Pilgrimage
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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 2:1-52
And 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; PILGRIMAGE

pil'-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
... Word Origin from gur Definition a sojourning place, dwelling place, a sojourning
NASB Word Usage dwelling (1), pilgrimage (1), sojourning (2), sojournings (2 ...
/hebrew/4033.htm - 6k

Library

The Pilgrimage
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First LVI THE PILGRIMAGE. I travell'd on, seeing
the hill, where lay My expectation. A long it was and weary way: ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/lvi the pilgrimage.htm

Prayers on Pilgrimage.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CXCIII. Prayers on Pilgrimage. 7.6.7.6 D James Montgomery. Prayers
on Pilgrimage. I. In the hour of trial,. Jesus, pray for me,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cxciii prayers on pilgrimage.htm

The Pilgrimage of the Saints; Or, Earth and Heaven.
... Hymns. Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:53. The pilgrimage of
the saints; or, Earth and heaven. 1 Lord! what a wretched ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 2 53 the pilgrimage of.htm

The Pilgrimage of Life.
... LIFE, DEATH AND FUTURITY. 516. " The Pilgrimage of Life. 516. 7s.
M.6l. Bowring. The Pilgrimage of Life. 1 Lead us with thy ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/516 the pilgrimage of.htm

The Pilgrimage of Life.
... LIFE, DEATH AND FUTURITY. 523. " The Pilgrimage of Life. 523. CM Barbauld.
The Pilgrimage of Life. 1 Our country is Immanuel's ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/523 the pilgrimage of.htm

a Pilgrimage to Rome
... THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SOEUR TH??R??SE OF LISIEUX, ENTITLED BY HERSELF: "THE STORY OF
THE SPRINGTIME OF A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER" CHAPTER VI - A PILGRIMAGE TO ROME. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter vi - a pilgrimage.htm

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
... CHAPTER V The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were wrought in it.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that ...
/.../chapter v the roman pilgrimage .htm

The Pilgrimage of the Saints: Or, Earth and Heaven.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 53 The pilgrimage of the saints: or, Earth and heaven.
CM The pilgrimage of the saints: or, Earth and heaven. Lord! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 53 the pilgrimage of.htm

Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CXCIV. Prayers on Pilgrimage.""Lord help me.""Matt. xv. ... James
Montgomery. Prayers on Pilgrimage.""Lord help me.""Matthew 15:25. II. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cxciv prayers on pilgrimage lord.htm

A Pilgrimage to Rome
... CHAPTER VI A PILGRIMAGE TO ROME. Three days after ... thank Mgr. Legoux,
Vicar-General of Coutances and director of the pilgrimage. From ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vi a pilgrimage to.htm

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)
... fests (mo`edh, "an appointed day" or "an assembling," chagh, from chaghagh, "to
dance" or possibly "to make a pilgrimage"; tsom, "fast," ta`anith, "a day of ...
/f/feasts.htm - 36k

Fasts (3 Occurrences)
... fests (mo`edh, "an appointed day" or "an assembling," chagh, from chaghagh, "to
dance" or possibly "to make a pilgrimage"; tsom, "fast," ta`anith, "a day of ...
/f/fasts.htm - 21k

Pilgrim
... PILGRIM; PILGRIMAGE. pil'-grim, pil'-grimaj: "Pilgrim" in English Versions
of the Bible for parepidemos (Hebrews 11:13 1 Peter 2:11). ...
/p/pilgrim.htm - 7k

Unpleasant (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unpleasant (3 Occurrences). Genesis 47:9 Jacob said to
Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. ...
/u/unpleasant.htm - 7k

Tabor (12 Occurrences)
... in the sanctuary on the top. The passage seems to indicate that it was
a place of pilgrimage. The worshippers, bringing with them ...
/t/tabor.htm - 21k

Difficult (31 Occurrences)
... Genesis 47:9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage
are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil have been ...
/d/difficult.htm - 15k

Attained (20 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Genesis 47:9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of
my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil ...
/a/attained.htm - 12k

Sojournings (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 47:9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage
are a hundred and thirty years: few and evil have been the days of the years ...
/s/sojournings.htm - 8k

Attain (30 Occurrences)
... Genesis 47:9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage
are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil have been ...
/a/attain.htm - 17k

Resources
Should Christians go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

What 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Pilgrimage (4 Occurrences)

Genesis 47:9
Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage."
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NIV)

Exodus 6:4
And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Psalms 84:5
Blessed are those whose strength is in you; who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.
(WEB NIV)

Psalms 119:54
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Pilgrimage

Related Terms

Mizpeh (24 Occurrences)

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)

Mizpah (42 Occurrences)

Exiles (46 Occurrences)

Dayspring (2 Occurrences)

Pilgrim

Cilicia (8 Occurrences)

Aliens (53 Occurrences)

Strangers (95 Occurrences)

Artemis (5 Occurrences)

Diana (5 Occurrences)

Pilgrimage (4 Occurrences)

Jericho (59 Occurrences)

Exploration

Beg (77 Occurrences)

Natures (12 Occurrences)

Juttah (3 Occurrences)

Johanan (31 Occurrences)

Lusts (28 Occurrences)

Gilead (130 Occurrences)

Wage (39 Occurrences)

Wares (23 Occurrences)

Indulge (12 Occurrences)

Foreigners (76 Occurrences)

Fleshly (15 Occurrences)

Tekoa (12 Occurrences)

Tabernacles (43 Occurrences)

Embraced (19 Occurrences)

Middin (1 Occurrence)

Palmerworm (2 Occurrences)

Promises (35 Occurrences)

Paphos (2 Occurrences)

Peraea

Pilha (1 Occurrence)

Palmer-worm (2 Occurrences)

Baca (1 Occurrence)

Begging (18 Occurrences)

Beggar (5 Occurrences)

Cana (4 Occurrences)

Caravan (8 Occurrences)

Confessed (19 Occurrences)

Cravings (17 Occurrences)

Abstain (13 Occurrences)

Admitted (16 Occurrences)

Afar (98 Occurrences)

Apostolic (2 Occurrences)

Sojourners (37 Occurrences)

Balm (7 Occurrences)

Welcomed (30 Occurrences)

Fasts (3 Occurrences)

Feasts (45 Occurrences)

Plague (142 Occurrences)

Issachar (40 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Dearly (30 Occurrences)

Lower (72 Occurrences)

Urge (34 Occurrences)

Joppa (14 Occurrences)

Persuaded (40 Occurrences)

Jacob's (34 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Manna (19 Occurrences)

Passions (26 Occurrences)

Entreat (55 Occurrences)

Beseech (85 Occurrences)

Lust (42 Occurrences)

Machpelah (6 Occurrences)

Golgotha (4 Occurrences)

Sinful (61 Occurrences)

Galilee (73 Occurrences)

Age (404 Occurrences)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Territory (140 Occurrences)

Dear (120 Occurrences)

Strange (234 Occurrences)

Botany

Beloved (117 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Pilgrim
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