Topical Encyclopedia
The term "beset" in biblical context often refers to being surrounded, afflicted, or troubled by difficulties, temptations, or enemies. It conveys a sense of being encircled or overwhelmed, often with negative connotations. The concept of being beset is frequently used to describe the spiritual and moral challenges faced by believers.
Biblical Usage:1.
Hebrews 12:1 : "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." In this passage, the word "entangles" is often understood in the context of being beset by sin. The imagery suggests that sin can easily ensnare or surround believers, hindering their spiritual progress. The exhortation is to lay aside these encumbrances to run the race of faith with perseverance.
2.
Psalm 139:5 : "You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me." While this verse does not use the word "beset," it conveys a similar idea of being surrounded. However, in this context, it is God's protective presence that encircles the psalmist, offering comfort and assurance rather than distress.
3.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 : "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." The apostle Paul describes the trials and pressures faced by believers, illustrating the concept of being beset by external challenges. Despite these pressures, the passage emphasizes resilience and divine support.
Theological Implications:The notion of being beset is significant in understanding the Christian life as a spiritual journey fraught with challenges. Believers are called to recognize the reality of sin and temptation that can easily ensnare them. The Bible encourages vigilance and the active pursuit of holiness, urging Christians to rely on God's strength to overcome these obstacles.
The imagery of being beset also highlights the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ. The "great cloud of witnesses" in
Hebrews 12:1 serves as an encouragement to persevere, reminding believers that they are not alone in their struggles. The support and example of fellow believers can provide strength and motivation to overcome the sins and challenges that beset them.
Practical Application:Christians are encouraged to identify and confront the specific sins and temptations that beset them. This involves self-examination, prayer, and the application of Scripture to one's life. By acknowledging these challenges, believers can seek God's grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to overcome them.
Furthermore, the concept of being beset calls for a proactive approach to spiritual growth. This includes regular engagement with the Word of God, participation in communal worship, and the cultivation of spiritual disciplines. By doing so, believers can fortify themselves against the encircling pressures of sin and the world.
In summary, the biblical concept of being beset serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle faced by Christians. It underscores the need for vigilance, reliance on God's strength, and the support of the Christian community in overcoming the challenges that threaten to hinder one's faith journey.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) To besiege on all sides.
2. (v. t.) To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects.
3. (v. t.) To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade.
4. (v. t.) To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; -- said of dangers, obstacles, etc.
5. (v. t.) To occupy; to employ; to use up.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BESETbe-set' (euperistatos): The most common sense of this word is "to surround." This is the thought in Psalm 139:5, and teaches the omnipresence of God. Often wicked men find that the things which they have done so envelope them that they cannot escape ruin (Hosea 7:2). The reference in Hebrews 12:1 is first of all against the sin of apostasy against which repeated warning is given in this book. But the warning is also against any sin that is especially dangerous to us. It, again and again, surrounds us like a besieging army. To surrender would be traitorous and disgraceful, since the Captain of the Lord's host is with us.
Jacob W. Kapp
Greek
4029. perikeimai -- to lie around ... Word Origin from peri and keimai Definition to lie around NASB Word Usage
beset (1), hung (2), surrounding (1), wearing (1). enclose, encircle, wear.
... 2139. euperistatos -- easily encircling
... histemi; well standing around, ie (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction
(figuratively, of sin in genitive case) -- which doth so easily beset. ...
Strong's Hebrew
3803. kathar -- to surround... root Definition to surround NASB Word Usage crowned (1), encircled (1), surround
(2), surrounded (1), wait (1).
beset round, compass about, be crowne, suffer.
... 5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround
... and figuratively (as follows) -- bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl,
X round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege ...
6696. tsuwr -- to confine, bind, besiege
... adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind up, cast, distress, fashion, A
primitive root; to cramp, ie Confine (in many applications ...
2314. chadar -- to surround, enclose
... enter a privy chamber. A primitive root; properly, to inclose (as a room), ie (by
analogy,) to beset (as in a siege) -- enter a privy chamber. 2313, 2314. ...
Library
The Second virtue of the Manich??ans Beset with the Former, and ...
... Chapter XIX."The Second Virtue of the Manich??ans Beset with the Former, and with
New Absurdities; Virtue, Active and Passive, the Fashioner of Matter, and ...
Heralds of the Gospel
... satanic influence. Although sorely beset by Satan, Paul had the courage to
rebuke the one through whom the enemy was working. "Filled ...
What the Christians Believe Regarding the Supreme Good and Evil ...
... spirit. So long, therefore, as we are beset by this weakness, this plague,
this disease, how shall we dare to say that we are safe? ...
The Great High-Priest.
... temptation. We dare not say that mere man would certainly have yielded to the
sore trials that beset Jesus. ... offers. Special trials beset Him. ...
The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ...
... required us "to strive to enter in at the strait gate," (Luke 13:23) thereby intimating,
not only that the passage is narrow, but that it is beset with enemies ...
Temptation
... Now these temptations specially beset religious men"men who are, or fancy themselves,
superior to their fellow-men, more favoured by God, and with nobler ...
Predictions of Christ in Ps. xxii.
... Many calves have compassed me; fat bulls have beset me round. ... For many dogs have
surrounded me; the assembly of the wicked have beset me round. ...
The Pharisees are the Bulls: the Roaring Lion is Herod or the ...
... "Then what is next said in the Psalm"For trouble is near, for there is none to help
me. Many calves have compassed me; fat bulls have beset me round. ...
January the First the Unknown Journey
... Concerning his yesterdays faith says, "Thou hast beset me behind." Concerning his
to-morrows faith says, "Thou hast beset me before." Concerning his to-day ...
September the Eighteenth the All-Round Defence
... SEPTEMBER The Eighteenth THE ALL-ROUND DEFENCE. "Thou hast beset me behind."
"Psalm 139:1-12. And ... complete. "Thou hast beset me ... ...
Thesaurus
Beset (16 Occurrences)... 5. (vt) To occupy; to employ; to use up. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BESET.
... Jacob W. Kapp. Multi-Version Concordance
Beset (16 Occurrences).
...Encompassed (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Wherefore, seeing we also are encompassed with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and ...
Bestead (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Bestead. 2. (vt) To put in a certain situation or condition;
to circumstance; to place. 3. (vt) To put in peril; to beset. ...
Besiege (17 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To beset or surround with armed forces, for the purpose
of compelling to surrender; to lay siege to; to beleaguer; to beset. ...
Compassed (52 Occurrences)
... Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and ...
Obsession (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The act of besieging. 2. (n.) The state of being besieged; -- used specifically
of a person beset by a spirit from without. Multi-Version Concordance ...
Lowest (28 Occurrences)
... and taken to themselves certain wicked men of the lowest rabble, and having got
a crowd together, set the city in confusion; and having beset the house of ...
Gib'e-ah (45 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:5 And the men of Gib'e-ah rose against me, and beset the house round about
me by night; they meant to kill me, and they ravished my concubine, and ...
Worry (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To harass or beset with importunity, or with care an anxiety; to vex;
to annoy; to torment; to tease; to fret; to trouble; to plague. ...
Waylay (3 Occurrences)
... (vt) To lie in wait for; to meet or encounter in the way; especially, to watch for
the passing of, with a view to seize, rob, or slay; to beset in ambush. ...
Resources
What are besetting sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about homosexuality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.orgBeset: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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