Topical Bible: Positions

◄ Positions ►

Jump to: Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, "positions" often refer to roles, offices, or statuses that individuals hold within a community, family, or religious setting. These positions are typically ordained by God and come with specific responsibilities and expectations. The Bible provides numerous examples of positions, both secular and sacred, that illustrate the importance of order, leadership, and service in accordance with divine principles.

Positions in the Family

The family unit is foundational in Scripture, with distinct roles assigned to each member. The husband is often depicted as the head of the household, responsible for leadership and provision. Ephesians 5:23 states, "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior." The wife is called to support and respect her husband, as seen in Proverbs 31, which describes the virtuous woman who manages her household with wisdom and diligence.

Children are instructed to honor and obey their parents, as emphasized in Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"

Positions in the Church

The New Testament outlines various positions within the early church, each with specific duties. Elders, also known as overseers or bishops, are tasked with shepherding the flock and teaching sound doctrine. 1 Timothy 3:1-2 states, "This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."

Deacons serve by attending to the practical needs of the church community, allowing elders to focus on spiritual matters. The qualifications for deacons are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-10: "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And they must also be tested first; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons."

Positions in Society

Scripture also addresses positions of authority in society, emphasizing the importance of governance and justice. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing their role as God's servants: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Kings and rulers are expected to lead with righteousness and wisdom. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan." The Bible provides numerous examples of both godly and ungodly leaders, illustrating the impact of their positions on the well-being of their nations.

Spiritual Positions

Beyond earthly roles, the Bible speaks of spiritual positions that believers hold in Christ. Ephesians 2:6 declares, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." This spiritual position signifies the believer's union with Christ and the authority they possess through Him.

Believers are also described as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9, indicating their role in offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the excellencies of God. This position underscores the priestly function of all Christians, who are called to intercede for others and live lives of holiness.

In summary, positions in the Bible encompass a wide range of roles and responsibilities, each ordained by God for the purpose of order, service, and the fulfillment of His divine plan.

Greek

1365. distazo -- twenty thousand
... 1365 (from 1364 , "two, double" and 4714 , "stance, standing") -- properly, going
two ways, shifting between positions; choosing "a double-stance" and hence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

7896. shith -- to put, set
... 1), bring (1), cast (1), close* (1), concern* (1), concerned* (1), consider* (1),
demand (1), demanded (2), direct (1), fix (1), fixed positions (1), join (1 ...
/hebrew/7896.htm - 6k

Library

The Relative Positions of the Pleroma the Region of Achamoth, and ...
... Chapter XXIII."The Relative Positions of the Pleroma The Region of Achamoth,
and the Creation of the Demiurge. The Addition of ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxiii the relative positions of.htm

Whether it Belongs to Observance to Pay Worship and Honor to those ...
... CONSIDERED IN ITSELF, AND OF ITS PARTS (THREE ARTICLES) Whether it belongs to
observance to pay worship and honor to those who are in positions of dignity? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it belongs to observance.htm

Whether Observance is a Greater virtue than Piety?
... Therefore observance is a greater virtue than piety. Objection 2: Further,
persons in positions of dignity take care of the common good. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether observance is a greater.htm

Whence the Contentions of Philosophers have Sprung. Against those ...
... been introduced, and all the contentions of philosophers, while one party withstands
the opinions of another, and some hold by certain positions, and others by ...
/.../argument xiv whence the contentions of.htm

Circumstances and Consequences
... With some people circumstances exist which are insurmountable barriers; there are
positions in the world which could not be held by a fully sanctified person ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/viii circumstances and consequences.htm

Whether Observance is a Special virtue, Distinct from Other ...
... worship is given to find piety, whereby we worship our so under piety we find
observance, whereby worship and honor are paid to persons in positions of dignity ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether observance is a special.htm

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
... the account given in an heretical document which has been sent me from the royal
city, I have found that, according to it, certain Catholic positions had been ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlix to anastasius bishop.htm

The Time of the Redeemer's Return
... Two positions have been taken and the advocates of each appeal to the
Scriptures in support of their conflicting views. These two ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter four the time of.htm

On the Physical Basis of Life.
... Either they are immediately directed towards the maintenance and development of
the body, or they effect transitory changes in the relative positions of parts ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vii on the physical basis.htm

The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ...
... There is the same division of oppressors and oppressed, but their view of the
significance and dignity of their respective positions is no longer what it once ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xi the christian conception.htm

Thesaurus

Positions (41 Occurrences)
...Positions (41 Occurrences). ... 1 Kings 20:24 This is what you have to do: take away
the kings from their positions, and put captains in their places; (BBE). ...
/p/positions.htm - 19k

Procurator
... The highest positions held by members of the equestrian class were called prefectures,
and included the prefecture of the guard, of Egypt, of the grain-supply ...
/p/procurator.htm - 13k

Consulted (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts
and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control ...
/c/consulted.htm - 16k

Sphere (3 Occurrences)
... equator, ecliptic, etc., are conceived to be drawn; an ideal geometrical sphere,
with the astronomical and geographical circles in their proper positions on it ...
/s/sphere.htm - 8k

Arts (48 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts
and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control ...
/a/arts.htm - 22k

Nations (683 Occurrences)
... It is possibly to this occupation of more or less outlying positions that the
"spreading abroad" of the families of the Canaanites (Genesis 10:18) refers. ...
/n/nations.htm - 58k

Reading (58 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts
and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control ...
/r/reading.htm - 27k

Table (125 Occurrences)
... It is possibly to this occupation of more or less outlying positions that the
"spreading abroad" of the families of the Canaanites (Genesis 10:18) refers. ...
/t/table.htm - 62k

Signs (127 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts
and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control ...
/s/signs.htm - 38k

Future (88 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts
and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control ...
/f/future.htm - 33k

