Definition and Usage:
The term "leant" is the past tense and past participle of "lean," which means to incline or rest for support. In a biblical context, "lean" often conveys reliance or trust, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense. The concept of leaning is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to describe dependence on God or His wisdom.

Biblical References:

1. 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 emphasizes the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than human understanding. The act of leaning here is contrasted with trusting in the Lord, highlighting the need for faith and submission to divine guidance.

2. 2 Kings 7:2 : "But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, 'Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of heaven, could this happen?' 'You will see it with your own eyes,' answered Elisha, 'but you will not eat any of it!'" In this narrative, the physical act of leaning signifies trust and reliance. The officer's skepticism contrasts with the prophetic assurance given by Elisha, illustrating the consequences of doubt and disbelief.

3. Micah 3:11 : "Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, 'Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.'" Here, the term "lean" is used ironically to describe a false sense of security. The leaders claim reliance on God while engaging in corrupt practices, demonstrating a superficial and hypocritical faith.

Theological Implications:

The concept of leaning in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for trust and dependence. It underscores the importance of placing one's confidence in God rather than in human wisdom or strength. This reliance is a central tenet of faith, calling believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty and guidance in all aspects of life.

Practical Application:

For believers, the exhortation to "lean not on your own understanding" serves as a reminder to seek God's will and wisdom in decision-making. It encourages a posture of humility and submission, recognizing that human insight is limited and fallible. By leaning on God, Christians are called to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, characterized by trust, obedience, and faithfulness.

Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, leaning on someone or something often symbolized trust and support. This cultural understanding enriches the biblical metaphor, as it conveys a sense of reliance that is both personal and communal. The imagery of leaning is thus deeply embedded in the relational dynamics between God and His people, reflecting a covenantal bond of trust and fidelity.(p. p.) of Lean.

A Catholic Household
... I remember once, when my sister had an apricot given to her, she leant towards me
and said: "We will not eat it, I will give it to Mamma." Alas! ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter ii a catholic household.htm

But Nothing was Difficult to them with whom it was Lawful to ...
... the present time all the bishops of Asia"as themselves also receiving the rule from
an unimpeachable authority, to wit, the evangelist John, who leant on the ...
/.../the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/section x but nothing was.htm

The Annunciation
... the room. As it leant against the wall it was just a movable table-leaf
hanging straight down in front of two supports. Mary lifted ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/viii the annunciation.htm

On Tuesday, or at Tierce.
... 1. Thy blooming body pined and withered away on the cross; 2. Thy weary and tender
back leant uneasily against the hard wood; 3. Thy heavy frame painfully gave ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/on tuesday or at tierce.htm

God's Faithfulness
... 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something
that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods faithfulness.htm

The Angel and the Infant
... Smiling, a bright-eyed seraph bent. Over an infant's dream; To view his mirrored
form he leant. As in the crystal stream. "Fair infant, come," he whispered low, ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the angel and the infant.htm

Mary During the Scourging of Our Lord.
... A large veil covered her person, and she leant upon Mary of Heli, her eldest sister,
who was old and extremely like their mother, Anne.10 Mary of Cleophas, the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxiii mary during the.htm

The Second Fall of Jesus.
... to the cross, and presented them to her in an insulting manner; but she turned away,
fixed her eyes upon Jesus, who was drawing near, and leant against the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxii the second fall.htm

The Fourth and Fifth Falls of Jesus.
... Jesus was on the point of again falling, but Simon, who was behind, perceiving that
he could not stand, hastened to support him; he leant upon Simon, and was ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxv the fourth and.htm

a Catholic Household
... I remember once, when my sister had an apricot given to her, she leant towards me
and said: "We will not eat it, I will give it to Mamma." Alas! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter ii - a catholic.htm

Leant (7 Occurrences)
... (pp) of Lean. Multi-Version Concordance Leant (7 Occurrences). ... But Jesus leant
forward and began to write with His finger on the ground. (WEY). ...
/l/leant.htm - 8k

Leans (7 Occurrences)
... Amos 5:19 As 'when' one fleeth from the face of the lion, And the bear hath met
him, And he hath come in to the house, And hath leant his hand on the wall, And ...
/l/leans.htm - 8k

Leap (20 Occurrences)

/l/leap.htm - 13k

Forward (252 Occurrences)
... But Jesus leant forward and began to write with His finger on the ground. (WEY).
John 8:8 Then He leant forward again, and again began to write on the ground. ...
/f/forward.htm - 42k

Flees (19 Occurrences)
... Amos 5:19 As 'when' one fleeth from the face of the lion, And the bear hath met
him, And he hath come in to the house, And hath leant his hand on the wall, And ...
/f/flees.htm - 11k

Respondeth (1 Occurrence)
... Respondeth (1 Occurrence). John 13:25 and that one having leant back on the
breast of Jesus, respondeth to him, 'Sir, who is it?' (YLT). ...
/r/respondeth.htm - 6k

Powerless (19 Occurrences)
... it is nothing with Thee to help, between the mighty and those who have no power;
help us, O Jehovah, our God, for on Thee we have leant, and in Thy name we ...
/p/powerless.htm - 12k

Bitten (6 Occurrences)
... Amos 5:19 As 'when' one fleeth from the face of the lion, And the bear hath met
him, And he hath come in to the house, And hath leant his hand on the wall, And ...
/b/bitten.htm - 8k

Bites (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 5:19 As 'when' one fleeth from the face of the lion, And the bear hath met
him, And he hath come in to the house, And hath leant his hand on the wall, And ...
/b/bites.htm - 7k

Smiter (9 Occurrences)
... come to pass, in that day, The remnant of Israel, And the escaped of the house of
Jacob, Do not add any more to lean on its smiter, And have leant on Jehovah ...
/s/smiter.htm - 9k

Leant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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