Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance:Pilgrimage, in the biblical context, refers to a journey undertaken for religious purposes, often to a sacred place. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual journey, symbolizing the believer's quest for a deeper relationship with God. Pilgrimages are acts of devotion, repentance, and worship, reflecting the transient nature of earthly life and the believer's ultimate destination in the presence of God. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, pilgrimage is closely associated with the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and their subsequent travels to Jerusalem for religious festivals. The Law of Moses commanded the Israelites to appear before the Lord three times a year for the major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Exodus 23:14-17, Deuteronomy 16:16). These pilgrimages to Jerusalem were times of communal worship, sacrifice, and celebration, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) are traditionally associated with these pilgrimages. They were sung by the Israelites as they ascended to Jerusalem, expressing themes of trust, worship, and anticipation of God's presence. Psalm 122:1 captures the joy of pilgrimage: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" New Testament Context: In the New Testament, pilgrimage takes on a more spiritual dimension. The concept of the Christian life as a pilgrimage is evident in the writings of the apostles. The Epistle to the Hebrews describes believers as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13), emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life and the hope of a heavenly homeland. This perspective encourages Christians to live with an eternal focus, seeking a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). The life of Jesus Christ also reflects the theme of pilgrimage. His journey to Jerusalem, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, is the ultimate pilgrimage, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and establishing the path for believers to follow. Jesus' call to "take up their cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24) invites believers to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage of discipleship and self-denial. Theological Implications: Pilgrimage in the Bible underscores the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity and eternal life. It is a metaphor for the Christian's walk with God, marked by faith, obedience, and perseverance. The pilgrim's path is one of transformation, as believers are conformed to the image of Christ and prepared for their heavenly inheritance. The concept of pilgrimage also highlights the communal aspect of faith. Just as the Israelites traveled together to worship in Jerusalem, Christians are called to journey together in the fellowship of the church, encouraging and supporting one another in their spiritual walk. Practical Application: While physical pilgrimages to holy sites are not mandated in the New Testament, the spiritual principles of pilgrimage remain relevant for Christians today. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a pilgrim mindset, focusing on their relationship with God and their eternal destination. This involves regular worship, prayer, and engagement with Scripture, as well as participation in the life of the church community. In summary, pilgrimage in the biblical sense is a profound expression of faith, symbolizing the believer's journey toward God and the fulfillment of His promises. It calls Christians to live as sojourners in this world, with their hearts set on the eternal city prepared for them by God. Topical Bible Verses Luke 2:1-52And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The journey of a pilgrim; a long journey; especially, a journey to a shrine or other sacred place. Fig., the journey of human life.2. (n.) A tedious and wearisome time. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PILGRIM; PILGRIMAGEpil'-grim, pil'-grimaj: "Pilgrim" in English Versions of the Bible for parepidemos (Hebrews 11:13 1 Peter 2:11). "Pilgrimage" for maghor (Genesis 47:9 (the Revised Version margin "sojournings"); Psalm 119:54; and (the King James Version) Exodus 6:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) "sojournings")). Both the Hebrew (see GER) and Greek words contain the idea of foreign residence, but it is the residence and not travel that is implied. Consequently "pilgrim" is a poor translation, and "sojourner," "sojourning" should have been used throughout. In the New Testament passages heaven is thought of as the contrasted permanent dwelling-place, while the Old Testament usages seem to be without a contrast definitely in mind. Strong's Hebrew 2287. chagag -- to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast... 2286b, 2287. chagag. 2288 . to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast. Transliteration: chagag Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-gag') Short Definition: celebrate. ... /hebrew/2287.htm - 6k 4033. magor -- a sojourning place, dwelling place, a sojourning Library The Pilgrimage Prayers on Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage of the Saints; Or, Earth and Heaven. The Pilgrimage of Life. The Pilgrimage of Life. a Pilgrimage to Rome The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It. The Pilgrimage of the Saints: Or, Earth and Heaven. Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25 A Pilgrimage to Rome Thesaurus Pilgrimage (4 Occurrences)... PILGRIM; PILGRIMAGE. pil'-grim, pil'-grimaj: "Pilgrim" in English Versions of the Bible for parepidemos (Hebrews 11:13 1 Peter 2:11). ...Pilgrimage (4 Occurrences). ... /p/pilgrimage.htm - 8k Feasts (45 Occurrences) Fasts (3 Occurrences) Pilgrim Unpleasant (3 Occurrences) Tabor (12 Occurrences) Difficult (31 Occurrences) Attained (20 Occurrences) Sojournings (8 Occurrences) Attain (30 Occurrences) Resources Should Christians go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mecca in Islam? | GotQuestions.org What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Pilgrimage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pilgrimage (4 Occurrences)Genesis 47:9 Exodus 6:4 Psalms 84:5 Psalms 119:54 Subtopics Related Terms |