Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of a "step" often symbolizes progress, movement, or the journey of faith. The term can be both literal and metaphorical, representing physical movement or spiritual advancement. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of steps to convey guidance, direction, and the path one should follow in life.Literal Steps In a literal sense, steps are mentioned in the context of physical movement or architectural structures. For example, in the construction of the temple, steps were an integral part of the design. In 1 Kings 10:19, the throne of Solomon is described: "The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest." This description highlights the grandeur and majesty associated with steps in royal and sacred settings. Metaphorical Steps Metaphorically, steps often represent the journey of faith and obedience to God's commandments. Psalm 37:23 states, "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey." This verse emphasizes the belief that God guides the faithful, directing their paths and ensuring their steps align with His divine will. Similarly, Proverbs 16:9 declares, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This proverb underscores the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers, suggesting that while humans may make plans, it is ultimately God who directs their steps. Spiritual Guidance The concept of steps is also used to illustrate spiritual guidance and moral integrity. In Psalm 119:133, the psalmist prays, "Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me." Here, the request is for divine guidance through adherence to God's Word, highlighting the importance of Scripture in directing one's life. Jesus and the Path of Righteousness In the New Testament, the idea of following in the steps of Jesus is a central theme. 1 Peter 2:21 encourages believers to emulate Christ: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." This passage calls Christians to live a life of righteousness and suffering for the sake of the Gospel, following the example set by Jesus. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the imagery of steps serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of faith, divine guidance, and the pursuit of righteousness. Whether referring to physical steps or the spiritual path, the concept underscores the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and following the example of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To move the foot in walking; to advance or recede by raising and moving one of the feet to another resting place, or by moving both feet in succession.2. (v.) To walk; to go on foot; esp., to walk a little distance; as, to step to one of the neighbors. 3. (v.) To walk slowly, gravely, or resolutely. 4. (a.) Fig.: To move mentally; to go in imagination. 5. (v. t.) To set, as the foot. 6. (v. t.) To fix the foot of (a mast) in its step; to erect. 7. (n.) An advance or movement made by one removal of the foot; a pace. 8. (n.) A rest, or one of a set of rests, for the foot in ascending or descending, as a stair, or a round of a ladder. 9. (n.) The space passed over by one movement of the foot in walking or running; as, one step is generally about three feet, but may be more or less. Used also figuratively of any kind of progress; as, he improved step by step, or by steps. 10. (n.) A small space or distance; as, it is but a step. 11. (n.) A print of the foot; a footstep; a footprint; track. 12. (v. i.) Gait; manner of walking; as, the approach of a man is often known by his step. 13. (v. i.) Proceeding; measure; action; an act. 14. (v. i.) Walk; passage. 15. (n.) A portable framework of stairs, much used indoors in reaching to a high position. 16. (v. i.) In general, a framing in wood or iron which is intended to receive an upright shaft; specif., a block of wood, or a solid platform upon the keelson, supporting the heel of the mast. 17. (n.) One of a series of offsets, or parts, resembling the steps of stairs, as one of the series of parts of a cone pulley on which the belt runs. 18. (n.) A bearing in which the lower extremity of a spindle or a vertical shaft revolves. 19. (n.) The interval between two contiguous degrees of the scale. 20. (n.) A change of position effected by a motion of translation. Greek 898. bathmos -- a step, degree ... a step, degree. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: bathmos Phonetic Spelling: (bath-mos') Short Definition: a step, a stage, a position Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/898.htm - 6k 968. bema -- a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal 1684. embaino -- to walk on, to step into, ie embark 1224. diabaino -- to step across 3900. paraptoma -- a false step, a trespass 5233. huperbaino -- to step over, transgress 576. apobaino -- to step off, disembark 304. anabathmos -- a going up, an ascent 4748. stoicheo -- to be in rows, fig. to walk by rule 1910. epibaino -- to go aboard, to go up to Strong's Hebrew 838. ashshur -- step, going... 837, 838. ashshur. 839 . step, going. Transliteration: ashshur Phonetic Spelling: (aw-shoor') Short Definition: step. Word Origin ... /hebrew/838.htm - 6k 6587. pesa -- a step 1978. halik -- a step 4703. mitsad -- a step 6806. tsaad -- a step, pace 6585. pasa -- to step, march 6805. tsaad -- to step, march 4609b. maalah -- a step, stair 804a. ashur -- step, going 804. Ashshuwr -- step, going Library "Keep Step. " In Step with Jesus. A Downward Step. Ere Another Step I Take An Advance Step in the Royal Programme But Let us Now Go Back to Consider the Third Step Here Mentioned.. ... Of the Truth and Its Steps, and of God. Steps to Wisdom: First, Fear; Second, Piety; Third, Knowledge ... Going Forth How Charity Contains in it the Gifts of the Holy Ghost. Thesaurus Step (41 Occurrences)... 2. (v.) To walk; to go on foot; esp., to walk a little distance; as, to step to one of the neighbors. 3. (v.) To walk slowly, gravely, or resolutely. ... /s/step.htm - 19k Degree (19 Occurrences) Tread (60 Occurrences) Pace (3 Occurrences) Go (17871 Occurrences) Trip (4 Occurrences) Stride (2 Occurrences) Sharp (115 Occurrences) Stepped (16 Occurrences) Writing (194 Occurrences) Resources In what ways should Christians be prepared to step outside their comfort zone? | GotQuestions.orgI am a new Christian. What is the next step? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about stepparenting / step-parenting? | GotQuestions.org Step: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Step (41 Occurrences)Matthew 1:20 Mark 12:13 Galatians 5:25 1 Timothy 3:13 James 1:8 Genesis 2:23 Genesis 49:22 Deuteronomy 21:5 Judges 19:27 1 Samuel 5:5 1 Samuel 20:3 2 Samuel 22:37 1 Kings 10:20 2 Chronicles 9:19 Job 18:7 Job 18:11 Job 18:14 Job 23:11 Job 31:4 Job 31:7 Job 31:37 Job 34:21 Psalms 17:11 Psalms 18:36 Psalms 37:31 Psalms 44:18 Psalms 89:51 Psalms 119:33 Psalms 119:112 Proverbs 4:12 Proverbs 7:8 Proverbs 14:15 Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 30:29 Isaiah 9:5 Isaiah 27:4 Isaiah 41:2 Jeremiah 10:5 Jeremiah 10:23 Lamentations 4:18 Ezekiel 26:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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