Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Sojourning refers to the act of residing temporarily in a place that is not one's permanent home. In the biblical context, sojourning often involves living in a foreign land or among people who are not one's kin. This concept is significant throughout the Scriptures, as it reflects themes of faith, trust in God, and the transient nature of earthly life. Old Testament References The concept of sojourning is introduced early in the Bible with the patriarchs. Abraham is perhaps the most notable sojourner. God called him to leave his homeland and journey to a land He would show him. Genesis 12:1-2 states, "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'" Abraham's life as a sojourner is further emphasized in Genesis 23:4 , where he describes himself as "a foreigner and a stranger among you" when negotiating for a burial site for Sarah. This acknowledgment of his status as a sojourner underscores his reliance on God's promises rather than earthly possessions. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt is another significant example. Initially welcomed during Joseph's time, their status changed to that of oppressed sojourners, leading to their eventual exodus. Exodus 12:40-41 records, "Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt." New Testament References In the New Testament, the theme of sojourning is spiritualized, reflecting the Christian's journey through life. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" in 1 Peter 2:11 , urging them to abstain from sinful desires. This language highlights the temporary nature of earthly life and the call to live in a manner that reflects one's heavenly citizenship. The Epistle to the Hebrews also speaks to the concept of sojourning, particularly in Hebrews 11, which recounts the faith of the patriarchs. Hebrews 11:9-10 states, "By faith he [Abraham] dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Theological Significance Sojourning in the Bible is a metaphor for the believer's life on earth. It emphasizes the transient nature of earthly existence and the call to live by faith, trusting in God's promises. The sojourner's journey is marked by reliance on God, a forward-looking hope for a heavenly homeland, and a life that reflects the values of God's kingdom. The biblical narrative of sojourning encourages believers to view their earthly life as a temporary passage, with their true citizenship in heaven. This perspective fosters a sense of detachment from worldly concerns and a focus on spiritual growth and eternal priorities. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sojourn.2. (n.) The act or state of one who sojourns. Greek 3940. paroikia -- a sojourning ... a sojourning. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paroikia Phonetic Spelling: (par-oy-kee'-ah) Short Definition: a sojourning Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3940.htm - 6k 3927. parepidemos -- sojourning in a strange place 590. apodemos -- gone abroad Strong's Hebrew 4033. magor -- a sojourning place, dwelling place, a sojourning... a sojourning place, dwelling place, a sojourning. Transliteration: magor or magur Phonetic Spelling: (maw-goor') Short Definition: sojourning. ... /hebrew/4033.htm - 6k 1483. Gur -- "sojourning, dwelling," a place in Palestine 4186. moshab -- a seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling ... 1481a. gur -- to sojourn 8453. toshab -- a sojourner Library Fragment iv. --On the Sojourning of Christ with Us. Letter clviii . To the Catholic Bishops of Egypt Sojourning in ... Father and Judge Psalm LXV. The First Epistle. Chapter xxviii Psalm LVI. Psalm CXX. John on the Same Passage. 1 Cor. xi. 28 Thesaurus Sojourning (35 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sojourn. 2. (n.) The act or state of one who sojourns. Multi-Version Concordance Sojourning (35 Occurrences). ... /s/sojourning.htm - 18k Exodus (2 Occurrences) Sojourners (37 Occurrences) Sojourner (81 Occurrences) Sojournings (8 Occurrences) Stranger (152 Occurrences) E'phraim (146 Occurrences) Sojourneth (27 Occurrences) Venison (10 Occurrences) Native-born (16 Occurrences) Resources What is a sojourner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSojourning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sojourning (35 Occurrences)Mark 13:34 Acts 2:10 Acts 7:6 Acts 13:17 Acts 17:21 1 Peter 1:17 Genesis 17:8 Genesis 28:4 Genesis 47:9 Exodus 3:22 Exodus 12:40 Exodus 12:49 Leviticus 16:29 Leviticus 17:10 Leviticus 17:12 Leviticus 17:13 Leviticus 18:26 Leviticus 19:34 Leviticus 20:2 Leviticus 25:6 Leviticus 25:45 Numbers 15:14 Numbers 15:15 Numbers 15:16 Numbers 15:26 Numbers 15:29 Numbers 19:10 Joshua 20:9 Judges 19:1 Judges 19:16 1 Kings 17:20 2 Chronicles 15:9 Isaiah 38:12 Jeremiah 35:7 Ezekiel 47:22 Subtopics Related Terms |