Topical Bible: Obtain

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "obtain" in the Bible often relates to the acquisition or reception of something, whether it be material possessions, spiritual blessings, or divine favor. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, emphasizing both human effort and divine provision.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of obtaining is frequently associated with the fulfillment of God's promises and the inheritance of the land. For example, in Deuteronomy 4:1, Moses instructs the Israelites: "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and judgments I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live, and you may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you." Here, obtaining the land is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments.

The concept also appears in the wisdom literature, where obtaining wisdom and understanding is highly valued. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This highlights the importance of actively seeking and obtaining wisdom as a key to a righteous life.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of obtaining often shifts towards spiritual realities and eternal life. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term in relation to salvation and the promises of God. In Philippians 3:12, Paul writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Here, obtaining is linked to the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the ultimate goal of Christlikeness.

The concept is also evident in the context of faith and grace. In Romans 5:9, Paul assures believers, "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" This verse underscores the idea that salvation and justification are obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human effort.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the act of obtaining in the Bible underscores the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God is the ultimate source of all blessings and salvation, human beings are called to actively seek and receive what God offers. This is evident in passages like Hebrews 11:6, which states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Furthermore, obtaining is often linked to the concept of inheritance, particularly in the New Testament. Believers are described as heirs with Christ, obtaining an eternal inheritance that is imperishable and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). This inheritance is not earned but is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical concept of obtaining encourages believers to pursue spiritual growth, seek God's wisdom, and live in obedience to His commands. It also reassures them of the certainty of God's promises and the hope of eternal life. As believers strive to obtain these spiritual blessings, they are reminded of their dependence on God's grace and the necessity of faith in their journey.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. t.) To hold; to keep; to possess.

2. (v. t.) To get hold of by effort; to gain possession of; to procure; to acquire, in any way.

3. (v. i.) To become held; to gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established; to subsist; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer.

4. (v. i.) To prevail; to succeed.

Greek

2013. epitugchano -- to light upon, ie to obtain
... to light upon, ie to obtain. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epitugchano Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ee-toong-khan'-o) Short Definition: I attain, obtain ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2013.htm - 7k

2975. lagchano -- to obtain by lot
... to obtain by lot. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: lagchano Phonetic Spelling:
(lang-khan'-o) Short Definition: I obtain by lot, cast lots Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2975.htm - 6k

5177. tugchano -- to hit, hit upon, meet, happen
... to hit, hit upon, meet, happen. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: tugchano Phonetic
Spelling: (toong-khan'-o) Short Definition: I obtain, I happen, perhaps ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5177.htm - 8k

2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit
... to inherit. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kleronomeo Phonetic Spelling:
(klay-ron-om-eh'-o) Short Definition: I inherit, obtain Definition: I inherit ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2816.htm - 8k

2932. ktaomai -- to acquire
... verb Definition to acquire NASB Word Usage acquire (1), acquired (2), gain (1),
get (1), obtain (1), possess (1). obtain, possess, purchase. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2932.htm - 6k

2902. krateo -- to be strong, rule
... to be strong, rule. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: krateo Phonetic Spelling:
(krat-eh'-o) Short Definition: I lay hold of, obtain Definition: I am strong ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2902.htm - 9k

1793. entugchano -- to chance upon, by impl. confer with, by ext. ...
... 1793 (from 1722 , "in," which intensifies 5177 , "to obtain by hitting the mark") --
properly, "light upon (meet with), obtain" (); "to go and meet a person to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1793.htm - 8k

2820. kleroo -- to assign by lot
... assign or obtain an inheritance. From kleros; to allot, ie (figuratively) to assign
(a privilege) -- obtain an inheritance. see GREEK kleros. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2820.htm - 7k

3140. martureo -- to bear witness, testify
... From martus; to be a witness, ie Testify (literally or figuratively) -- charge,
give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3140.htm - 10k

2002. episoreuo -- to heap together
... to heap together. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: episoreuo Phonetic Spelling:
(ep-ee-so-ryoo'-o) Short Definition: I heap up, obtain a multitude of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2002.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

5239. nalah -- perhaps to obtain, attain
... 5238, 5239. nalah. 5240 . perhaps to obtain, attain. Transliteration: nalah
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-law') Short Definition: cease. Word Origin probably a prim ...
/hebrew/5239.htm - 5k

1129. banah -- to build
... 16), builds (8), built (177), construct (1), constructed (1), fashioned (1), fortified
(3), fortifying (2), have children (1), made (1), obtain children (1 ...
/hebrew/1129.htm - 6k

6329. puq -- to bring out, furnish, promote
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bring out, furnish, promote NASB Word Usage
furnishing (1), gains (1), give (1), obtain (1), obtains (2), promote (1). ...
/hebrew/6329.htm - 6k

7355. racham -- to love, have compassion
... have compassion on, upon, love, find, have, obtain, show merciful, on,. A
primitive root; to fondle; by implication, to love, especially ...
/hebrew/7355.htm - 6k

