Leaping, as depicted in the Bible, often symbolizes joy, divine intervention, and miraculous healing. This physical expression of exuberance and vitality is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both literal and metaphorical meanings.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, leaping is frequently associated with joy and celebration. One notable instance is found in 2 Samuel 6:16, where King David is described as "leaping and dancing before the LORD" as the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem. This act of leaping signifies David's profound joy and reverence for God's presence among His people.

The imagery of leaping is also used metaphorically in prophetic literature. In Isaiah 35:6, the prophet envisions a time of restoration and healing, declaring, "Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy." This passage anticipates the Messianic age, where physical and spiritual restoration will occur, and those who were once afflicted will experience newfound freedom and joy.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, leaping is prominently featured in the context of miraculous healing. In Acts 3:8, after Peter heals a man who was lame from birth, the man "leaped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God." This act of leaping not only demonstrates the physical healing he received but also his overwhelming gratitude and recognition of God's power at work through the apostles.

The theme of leaping as a response to divine intervention is further echoed in Luke 6:23, where Jesus encourages His followers to "rejoice in that day and leap for joy" when they face persecution for His sake. Here, leaping is an expression of spiritual triumph and assurance of heavenly reward, despite earthly trials.

Symbolic Interpretations

Leaping in the Bible often symbolizes a transition from a state of limitation or oppression to one of liberation and joy. It reflects the transformative power of God's presence and action in the lives of individuals and communities. The physical act of leaping serves as a visible manifestation of inner joy and the fulfillment of God's promises.

In a broader theological context, leaping can be seen as an expression of the believer's response to God's grace and salvation. It embodies the joy and freedom found in a life redeemed and restored by Christ, as well as the anticipation of the ultimate restoration of all creation.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, leaping is a powerful symbol of joy, healing, and divine intervention. Whether in the context of personal healing, communal celebration, or prophetic vision, leaping serves as a vivid reminder of God's active presence and the transformative power of His love and grace.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Leap.

2. (a. & n.) from Leap.

LEAPING

lep'-ing.

See GAMES.

242. hallomai -- to leap
... up. Word Origin from a prim. root hal- Definition to leap NASB Word Usage
leaped (1), leaping (1), springing (1). leap, spring up. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/242.htm - 6k5483. cuwc -- a swallow, swift (type of bird)
... Or cuc {soos}; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse
(as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight) -- crane, horse((-back ...
/hebrew/5483.htm - 5k

7540. raqad -- to skip about
... root Definition to skip about NASB Word Usage bounding (1), dance (1), frolic (1),
leap (1), leaping (1), skip (2), skip about (1), skipped (1). ...
/hebrew/7540.htm - 6k

6339. pazaz -- to be supple or agile
... Definition: agile. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be supple or agile
NASB Word Usage agile (1), leaping (1). leap, be made strong. A ...
/hebrew/6339.htm - 6k

2728. chargol -- (a kind of) locust
... beetle. From charag; the leaping insect, ie A locust -- beetle. see HEBREW
charag. 2727, 2728. chargol. 2729 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2728.htm - 6k

7092. qaphats -- draw together, shut
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition draw together, shut NASB Word Usage close (1),
gathered (1), leaping (1), shut (2), shuts (1), withdrawn (1). ...
/hebrew/7092.htm - 6k

Leaping and Praising. Acts iii, 8
... VII. LEAPING AND PRAISING. ACTS iii, 8. Little did the lame man's friends
think that this was the last time they should ever carry ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/vii leaping and praising acts.htm

The Voice of My Beloved! Behold, He Cometh, Leaping Upon the ...
... CHAPTER II. 8. The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh, leaping upon
the mountains, skipping upon the hills. The soul, asleep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 the voice of my.htm

Found by Jesus, and Finding Jesus
... in the name of Jesus, and lifted him up, so that his feet and ankle bones received
strength, was not satisfied with walking, for we read, "He leaping up stood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/found by jesus and finding.htm

Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of their Death, Falling ...
... his flock. [And other sheep I saw rioting and luxuriating in one place,
but not, however, leaping about. [290] ]. Chap. II. And he ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude sixth of the two.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... rise up and walk.7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and
immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.8. And he leaping up, stood ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm

Acts III
... (7) And seizing him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and immediately his feet
and ankles received strength; (8) and leaping forth, he stood and walked, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

The Bad Squire
... THE BAD SQUIRE. The merry brown hares came leaping Over the crest of the hill, Where
the clover and corn lay sleeping Under the moonlight still. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the bad squire.htm

The Story of the Man at the Beautiful Gate
... He walked up the steps with the two apostles, and went by their side into
the Temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. The ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the man.htm

At the Temple Gate
... strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into
the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

Chapter ii.
... 8. The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh, leaping upon the mountains,
skipping upon the hills.8. The voice of my beloved! behold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter ii.htm

Leaping (8 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LEAPING. lep'-ing. See GAMES. Multi-Version Concordance
Leaping (8 Occurrences). Acts 3:8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. ...
/l/leaping.htm - 9k

Leap (20 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) The act of leaping, or the space passed by leaping; a jump; a spring;
a bound. ... Acts 3:8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. ...
/l/leap.htm - 13k

Games (2 Occurrences)
... vogue in Palestine in Biblical times. High leaping or jumping was probably
also practiced (Psalm 18:29). The "play" referred to in ...
/g/games.htm - 40k

Walk (315 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The act of walking, or moving on the feet with a slow pace; advance without
running or leaping. 11. ... Acts 3:8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. ...
/w/walk.htm - 39k

Leaps (5 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 1:9 And I have laid a charge on every one Who is leaping over the threshold
in that day, Who are filling the house of their masters 'With' violence ...
/l/leaps.htm - 7k

Walked (178 Occurrences)
... Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple,
walking, and leaping, and praising God. (KJV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/w/walked.htm - 38k

Dagon (9 Occurrences)
... See 1 Samuel 5:1-5. The prophet Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:9) speaks of an idolatrous
practice which consisted in leaping over the miphtan. ...
/d/dagon.htm - 12k

Dance (18 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament it is in like manner the translation of different Greek words,
circular motion (Luke 15:25); leaping up and down in concert (Matthew 11:17 ...
/d/dance.htm - 15k

Praising (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 3:8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them
into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. (WEB ...
/p/praising.htm - 16k

Chamois (1 Occurrence)
... Only in Deuteronomy 14:5 (Hebrews zemer), an animal of the deer or gazelle species.
It bears this Hebrew name from its leaping or springing. ...
/c/chamois.htm - 9k

What does it mean that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19)? | GotQuestions.org

What does “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” mean in Isaiah 52:7? | GotQuestions.org

Dance in worship - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Leaping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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