Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of guardianship is often associated with protection, guidance, and stewardship. While the term "guardian" is not frequently used in the Bible, the principles and roles associated with guardianship are evident throughout Scripture.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, guardianship is often linked to the role of a protector or overseer. For example, in Genesis 4:9, after Cain kills Abel, God asks Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" to which Cain responds, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" . This rhetorical question implies a sense of responsibility and guardianship that Cain was expected to have over his brother. The role of a guardian is also seen in the context of family and inheritance. In the book of Ruth, Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, a role that includes elements of guardianship. He protects and provides for Ruth and Naomi, ensuring their well-being and securing their family line (Ruth 4:9-10). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of guardianship is expanded to include spiritual oversight. The Apostle Paul speaks of guardianship in terms of spiritual leadership and care. In Galatians 4:1-2, Paul uses the analogy of a child under guardians and stewards to describe the law's role before Christ: "What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father" . The role of church leaders as spiritual guardians is emphasized in passages such as Acts 20:28, where Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders: "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood" . Here, the imagery of shepherding conveys the protective and guiding aspects of guardianship. Angelic Guardians The Bible also speaks of angels as guardians. Psalm 91:11-12 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone" . This passage highlights the protective role of angels as guardians appointed by God to watch over His people. Parental Guardianship Scripture places a strong emphasis on the role of parents as guardians of their children. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to guide and nurture their children in the ways of the Lord. Stewardship and Responsibility Guardianship in the Bible is closely linked to the concept of stewardship. Believers are called to be stewards of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to them by God. In 1 Peter 4:10, it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another" . This stewardship involves a guardianship over the resources, talents, and opportunities given by God. In summary, while the term "guardian" may not be explicitly used frequently in Scripture, the principles of guardianship—protection, guidance, and stewardship—are woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting God's care and provision for His people through various roles and responsibilities. Greek 2012. epitropos -- an administrator (one having authority) ... Word Origin from epitrepo Definition an administrator (one having authority) NASB Word Usage foreman (1), guardians (1), steward (1). steward, guardian. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2012.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 539. aman -- to confirm, support... carried (1), chronic (1), confirmed (5), doorposts (1), endure (1), enduring (3), established (3), faithful (21), firm (2), fulfilled (1), guardians (3), has ... /hebrew/539.htm - 6k Library Epistle Lx. To Romanus and Other Guardians (Defensores) of the ... What Say You, Ye Holy and Pure Guardians of Religion? have the ... God Cares Even for Adulterous Births; Angels Given to them as ... Epistle xiv. To Boniface, First Guardian (Defensorem). Of the Corruption of Angels, and the Two Kinds of Demons. On Creation Slavery of Redemptioners. The First Christmas Carol A Consecrated Ministry Folly of Idol Worship. Thesaurus Guardians (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Guardians (5 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Galatians 4:2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father. ... /g/guardians.htm - 8k Cherubim (63 Occurrences) Guarding (16 Occurrences) Guardian (5 Occurrences) Nurse (23 Occurrences) Nursing (14 Occurrences) Jachin (8 Occurrences) Levite (43 Occurrences) Trustees (1 Occurrence) Eunuch (20 Occurrences) Resources What were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Jesus eating with sinners? | GotQuestions.org What is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Guardians (5 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 4:15 Galatians 4:2 2 Kings 10:1 2 Kings 10:5 Isaiah 49:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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