The imagery of a firm foundation serves as a reminder of the stability and security found in a life anchored in Christ, amidst the uncertainties and challenges of the world.3559. kun -- to be firm
... 1), directs (1), establish (15), established (52), establishes (2), fashion (1),
fashioned (1), firm (1), firmly established (3), formed (1), founds (1), full ...
/hebrew/3559.htm - 7k

Texts Explained; Sixthly, the Context of Proverbs viii. 22 Vz. 22 ...
... 73. It is written, The Lord in Wisdom founded the earth [2712] ;' if then by
Wisdom the earth is founded, how can He who founds be founded? ...
/.../chapter xxii texts explained sixthly the.htm

'Thy Kingdom Come'
... take the pardon which God gives in Him. He founds the kingdom, and He exercises
the dominion. On an eternal relation and on an historical ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/thy kingdom come.htm

The Meal at Emmaus
... the head of the table; He is the Lord of the household, though it be but a household
of two men, and they belong to the family and the society which He founds. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the meal at emmaus.htm

Appendices
... The two kingdoms were united by Men or Meni (Menes), king of This, who builds
Memphis and founds the First dynasty of the united monarchy. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Of Baptism.
... Spirit. On this he founds his exhortation, that if we are Christians we
should be dead unto sin, and alive unto righteousness. He ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 of baptism.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4
... its struggle with Central Chaldaea-Elam, its geographical position, its peoples;
Kutur-Nakhunta conquers Larsam-Bimsin (Eri-Aku); Khammurabi founds the first ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 4/title page.htm

Preface
... It costs nothing; it is all profit; it completes our education; it founds and fosters
our friendships; and it is by talk alone that we learn our period and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/preface.htm

God's Testimony Concerning Man
... He knows what we are; he knows also what he meant us to be; and upon the difference
between these two states he founds his testimony concerning us. ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter i gods testimony concerning.htm

section second.
... It is on this connection between the divine and the human he founds the exhortation,
"to work out their salvation with fear and trembling; for," he adds, "it ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

The Inroads of Mahometanism
... [Sidenote: Founds a new religion.]. Here he was gladly received both by Jews
and Arabs, rival races, who divided the city between them. ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter viii the inroads of.htm

Founds (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Founds (2 Occurrences). Amos 9:6 Who is building
in the heavens His upper chambers; As to His troop, Upon ...
/f/founds.htm - 6k

Founder (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who founds, establishes, and erects; one who lays a foundation;
an author; one from whom anything originates; one who endows. ...
/f/founder.htm - 9k

Founding (4 Occurrences)

/f/founding.htm - 8k

Fount (1 Occurrence)

/f/fount.htm - 6k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew yirmeyahu, abbreviated to yirmeyah, signifies either "Yahweh hurls" or
"Yahweh founds." Septuagint reads Iermias, and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

Authority (326 Occurrences)
... The Fourth Gospel definitely founds His authority upon His sonship (John 5:19-27).
Paul deduces it from His self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-11). ...
/a/authority.htm - 69k

Religion (23 Occurrences)
... The Fourth Gospel definitely founds His authority upon His sonship (John 5:19-27).
Paul deduces it from His self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-11). ...
/r/religion.htm - 101k

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