Topical Encyclopedia The term "wrestleth" is an archaic form of the verb "wrestle," which appears in various contexts within the Bible, often symbolizing spiritual struggle, perseverance, and the fight against evil forces. The concept of wrestling is used metaphorically to describe the believer's spiritual battles and the effort required to maintain faith and righteousness.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 32:24-28 : One of the most notable instances of wrestling in the Bible is the account of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious man, who is later revealed to be God or an angel of God. "So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. Then the man said, 'Let Me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me.' 'What is your name?' the man asked. 'Jacob,' he replied. Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.'" This passage illustrates the perseverance and determination required in spiritual struggles, as well as the transformative power of such encounters with the divine. 2. Ephesians 6:12 : The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of wrestling to describe the Christian's spiritual warfare: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Here, wrestling signifies the intense and ongoing battle against spiritual adversaries, emphasizing the need for vigilance and the armor of God. Theological Significance: The act of wrestling in the Bible often symbolizes the believer's engagement in spiritual warfare and the necessity of persistence in faith. It reflects the reality that the Christian life involves continuous struggle against sin, temptation, and spiritual opposition. The imagery of wrestling conveys the intensity and personal nature of these battles, requiring strength, endurance, and reliance on God's power. Spiritual Application: Believers are encouraged to "wrestle" in prayer and faith, much like Jacob, who refused to let go until he received a blessing. This persistence in seeking God and His will is a vital aspect of the Christian walk. The metaphor of wrestling also serves as a reminder that spiritual victories are often hard-won and require the full armor of God, as outlined in Ephesians 6:13-18. In summary, the concept of "wrestleth" in the Bible underscores the importance of spiritual perseverance and the believer's active role in combating spiritual forces through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's strength. Library On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Thesaurus Wrestleth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Wrestleth (1 Occurrence). Genesis 32:24 And Jacob is left alone, and one wrestleth with him till the ascending of the dawn; (YLT). ... /w/wrestleth.htm - 6k Wrestling (8 Occurrences) Wrestler (3 Occurrences) Ascending (16 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Wrestleth (1 Occurrence)Genesis 32:24 Subtopics Related Terms |
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