Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Wishing, in a biblical context, refers to the expression of a desire or hope for something to happen. It is a natural human inclination to desire outcomes that align with personal or communal well-being. In the Bible, wishing is often associated with prayer, hope, and the seeking of God's will. Biblical References While the term "wishing" itself is not frequently used in the Bible, the concept is present in various forms. The act of wishing can be seen in the expressions of desires and hopes throughout Scripture. For example, in the Psalms, the psalmists often express their desires for God's intervention and blessings. Psalm 37:4 states, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This verse suggests that aligning one's desires with God's will is key to fulfilling one's wishes. Wishing and Prayer Wishing is closely related to prayer in the Bible. Prayer is the means by which believers express their desires to God, seeking His guidance and provision. In Philippians 4:6 , Paul writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse encourages believers to bring their wishes and desires before God in prayer, trusting in His wisdom and timing. Wishing and God's Will The Bible emphasizes the importance of aligning one's wishes with God's will. In James 4:3 , it is written, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This passage highlights the necessity of seeking God's will rather than selfish desires. Wishing for things that are in accordance with God's purposes is encouraged, as seen in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Warnings Against Selfish Wishing The Bible warns against wishes that stem from selfishness or greed. In 1 John 2:16 , it is stated, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world." This verse cautions believers to be wary of worldly desires that can lead them away from God. Wishing for Others Wishing well for others is a biblical principle that reflects love and compassion. In 3 John 1:2 , John writes, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." This expression of wishing for another's well-being is an example of Christian love and fellowship. Conclusion The concept of wishing in the Bible is intricately linked with prayer, the alignment of desires with God's will, and the expression of love and goodwill towards others. While the Bible encourages believers to express their desires to God, it also emphasizes the importance of seeking His will above personal ambitions. Topical Bible Verses John 1:3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Topicalbible.org Galatians 3:8 Colossians 1:17 Acts 1:8 1 Corinthians 8:6 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wish.Greek 1014. boulomai -- to will ... See 1012 (). 1014 (" plan") is a strong term that underlines the predetermined (and determined) intention driving the planning (wishing, resolving). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1014.htm - 9k 940. baskaino -- to slander, hence by ext. to bewitch 2309. thelo -- to will, wish 780. asmenos -- gladly Library Then Midas, King of Pessinus, Wishing to Withdraw the Youth from ... Wishing to Give a Reason for the Lord's Answer to the Apostles... Wishing to Answer the Above-Stated Objection Somewhat More Fully.. ... Not Wishing to Overload this Long Essay with Too Many Parentheses. ... And Wishing to Show at Greater Length that Even the Thoughts of ... After This, Wishing to Prove that There is no Difference Between ... In the Next Place, Wishing to Shake the Faith of those who Believe ... After This, Wishing to Prove that the Occurrences which Befell Him ... And Having Come to a Certain Cave, and Wishing to Rest in It... The General Purport of this Work the Heretics, Marcion, Apelles ... Thesaurus Wishing (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Wishing (25 Occurrences). ... Luke 8:20 And it was told him saying, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, wishing to see thee. ... /w/wishing.htm - 13k Wished (31 Occurrences) Wist (13 Occurrences) Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences) You-ward (9 Occurrences) Volition Undermine (1 Occurrence) Offense (44 Occurrences) Jehoiakim (37 Occurrences) Wisheth (1 Occurrence) Resources Is it wrong to wish for something? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the possibility of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? | GotQuestions.org Wishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wishing (25 Occurrences)Mark 15:15 Luke 8:20 Luke 10:29 Luke 23:8 Luke 23:20 John 16:19 Acts 19:33 Acts 22:30 Acts 23:28 Acts 24:27 Acts 25:9 Acts 25:22 Acts 27:29 Acts 27:30 Acts 27:43 Acts 28:18 Romans 9:3 2 Corinthians 11:12 2 Corinthians 11:32 Galatians 1:7 Galatians 4:20 1 Timothy 6:9 Hebrews 12:17 2 Peter 3:9 Job 31:30 Subtopics Related Terms |