In biblical terms, a "throng" refers to a large, densely packed crowd of people. The concept of a throng is often associated with significant events in the Bible, where large groups gather, either in anticipation of witnessing a miracle, hearing a teaching, or participating in a communal event. The presence of a throng can indicate the popularity or notoriety of a figure or event, as well as the fervor and urgency of the people involved.

Old Testament References

While the specific term "throng" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the idea of large gatherings is prevalent. For example, during the festivals and feasts prescribed by the Law of Moses, throngs of Israelites would gather in Jerusalem to worship and offer sacrifices. These gatherings were not only religious obligations but also opportunities for communal unity and celebration.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "throng" is more explicitly used to describe the crowds that followed Jesus during His ministry. The Gospels frequently depict scenes where Jesus is surrounded by throngs of people, eager to hear His teachings, witness His miracles, or seek healing.

One notable instance is found in the Gospel of Mark, where a woman with a bleeding condition seeks to touch Jesus amidst a pressing throng. Mark 5:24-27 states, "So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him. And a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had borne much agony under the care of many physicians and had spent all she had, but to no avail. Instead, her condition had only grown worse. When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak."

This passage highlights the desperation and faith of individuals within the throng, as well as the challenges faced by those seeking personal encounters with Jesus amidst the masses.

Theological Implications

The presence of throngs in the biblical narrative often underscores the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the deep spiritual hunger of the people. The throngs that followed Jesus were composed of individuals from various backgrounds, illustrating the inclusive nature of His message and the universal need for salvation.

Moreover, the throngs serve as a backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles, emphasizing His compassion and authority. Despite the overwhelming numbers, Jesus often took time to address individual needs, demonstrating that while He ministered to the masses, He also cared deeply for each person within the crowd.

Symbolic Significance

In a symbolic sense, throngs can represent the collective human response to divine intervention. They reflect both the curiosity and the genuine spiritual longing that draw people to God. The throngs in the Gospels are a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' presence and the hope that He brought to a weary world.

Conclusion

The concept of a throng in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the communal and individual aspects of faith. It highlights the dynamic interaction between Jesus and the people, showcasing His ability to touch lives on both a large and personal scale. Through the lens of the throng, believers are encouraged to seek Jesus with the same fervor and faith as those who pressed through the crowds to encounter Him.1. (imp.) of Thring.

2. (n.) A multitude of persons or of living beings pressing or pressed into a close body or assemblage; a crowd.

3. (n.) A great multitude; as, the heavenly throng.

4. (v. i.) To crowd together; to press together into a close body, as a multitude of persons; to gather or move in multitudes.

5. (v. t.) To crowd, or press, as persons; to oppress or annoy with a crowd of living beings.

6. (v. t.) To crowd into; to fill closely by crowding or pressing into, as a hall or a street.

7. (a.) Thronged; crowded; also, much occupied; busy.

3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people
... the common people. 3793 -- a crowd (throng). The ("") is used about three
times more frequently than the (""). The singular and ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3793.htm - 8k

4128. plethos -- a great number
... bundle (1), congregation (4), crowd (3), great number (1), multitude (7), multitudes
(1), number (1), number of people (2), people (6), quantity (1), throng (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4128.htm - 6k

4846. sumpnigo -- to choke
... choke, throng. From sun and pnigo; to strangle completely, ie (literally) to drown,
or (figuratively) to crowd -- choke, throng. see GREEK sun. see GREEK pnigo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4846.htm - 7k

4918. sunthlibo -- to press together
... throng. From sun and thlibo; to compress, ie Crowd on all sides -- throng. see
GREEK sun. see GREEK thlibo. (sunethlibon) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4918.htm - 6k

4912. sunecho -- to hold together, to hold fast, pass. to be ...
... figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy -- constrain, hold, keep in,
press, lie sick of, stop, be in a strait, straiten, be taken with, throng. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4912.htm - 7k

2346. thlibo -- to press, afflict
... afflict, suffer tribulation, trouble. Akin to the base of tribos; to crowd (literally
or figuratively) -- afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2346.htm - 7k

4871. sunalizo -- to assemble with
... assemble From sun and halizo (to throng); to accumulate, ie Convene -- assemble
together. see GREEK sun. (sunalizomenos) -- 1 Occurrence. 4870, 4871. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4871.htm - 5k

3656. homileo -- to consort with, hence to converse with
... Word Origin from homilos (a crowd, throng) Definition to consort with, hence to
converse with NASB Word Usage converse (1), talked (1), talking (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3656.htm - 6k

4519. sabaoth -- Sabaoth, ie armies
... armies. 4519 (the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew term, , OT 6635) --
host(s), an innumerable throng (limitless company). 4519 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4519.htm - 7k

7285a. regesh -- a throng
... regesh. 7285b . a throng. Transliteration: regesh Short Definition: throng. Word
Origin from ragash Definition a throng NASB Word Usage throng (1). ...
/hebrew/7285a.htm - 5k

