Cord of Life
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The term "Cord of Life" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it is often associated with themes of life, vitality, and the sustaining power of God. In Scripture, the imagery of a cord or thread is used metaphorically to represent life and its fragility, as well as the divine connection between God and humanity.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism

1. Ecclesiastes 12:6-7: The imagery of a cord is poignantly depicted in Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher speaks of the end of life: "Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped, and the golden bowl is crushed, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." Here, the "silver cord" symbolizes the precious and delicate nature of life, which, once broken, signifies the return of the spirit to God.

2. Job 4:21: In the book of Job, the fragility of life is likened to a tent cord: "Are not their tent cords pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?" This verse underscores the transient nature of human existence and the suddenness with which life can end.

3. Psalm 139:13: While not directly mentioning a cord, the psalmist speaks of God's intimate involvement in the creation of life: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb." The act of knitting suggests a careful and deliberate crafting, akin to weaving a cord, highlighting the divine care in the formation of life.

Theological Significance

The concept of the "Cord of Life" can be understood as a representation of the sustaining and life-giving power of God. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as the source and sustainer of life. The metaphor of a cord emphasizes both the strength and vulnerability inherent in human existence, reminding believers of their dependence on God.

Connection to Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often seen as the ultimate source of life. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." This statement affirms that true life is found in a relationship with Christ, who is the divine "cord" connecting believers to eternal life.

Practical Application

For Christians, the "Cord of Life" serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection with God through faith, prayer, and obedience. It encourages believers to recognize the preciousness of life and to live in a manner that honors the Creator. The imagery also provides comfort, assuring believers of God's continual presence and support throughout the trials and uncertainties of life.

In summary, while the "Cord of Life" is not a direct biblical term, its thematic elements are woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the profound relationship between God and humanity and the divine sustenance that upholds all creation.
Nave's Topical Index
Ecclesiastes 12:6
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Threefold Cord of Jesus' Life.
... Right relationship to God; a secret intimate prayer-life: marvellous power over
men and with men"those are the strands in the threefold cord of His life. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the threefold cord of jesus.htm

A Threefold Cord
... ROMANS A THREEFOLD CORD. ... One influential part, which has taken a new lease of life
amongst us to-day, says 'in baptism,' and the other says 'at the moment of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/a threefold cord.htm

A Fourfold Cord
... A FOURFOLD CORD. ... They give us the ideal of a Church's inner life, which in the divine
order should precede, and be the basis of, a Church's work in the world. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a fourfold cord.htm

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... Suppose "the silver cord" of life just "loosed," and "the wheel broken at the cistern;"
the heart can now beat no more; the blood ceases to move; the last ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

Celsus, Moreover, Thinks that we have Invented this "Tree of Life" ...
... have been invented a precipice of life far beyond the heavens, or a pit of resurrection,
or a cord of immortality." And again: "If the tree of life' were an ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxvii celsus moreover thinks.htm

A Talk About the Water of Life.
... She drew the water with a strong cord that she fastened around her earthen water ...
Jesus was talking about life always and everywhere, but the people were slow to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii a talk about.htm

Life as a Joy Shadowed by the Judgment
... and put away evil from thy flesh: for youth and the prime of life are vanity ... Or ever
the silver cord be loosed, Or the golden bowl be broken, Or the pitcher be ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii life as a joy.htm

The Way of Life.
... We all know of the passage from life unto death. We have all seen the loosening
of the silver cord, and the breaking of the golden bowl. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxvii the way of.htm

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live ...
... same. He hath strengthened this obligation with a new cord, in that he
gave his precious life a ransom for the souls of men. This ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxiii therefore brethren we.htm

The Life of Mr. James Durham.
... that no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, he obtained ...
thereof so low that they were made to think the rope or cord of the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 2.htm

Resources
What is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.org

Cord: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Cord

Cord of Friendship

Cord of Life

Cord of Sin

Cord of Spiritual Blessings

Cord: Ancient Uses of Binding Prisoners

Cord: Ancient Uses of Fastening Tents

Cord: Ancient Uses of Hitching to Cart or Plough

Cord: Ancient Uses of in Casting Lots

Cord: Ancient Uses of Leading or Binding Animals

Cord: Ancient Uses of Measuring Ground

Cord: Ancient Uses of Worn on the Head As a Sign of Submission

Cord: Symbolical Uses of Signifying an Inheritance

Cord: Symbolical Uses of Token in Mourning

Related Terms

Flax-cord (1 Occurrence)

Tent-cord (1 Occurrence)

Rope (10 Occurrences)

String (12 Occurrences)

Line (131 Occurrences)

Twists (12 Occurrences)

Group (32 Occurrences)

Tie (18 Occurrences)

Seal (47 Occurrences)

Loop

Whip (7 Occurrences)

Bracelet (5 Occurrences)

Twisted (79 Occurrences)

Ring (33 Occurrences)

Lash (2 Occurrences)

Fringes (4 Occurrences)

Fillet (1 Occurrence)

Brace (3 Occurrences)

Cordage (3 Occurrences)

Hook (10 Occurrences)

Thread (32 Occurrences)

Sash (16 Occurrences)

Fixed (284 Occurrences)

Stick (47 Occurrences)

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)

Neck (97 Occurrences)

Loosed (41 Occurrences)

Front (327 Occurrences)

Outside (215 Occurrences)

Secretly (104 Occurrences)

Writing (194 Occurrences)

Bright (85 Occurrences)

Corded (37 Occurrences)

Town (861 Occurrences)

Tongue (160 Occurrences)

Flax (11 Occurrences)

Seated (252 Occurrences)

Pulled (84 Occurrences)

Round (664 Occurrences)

Bag (52 Occurrences)

Bit (46 Occurrences)

Basket (40 Occurrences)

Hat

Knit (11 Occurrences)

Knotted (3 Occurrences)

Knotting (3 Occurrences)

Navel (4 Occurrences)

Net (91 Occurrences)

Untied (6 Occurrences)

Undone (20 Occurrences)

Ornament (23 Occurrences)

Overpower (11 Occurrences)

Leash (1 Occurrence)

Lace (7 Occurrences)

Leviathan (5 Occurrences)

Latchet (4 Occurrences)

Lettest (8 Occurrences)

Levi'athan (2 Occurrences)

Graft (1 Occurrence)

Guard (185 Occurrences)

Gird (44 Occurrences)

Well-dressed (1 Occurrence)

Wick (10 Occurrences)

Waistcloth (9 Occurrences)

Window (24 Occurrences)

Fishhook (1 Occurrence)

Feeble-footed (6 Occurrences)

Formeth (11 Occurrences)

Folded (19 Occurrences)

Frock

Fringe (7 Occurrences)

Food-bags (1 Occurrence)

Flay (3 Occurrences)

Twist (5 Occurrences)

Twisting (13 Occurrences)

Threefold (2 Occurrences)

Twine (1 Occurrence)

Tent-circles (4 Occurrences)

Cord of Friendship
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