Definition and Meaning:
The term "leaneth" is an archaic form of the verb "lean," which means to rest or rely for support. In biblical contexts, it often conveys the idea of dependence or trust, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense. The word is used in various translations of the Bible to describe the act of relying on God or other sources of strength and guidance.

Biblical Usage:
The concept of leaning, as expressed in the Bible, often pertains to the reliance on God rather than on human understanding or strength. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's wisdom and provision.

Key Scripture:
One of the most notable uses of the concept of leaning is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of trusting in the Lord rather than relying solely on human insight or reasoning.

Theological Significance:
The act of leaning on God is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It signifies a surrender of one's own will and understanding in favor of divine guidance. This reliance is not passive but involves active trust and obedience to God's commandments and promises.

Related Concepts:
· Faith and Trust: Leaning on God is closely related to the concepts of faith and trust. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Trusting in God involves believing in His promises and His character, even when circumstances are challenging.
· Divine Guidance: Leaning on God implies seeking His direction in all aspects of life. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," highlighting the role of Scripture in providing guidance and wisdom.
· Dependence on God: The Bible frequently contrasts reliance on God with reliance on human strength or wisdom. Jeremiah 17:5 warns, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD."

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of leaning on God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other Christians. This involves a conscious decision to trust in God's plan and timing, even when it contradicts personal desires or societal norms.

Historical Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, leaning on someone or something was a common metaphor for trust and reliance. This imagery would have been readily understood by the original audience of the biblical texts, who lived in a culture where physical support and protection were often necessary for survival.

Conclusion:
The concept of leaning, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for dependence on God. It calls believers to a life of faith, trust, and obedience, recognizing that true wisdom and strength come from the Lord.

A Lecture for Little-Faith
... And when it hath done as much as that, it goeth further; it leaneth on
Christ. it leaneth on its Beloved; casteth all the burden ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a lecture for little-faith.htm

Made One
... "Thou, thou art, O soul, My deep desire. And My love's eternal bliss: Thou art the
rest where leaneth My breast,. And My mouth's most holy kiss. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/made one.htm

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house
of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... 5. In this his way, which yet is a false way, "he trusteth," Hosea 10:13, he leaneth
upon it, little knowing that it will fail him at length, and that he and ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... but unto the Lord," adds, "In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when
my master goeth into the house of Rimnu to worship there, and he leaneth on my ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Naaman
... In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house
of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
... the thoughts of death, judgment, hell, and the wrath of God come upon us and trouble
us: For if it be any thing beside Christ that our soul leaneth to, and ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xix and the life.htm

The Believer a New Creature
... to Christ is practically and experimentally wrought in us by faith when a man giveth
himself up to Christ to sink or swim with Christ, when he leaneth his soul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the believer a new creature.htm

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... Yet it should be known, that this act of faith, whereby the soul goeth out to Christ,
and accepteth of and leaneth to him, is not alike in all. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iv how christ is.htm

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ...
... answer the accusations of conscience with this, that he hath fled to Christ, the
only Mediator and Cautioner, and cast his burden on him; and leaneth to his ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter viii how to make.htm

Leaneth (6 Occurrences)
...Leaneth (6 Occurrences). Numbers 21:15 And the slope of the valleys That inclineth
toward the dwelling of Ar, And leaneth upon the border of Moab. (ASV JPS). ...
/l/leaneth.htm - 8k

Trusting (45 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 18:21 Now, lo, thou hast trusted for thee on the staff of this broken
reed, on Egypt; which a man leaneth on, and it hath gone into his hand, and ...
/t/trusting.htm - 19k

Pierced (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 18:21 Now, lo, thou hast trusted for thee on the staff of this broken reed,
on Egypt; which a man leaneth on, and it hath gone into his hand, and ...
/p/pierced.htm - 26k

Trusted (82 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 18:21 Now, lo, thou hast trusted for thee on the staff of this broken
reed, on Egypt; which a man leaneth on, and it hath gone into his hand, and ...
/t/trusted.htm - 30k

Leaning (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 5:18 In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into
the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I ...
/l/leaning.htm - 10k

Leanfleshed (3 Occurrences)

/l/leanfleshed.htm - 7k

Lacketh (17 Occurrences)
... the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the
house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a ...
/l/lacketh.htm - 11k

Leaner (1 Occurrence)

/l/leaner.htm - 6k

Inclineth (10 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 21:15 And the slope of the valleys That inclineth toward the dwelling
of Ar, And leaneth upon the border of Moab. (ASV DBY JPS). ...
/i/inclineth.htm - 9k

Prostrate (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 5:18 In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into
the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow ...
/p/prostrate.htm - 14k

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