5519. sak -- a throng
... a throng. Transliteration: sak Phonetic Spelling: (sawk) Short Definition: throng.
Word Origin from sakak Definition a throng NASB Word Usage throng (1). ...
/hebrew/5519.htm - 6k

7285b. rigshah -- a throng
... rigshah. 7286 . a throng. Transliteration: rigshah Short Definition: tumult. Word
Origin from ragash Definition a throng NASB Word Usage tumult (1). ...
/hebrew/7285b.htm - 5k

7285. regesh -- a throng
... 7284, 7285. regesh. 7285a . a throng. Transliteration: regesh Phonetic Spelling:
(reh'-ghesh) Short Definition: company. company, insurrection ...
/hebrew/7285.htm - 5k

7277. rigmah -- a heap (of stones), crowd (of people)
... 7276, 7277. rigmah. 7278 . a heap (of stones), crowd (of people). Transliteration:
rigmah Phonetic Spelling: (rig-maw') Short Definition: throng. ...
/hebrew/7277.htm - 6k

1980. halak -- to go, come, walk
... set* (1), spent (1), spread (1), sprout (1), stalks (1), steadily (2), steps (1),
strut (1), surely go (2), swept (1), take (6), taking (2), throng (1), took (1 ...
/hebrew/1980.htm - 8k

6899. qibbuts -- assemblage
... Word Origin from qabats Definition assemblage NASB Word Usage collection (1). company.
From qabats; a throng -- company. see HEBREW qabats. 6898, 6899. ...
/hebrew/6899.htm - 6k

527. amon -- multitude
... Word Origin the same as amon, qv. multitude A variation for hamown; a throng of
people -- multitude. see HEBREW hamown. 526, 527. amon. 528 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/527.htm - 5k

5971a. am -- people
... 3), force (1), men (1), nation (1), nations (4), own people (1), people (1614),
people's (4), people* (1), peoples (187), public* (1), throng (1), together (1 ...
/hebrew/5971a.htm - 5k

Lord of a Countless Throng,
... PENITENCE AND LOVE Lord of a countless throng,. tr., John Brownlie 6,6,8,6,6,
6. I. Lord of a countless throng,. Fair as the stars of night,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the morningland/lord of a countless throng.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... At last, in the midst of the jubilant throng, Jesus appeared, clad in a
long garment of gray, over which was cast a flowing robe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

Holy violence
... WHEN JOHN THE BAPTIST preached in the wilderness of Judea, the throng of people
who pressed around him became extremely violent to get near enough to hear his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/holy violence.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed before the
flood; men of lofty stature and giant intellect, who, yielding to the control ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed before the
Flood; men of lofty stature and giant intellect, who, yielding to the control ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

In his Temple
... He had not yet publicly announced His mission, and He mingled unnoticed with the
throng. ... The temple courts were filled with a promiscuous throng. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

No one ever Afterwards Quite Knew How the Crowd in the Church ...
... Angela as a shield and defence from the crowd; but before he had time to consider
how he should best pilot her through the pushing and scrambling throng, a way ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xiv no one ever afterwards.htm

In Rome
... As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thoroughfare, the
gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-looking criminals ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

The City that Hath Foundations
... The chariot of Elijah,. The shining angel throng. Shall bear her through the Heavens,. ...
Through Heaven's high palace hall. The throng that none can number,. ...
/.../the city that hath foundations.htm

In Sanctuary
... new Patrician and Consul was never seen in public except when he paced to the Theatre
or Circus between his lictors, or in the centre of a throng of soldiers ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

Throng (21 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A great multitude; as, the heavenly throng. ... 7. (a.) Thronged; crowded; also,
much occupied; busy. Multi-Version Concordance Throng (21 Occurrences). ...
/t/throng.htm - 12k

Rout (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To search or root in the ground, as a swine. 5. (n.) A troop; a throng;
a company; an assembly; especially, a traveling company or throng. ...
/r/rout.htm - 9k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... 14. (vi) To move on with urging and crowding; to make one's way with violence or
effort; to bear onward forcibly; to crowd; to throng; to encroach. 15. ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

Crowd (166 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To press together or collect in numbers; to swarm; to throng. 6. (vi) To
urge or press forward; to force one's self; as, a man crowds into a room. ...
/c/crowd.htm - 35k

Shoal (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A great multitude assembled; a crowd;
a throng; -- said especially of fish; as, a shoal of bass. ...
/s/shoal.htm - 7k

Swarm (26 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together; to congregate in a
multitude. ... 10. (vt) To crowd or throng. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/swarm.htm - 15k

Thrones (19 Occurrences)

/t/thrones.htm - 13k

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)
... Yet his mind was not entirely engrossed by material considerations, for he joined
the throng which gathered to see Jesus on His entrance into the city. ...
/z/zacchaeus.htm - 10k

Lest (282 Occurrences)
... Mark 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because
of the multitude, lest they should throng him. (KJV ASV WBS RSV). ...
/l/lest.htm - 37k

Group (32 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A cluster, crowd, or throng; an assemblage, either of persons or things,
collected without any regular form or arrangement; as, a group of men or of ...
/g/group.htm - 16k

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