Resources

What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about women leaders in government? Should a woman be President? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Concordance

Positions (41 Occurrences)

1 Timothy 2:2
for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.
(See RSV)

Jude 1:6
And angels--those who did not keep the position originally assigned to them, but deserted their own proper abode--He reserves in everlasting bonds, in darkness, in preparation for the judgement of the great day.
(See NIV)

Joshua 3:3
and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall move from your place, and follow it.
(See NIV)

Joshua 8:13
So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.
(See NIV)

Joshua 10:5
So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, were banded together, and went up with all their armies and took up their position before Gibeon and made war against it.
(See NIV)

Joshua 10:31
Then Joshua and all Israel with him went on from Libnah to Lachish, and took up their position against it and made an attack on it,
(See NIV)

Joshua 10:34
And Joshua and all Israel with him went on from Lachish to Eglon: and they took up their position against it and made an attack on it;
(See NIV)

Judges 9:34
Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
(See NIV)

Judges 20:20
The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel set the battle in array against them at Gibeah.
(See NIV)

Judges 20:22
But the people, the men of Israel, taking heart again, put their forces in order and took up the same position as on the first day.
(See NIV)

Judges 20:30
The children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and set themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
(See NIV)

Judges 20:33
All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of Maareh Geba.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 17:20
David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the army which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 28:4
And the Philistines came together and put their forces in position in Shunem; and Saul got all Israel together and they took up their positions in Gilboa.
(BBE)

1 Kings 20:12
Now when this answer was given to Ben-hadad, he was drinking with the kings in the tents, and he said to his men, Take up your positions. So they put themselves in position for attacking the town.
(BBE RSV)

1 Kings 20:24
This is what you have to do: take away the kings from their positions, and put captains in their places;
(BBE)

1 Kings 20:29
Now the two armies kept their positions facing one another for seven days. And on the seventh day the fight was started; and the children of Israel put to the sword a hundred thousand Aramaean footmen in one day.
(BBE)

2 Kings 11:11
Then the armed men took up their positions, every man with his instruments of war in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left, round about the altar and the house.
(BBE)

2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son go through the fire, and made use of secret arts and signs for reading the future; he gave positions to those who had control of spirits and to wonder-workers; he did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, moving him to wrath.
(BBE)

2 Kings 23:5
And he put an end to the false priests, who had been put in their positions by the kings of Judah to see to the burning of offerings in the high places in the towns of Judah and the outskirts of Jerusalem, and all those who made offerings to Baal and to the sun and the moon and the twelve signs and all the stars of heaven.
(BBE)

1 Chronicles 9:22
There were two hundred and twelve whose business it was to keep the doorway. These were listed by families in the country places where they were living, whom David and Samuel the seer put in their responsible positions.
(BBE NIV)

1 Chronicles 24:3
And David, with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, made distribution of them into their positions for their work.
(BBE)

1 Chronicles 26:12
Of these were the divisions of the door-keepers, men of authority, having responsible positions like their brothers to be servants in the house of the Lord.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 7:6
The priests stood, according to their offices; the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh, which David the king had made to give thanks to Yahweh, (for his loving kindness endures for ever), when David praised by their ministry: and the priests sounded trumpets before them; and all Israel stood.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 14:10
And Asa went out against him, and they put their forces in position in the valley north of Mareshah.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 20:17
There will be no need for you to take up arms in this fight; put yourselves in position, and keep where you are, and you will see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: have no fear and do not be troubled: go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 30:16
They stood in their place after their order, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of the hand of the Levites.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 31:18
And in the lists were all their little ones and their wives and their sons and daughters, through all the people: they made themselves holy in the positions which they were given.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 33:6
More than this, he made his children go through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he made use of secret arts, and signs for reading the future, and unnatural powers, and gave positions to those who had control of spirits and to wonder-workers: he did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, moving him to wrath.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 35:5
And take your positions in the holy place, grouped in the families of your brothers, the children of the people, and for every division let there be a part of a family of the Levites.
(BBE)

Nehemiah 12:40
So the two bands of those who gave praise took up their positions in the house of God, and I and half of the chiefs with me:
(BBE)

Job 12:19
He makes priests prisoners, overturning those in safe positions;
(BBE)

Proverbs 24:21
My son, go in fear of the Lord and the king: have nothing to do with those who are in high positions:
(BBE)

Proverbs 24:22
For their downfall will come suddenly; and who has knowledge of the destruction of those in high positions?
(BBE)

Ecclesiastes 10:6
The foolish are placed in high positions, but men of wealth are kept low.
(BBE NIV)

Isaiah 22:7
And your most fertile valleys were full of war-carriages, and the horsemen took up their positions in front of the town.
(BBE NAS)

Jeremiah 46:4
Harness the horses, and get up, you horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, put on the coats of mail.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 46:14
Give the news in Migdol, make it public in Noph: say, Take up your positions and make yourselves ready; for on every side of you the sword has made destruction.
(BBE NIV)

Jeremiah 50:9
For see, I am moving and sending up against Babylon a band of great nations from the north country: and they will put their armies in position against her; and from there she will be taken: their arrows will be like those of an expert man of war; not one will come back without getting its mark.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 23:24
They shall come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples; they shall set themselves against you with buckler and shield and helmet all around; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments.
(See NIV)

Daniel 1:4
Young men who were strong and healthy, good-looking, and trained in all wisdom, having a good education and much knowledge, and able to take positions in the king's house; and to have them trained in the writing and language of the Chaldaeans.
(BBE)

Subtopics

Positions

Related Terms

Procurator

Consulted (33 Occurrences)

Sphere (3 Occurrences)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Nations (683 Occurrences)

Reading (58 Occurrences)

Table (125 Occurrences)

Signs (127 Occurrences)

Future (88 Occurrences)