8551. tamak -- to grasp, support, attain
... Word Usage attain (1), attains (1), grasp (1), grasped (1), held (1), held fast
(1), hold (1), hold her fast (1), hold fast (1), holds (2), obtain (1), support ...
/hebrew/8551.htm - 6k

7592. shaal -- to ask, inquire
... to request; by extension, to demand -- ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge,
consult, demand, desire, X earnestly, enquire, + greet, obtain leave, lend ...
/hebrew/7592.htm - 6k

3947. laqach -- to take
... 1), flashing (1), flashing forth (1), get (25), gets (1), got (2), has (1), keep
(1), married (9), married* (6), marries (1), marry (5), obtain (1), placed (2 ...
/hebrew/3947.htm - 6k

5381. nasag -- to reach, overtake
... 1), afford* (2), attained (1), becomes sufficient (1), caught (1), find (1),
insufficient (2), last until (2), limited (1), means* (1), obtain (1), overtake ( ...
/hebrew/5381.htm - 6k

4910. mashal -- to rule, have dominion, reign
... to rule, have dominion, reign NASB Word Usage dominion (1), gain control (1), govern
(1), had charge (1), have authority (1), master (1), obtain dominion (1 ...
/hebrew/4910.htm - 6k

5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take
... furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable (+ man), lade, lay,
lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up ...
/hebrew/5375.htm - 8k

Library

Prayer to Obtain Humility
... PRAYERS OF SOEUR TH??R??SE, THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS PRAYER TO OBTAIN
HUMILITY. Written for a Novice O JESUS! When Thou wast a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/prayer to obtain humility.htm

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... Part 5 That We Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ. We think
that even the adversaries acknowledge that, in justification ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

Whether Custom Can Obtain Force of Law?
... OF CHANGE IN LAWS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether custom can obtain force of law? Objection
1: It would seem that custom cannot obtain force of law, nor abolish a law. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether custom can obtain force.htm

That the Martyrs who Obtain Many Miracles in Order that the True ...
... Chapter 10."That the Martyrs Who Obtain Many Miracles in Order that the True God
May Be Worshipped, are Worthy of Much Greater Honor Than the Demons, Who Do ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 that the martyrs who.htm

That to Obtain the Blessed Life, which Consists in Partaking of ...
... Chapter 17."That to Obtain the Blessed Life, Which Consists in Partaking of the
Supreme Good, Man Needs Such Mediation as is Furnished Not by a Demon, But by ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 17 that to obtain the.htm

If one Wished to Obtain Means for a Profounder Contemplation of ...
... Chapter XXIII. If one wished to obtain means for a profounder contemplation
of the entrance of souls? If one wished to obtain ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxiii if one wished.htm

How no one Can Obtain Perfect virtue and the Promised Bliss by his ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter X. How no one can obtain perfect virtue and the promised
bliss by his own strength alone. For the will and ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x how no one.htm

How Can I Obtain Faith?
... How Can I Obtain Faith? A Sermon (No.1031). Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, January
21st, 1872, by. ... By a draught of water. But in what way can I obtain water? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/how can i obtain faith.htm

That He who Believes Can Immediately Obtain (IE , Pardon and Peace ...
... Third Book. 43. That he who believes can immediately obtain (ie, pardon
and peace). In the Acts of the Apostles: "Lo, here is water ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/43 that he who believes.htm

How a Soul is to Behave Herself to Obtain Light in Doubtful Cases ...
... INTERNAL CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE. CHAPTER VII. How a soul is to behave herself
to obtain light in doubtful cases of moment.? Sec. Sec. 1, 2 ...
/.../chapter vii how a soul.htm

Thesaurus

Obtain (63 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Obtain (63 Occurrences). Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the
meek, for they as heirs shall obtain possession of the earth. (WEY). ...
/o/obtain.htm - 24k

Purchase (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To pursue and obtain; to acquire by seeking;
to gain, obtain, or acquire. 2. (vt) To obtain by ...
/p/purchase.htm - 16k

Get (2204 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To procure; to obtain; to gain possession of; to acquire; to earn; to obtain
as a price or reward; to come by; to win, by almost any means; as, to get ...
/g/get.htm - 13k

Recover (37 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To rescue; to deliver. 7. (vt) To gain by motion or effort; to obtain;
to reach; to come to. 8. (vt) To gain as a compensation ...
/r/recover.htm - 21k

Win (27 Occurrences)
... 1. (v.) To gain by superiority in competition or contest; to obtain by victory over
competitors or rivals; as, to win the prize in a gate; to win money; to win ...
/w/win.htm - 14k

Triumph (52 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To obtain victory; to be successful; to prevail. 8. (n.) To be prosperous;
to flourish. ... 10. (vt) To obtain a victory over; to prevail over; to conquer. ...
/t/triumph.htm - 24k

Draw (212 Occurrences)
... derive. 6. (vt) To obtain from some cause or origin; to infer from evidence
or reasons; to deduce from premises; to derive. 7. (vt ...
/d/draw.htm - 41k

Pass (1172 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To go from one person to another; hence, to be given and taken freely; as,
clipped coin will not pass; to obtain general acceptance; to be held or ...
/p/pass.htm - 44k

