Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "thank" originates from the Old English "thancian," which means to express gratitude or appreciation. In the biblical context, thanking is an act of expressing gratitude to God or others for blessings, kindness, or benefits received. Biblical Usage: In the Bible, the concept of thanking is closely associated with praise, worship, and acknowledgment of God's goodness and mercy. It is a fundamental aspect of a believer's relationship with God, reflecting a heart of gratitude and recognition of His sovereignty and provision. Old Testament References: Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often linked with offerings and sacrifices. The Israelites were instructed to give thanks as part of their worship and covenant relationship with God. For example, in the Psalms, thanksgiving is frequently mentioned as an integral part of worship: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4). The Levitical law also included thank offerings, which were voluntary sacrifices made to express gratitude to God (Leviticus 7:12-15). These offerings were a tangible expression of thankfulness for God's provision and deliverance. New Testament References: In the New Testament, thanksgiving is emphasized as a vital aspect of Christian living. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to give thanks in all circumstances, highlighting it as God's will for them: "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Jesus Himself modeled thanksgiving, notably during the Last Supper when He gave thanks before breaking the bread and sharing the cup with His disciples (Matthew 26:27). This act of thanksgiving is central to the Christian practice of Communion, reminding believers of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant. Theological Significance: Thanksgiving in the Bible is more than a mere expression of gratitude; it is a recognition of God's character and His work in the world. It acknowledges His sovereignty, faithfulness, and love. By giving thanks, believers align themselves with God's purposes and cultivate a heart of humility and dependence on Him. Thanksgiving is also a means of spiritual warfare, as it shifts focus from circumstances to God's unchanging nature. It is an act of faith, trusting in God's goodness despite life's challenges. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, integrating it into daily prayer and worship. This practice not only honors God but also transforms the believer's perspective, fostering joy and contentment. The Apostle Paul advises, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). Conclusion: While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that thanksgiving is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting a heart posture that is pleasing to God and beneficial for the believer's spiritual growth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A expression of gratitude; an acknowledgment expressive of a sense of favor or kindness received; obligation, claim, or desert, or gratitude; -- now generally used in the plural.2. (n.) To express gratitude to (anyone) for a favor; to make acknowledgments to (anyone) for kindness bestowed; -- used also ironically for blame. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia THANK; THANKS; THANKSGIVINGthank, thanks, thanks-giv'-ing, thanks'-giv-ing: Both the verb and the nouns appear almost uniformly for yadhah, and eucharisteo, and their cognates. Eucharisteo is the usual Greek verb for "to thank," but yadhah takes on this force only through its context and is rather a synonym for "raise" or "bless" (which see) Septuagint renders yadhah usually by exomologeo, "speak forth together" "praise" (compare Tobit 12:20; Sirach 39:6, etc., and the use of "thank" in English Versions of the Bible to correspond), and this verb reappears in Matthew 11:25 parellel Luke 10:21, with English "thank" (the Revised Version margin "praise"). Compare the use of anthomologeomai (Luke 2:38) and homologeo (Hebrews 13:15, the King James Version "giving thanks," the Revised Version (British and American) "make confession"; the King James Version is preferable). For charis in the sense of "thanks" (note the singular "thank" in the King James Version Sirach 20:16; Luke 6:32-34), see GRACE. 1 Peter 2:19 the King James Version has "thankworthy" for charis, the Revised Version (British and American) "acceptable," the Revised Version margin "grace." THANK OFFERING See SACRIFICE. Greek 2168. eucharisteo -- to be thankful ... to be thankful. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eucharisteo Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-khar-is-teh'-o) Short Definition: I thank, give thanks Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2168.htm - 8k 5485. charis -- grace, kindness 133. ainesis -- praise 2127. eulogeo -- to speak well of, praise 2169. eucharistia -- thankfulness, giving of thanks Strong's Hebrew 8426. todah -- thanksgiving... thanksgiving NASB Word Usage choir (1), choirs (2), confession (1), hymns of thanksgiving (1), praise (1), sacrifices of thanksgiving (1), thank offering (2 ... /hebrew/8426.htm - 6k 3034. yadah -- to throw, cast 3029. yeda -- to praise 8018. Shelemyah -- "friend of Yah," the name of several Israelites 1288. barak -- to kneel, bless Library My God, I Thank Thee, who Hast Made Praise and Thanksgiving. Now Thank we all Our God LM Norton. My God, I Thank Thee! Now Thank we all Our God On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O Father ... Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O ... But Let this Pass, for what Follows is of More Importance. I Thank ... Table Prayers. Morning Prayers. 1 Timothy i. 14-Dec Thesaurus Thank (68 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. THANK; THANKS; THANKSGIVING. thank, thanks, thanks-giv'-ing, thanks'-giv-ing: Both the verb and ... /t/thank.htm - 27k Thank-offering (5 Occurrences) Thank-offerings (3 Occurrences) Thank-worthy (1 Occurrence) Thanksgiving (49 Occurrences) Thanks (151 Occurrences) Understanding (248 Occurrences) Willing-hearted (3 Occurrences) Intelligent (47 Occurrences) Infants (71 Occurrences) Resources Why is giving thanks to God important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Catholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.org Thank: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Thank (68 Occurrences)Matthew 11:25 Luke 6:32 Luke 6:33 Luke 6:34 Luke 10:21 Luke 17:9 Luke 18:11 John 11:41 Acts 10:33 Romans 1:8 Romans 7:25 1 Corinthians 1:4 1 Corinthians 1:14 1 Corinthians 10:30 1 Corinthians 14:18 Philippians 1:3 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 4:14 Colossians 1:3 1 Thessalonians 1:2 1 Thessalonians 2:13 2 Thessalonians 1:3 2 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Timothy 1:12 2 Timothy 1:3 Philemon 1:4 Leviticus 7:12 Leviticus 22:29 Deuteronomy 24:13 1 Chronicles 16:4 1 Chronicles 16:7 1 Chronicles 23:30 1 Chronicles 29:13 2 Chronicles 29:31 2 Chronicles 33:16 Psalms 7:17 Psalms 28:7 Psalms 30:9 Psalms 30:12 Psalms 35:18 Psalms 43:4 Psalms 44:8 Psalms 50:14 Psalms 50:23 Psalms 52:9 Psalms 54:6 Psalms 56:12 Psalms 57:9 Psalms 71:22 Psalms 86:12 Psalms 88:10 Psalms 100:1 Psalms 107:8 Psalms 107:15 Psalms 107:21 Psalms 107:22 Psalms 107:31 Psalms 108:3 Psalms 109:30 Psalms 111:1 Psalms 116:17 Psalms 118:19 Psalms 118:21 Isaiah 12:1 Isaiah 38:18 Jeremiah 33:11 Daniel 2:23 Amos 4:5 Subtopics Thank Offering or Peace Offering Related Terms Thank-offering (5 Occurrences) Thank-offerings (3 Occurrences) Understanding (248 Occurrences) Willing-hearted (3 Occurrences) |