Partings, as depicted in the Bible, often carry significant emotional and spiritual weight, symbolizing moments of transition, divine intervention, or the fulfillment of God's promises. These separations can occur between individuals, groups, or even between humanity and God, each carrying its own theological implications and lessons.

1. Partings Between Individuals

One of the most poignant examples of parting in the Bible is the separation of David and Jonathan. Their friendship is marked by deep loyalty and love, yet they are forced to part due to the growing threat from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 20:41-42 , after confirming Saul's intent to harm David, the two friends meet for a final farewell: "David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then they kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. And Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, "The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever."' Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the city."

2. Partings Within Families

Family separations are also significant in the biblical narrative. The account of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27-33 illustrates a complex family dynamic leading to a prolonged separation. After Jacob deceives Isaac to receive Esau's blessing, Esau's anger forces Jacob to flee. Their eventual reunion is marked by reconciliation, demonstrating God's ability to heal and restore broken relationships.

3. Partings as Divine Instruction

God often uses partings to fulfill His divine purposes. In Genesis 12:1 , God commands Abram to leave his country and family: "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.'" This parting signifies a step of faith and obedience, leading to the establishment of the nation of Israel.

4. Partings as a Result of Sin

Sin can also lead to separation, as seen in the account of Adam and Eve. Their disobedience results in their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, symbolizing a spiritual separation from God. Genesis 3:23-24 states, "So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life."

5. Partings in the New Testament

In the New Testament, partings often occur in the context of missionary work and the spread of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul frequently experienced partings as he traveled to preach. In Acts 20:36-38 , Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders: "When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship."

6. The Ultimate Parting and Reunion

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ represents the ultimate parting, as He is separated from His disciples and experiences the weight of humanity's sin. However, this parting is temporary, as His resurrection signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, promising eternal reunion for believers. In John 16:22 , Jesus comforts His disciples: "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

Partings in the Bible, whether temporary or permanent, often serve as pivotal moments that shape the narrative of God's redemptive plan. They remind believers of the transient nature of earthly relationships and the eternal hope found in Christ.

And He Spake a Parable unto those which were Bidden There...
... [2082] Go out quickly into the markets and into the partings of the ways of the
city, and bring in hither the poor, and those with pains, and the lame, and the ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxx and he spake.htm

The Final Conflict and Heaven a Weary Pilgrim's Song.
... Ere with Him the High and Holy. I hold converse face to face; World, with partings
thou art rife,. Fill'd with tears and storms and strife; ...
/.../the final conflict and heaven 4.htm

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ...
... burned their city.8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they
that were bidden were not worthy.9 Go ye therefore unto the partings of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cviii in reply to the 4.htm

The Marriage of the King's Son.
... Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find,
bid to the marriage feast.' And those servants went out into the highways, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the marriage of the kings.htm

Sabbath School Union.
... Of living stones, upon His Word,. With His perpetual presence fill'd,. Death-partings,
then, from earth shall be. Life-meetings in that world above,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxxiv sabbath school union.htm

Second Division.
... Oh insupportable trial, were it not that by such partings we are not, after all,
separated from each other,"were it not that we are "members of one body ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/second division.htm

The Marriage Supper.
... preoccupation disobeyed, the Father celebrating the marriage of his Son, has ordered
us, through the Prophet of the truth, to come into the partings of the ways ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxii the marriage supper.htm

Thanatopsis. SM
... no more. 4 A few more struggles here, A few more partings o'er, A few more
toils, a few more tears, And we shall weep no more. 5 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/486 thanatopsis s m.htm

Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand
... On Canaan's happy shore! What knitting severed friendships up,. Where partings are
no more! Then eyes with joy shall sparkle. That brimmed with tears of late; ...
/.../processionals 541 ten thousand times.htm

Old and New Year 443. A Few More Years Shall Roll
... And take my sins away. A few more struggles here,. A few more partings o'er,.
A few more toils, a few more tears,. And we shall weep no more: ...
/.../old and new year 443.htm

Partings (1 Occurrence)
...Partings (1 Occurrence). Matthew 22:9 Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways,
and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. (ASV). ...
/p/partings.htm - 6k

Parting-gifts (1 Occurrence)
Parting-gifts. Parting, Parting-gifts. Partings . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Parting, Parting-gifts. Partings . Reference Bible.
/p/parting-gifts.htm - 6k

Partisan (1 Occurrence)

/p/partisan.htm - 7k

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