Obtains (4 Occurrences)
... of the LORD. (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor,
but violent men obtain riches. (WEB). Proverbs 12:2 A good ...
/o/obtains.htm - 7k

Obtaineth (5 Occurrences)
... understanding. (See JPS). Proverbs 8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life,
And shall obtain favor of Jehovah. (See JPS DBY). Proverbs ...
/o/obtaineth.htm - 7k

Resources

If I do not forgive others, does that mean my sins are not forgiven? What does Matthew 6:14-15 mean? | GotQuestions.org

What is a novena? | GotQuestions.org

What is Vajrayana Buddhism? | GotQuestions.org

Obtain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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

Concordance

Obtain (63 Occurrences)

Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek, for they as heirs shall obtain possession of the earth.
(WEY)

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV)

Matthew 5:25
Come to terms without delay with your opponent while you are yet with him on the way to the court; for fear he should obtain judgement from the magistrate against you, and the magistrate should give you in custody to the officer and you be thrown into prison.
(WEY)

Matthew 12:32
And whoever shall speak against the Son of Man may obtain forgiveness; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, neither in this nor in the coming age shall he obtain forgiveness."
(WEY)

Matthew 13:54
And He came into His own country and proceeded to teach in their synagogue, so that they were filled with astonishment and exclaimed, "Where did he obtain such wisdom, and these wondrous powers?
(WEY)

Matthew 19:16
Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
(See NAS)

Matthew 21:22
and everything, whatever it be, that you ask for in your prayers, if you have faith, you shall obtain."
(WEY)

Matthew 26:59
Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death;
(See NAS)

Mark 14:55
Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.
(See NAS)

Mark 15:11
But the High Priests urged on the crowd to obtain Barabbas's release in preference;
(WEY)

Luke 12:10
"Moreover every one who shall speak against the Son of Man, may obtain forgiveness; but he who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never obtain forgiveness.
(WEY)

Luke 19:12
So He said to them, "A man of noble family travelled to a distant country to obtain the rank of king, and to return.
(WEY)

Luke 20:35
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
(KJV WBS YLT)

John 3:27
"A man cannot obtain anything," replied John, "unless it has been granted to him from Heaven.
(WEY)

John 5:44
How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don't seek the glory that comes from the only God?
(See NIV)

Acts 8:20
But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
(WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Acts 22:28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
(Root in KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Romans 1:13
Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
(See NAS)

Romans 5:10
For if while we were hostile to God we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, it is still more certain that now that we are reconciled, we shall obtain salvation through Christ's life.
(WEY)

Romans 8:21
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
(See RSV)

Romans 10:10
For with the heart men believe and obtain righteousness, and with the mouth they make confession and obtain salvation.
(WEY)

Romans 11:7
What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn't obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 11:31
even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
(KJV WBS)

Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
(Root in WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

2 Thessalonians 2:14
to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

1 Timothy 3:13
for those who shall have ministered well obtain for themselves a good degree, and much boldness in faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(DBY NAS)

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 3:15
and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise to obtain salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
(WEY)

Hebrews 1:14
Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
(See RSV)

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(KJV WBS)

Hebrews 6:15
Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Hebrews 11:35
Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS)

Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it;
(See RSV)

James 4:2
You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

1 Peter 1:4
to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,
(See NAS)

1 Peter 1:9
receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(See NAS RSV)

1 Peter 3:9
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
(See RSV)

1 Peter 5:4
When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.
(See RSV)

2 Peter 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
(Root in WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV)

1 John 3:22
and whatever we ask for we obtain from Him, because we obey His commands and do the things which are pleasing in His sight.
(WEY)

Genesis 16:2
Sarai said to Abram, "See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my handmaid. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV)

Genesis 30:3
She said, "Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her."
(WEB ASV)

Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation."
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 24:10
When thou liftest up on thy brother a debt of anything, thou dost not go in unto his house to obtain his pledge;
(YLT)

Ezra 7:16
and all the silver and gold that you shall find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem;
(See NIV)

Proverbs 1:5
(The wise doth hear and increaseth learning, And the intelligent doth obtain counsels.)
(YLT)

Proverbs 8:35
For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV)

Proverbs 12:2
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is put into effect by wise help: and by wise guiding make war.
(See NIV)

Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
(See JPS ASV DBY RSV)

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
(ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Isaiah 29:19
And the poor will have their joy in the Lord increased, and those in need will be glad in the Holy One of Israel.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 35:10
The Yahweh's ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Isaiah 51:11
The ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 46:11
Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin daughter of Egypt: in vain do you use many medicines; there is no healing for you.
(See NAS)

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates are sunk into the ground; he has destroyed and broken her bars: Her king and her princes are among the nations where the law is not; Yes, her prophets find no vision from Yahweh.
(See RSV)

Daniel 11:5
The king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.
(See NAS)

Daniel 11:21
In his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Subtopics

Obtain

Related Terms

Hope (291 Occurrences)

Nullify (8 Occurrences)

Market (24 Occurrences)

Popular (1 Occurrence)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Attainable (2 Occurrences)

Acquittal (7 Occurrences)

Salt-wort (1 Occurrence)

Saltwort