Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of "pushing" can be understood both literally and metaphorically. It often conveys the idea of force, aggression, or the exertion of influence, whether physical or spiritual. The term itself may not frequently appear in English translations, but the underlying actions and themes are present throughout Scripture.
Physical PushingOne of the more literal instances of pushing can be seen in the context of warfare and conflict. In the Old Testament, battles and physical confrontations often involved the act of pushing against enemies. For example, in the book of Daniel, the vision of the ram and the goat describes a forceful confrontation: "I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, and no beast could stand before him, and there was no one to rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great" (
Daniel 8:4). Here, the act of pushing symbolizes the aggressive expansion and dominance of a kingdom.
Metaphorical PushingMetaphorically, pushing can represent the exertion of influence or pressure in various aspects of life. In the spiritual realm, believers are often encouraged to "push" forward in their faith, striving towards spiritual maturity and resisting the pressures of the world. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in
Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" . The idea of pressing on or pushing forward is central to the Christian journey, emphasizing perseverance and dedication.
Pushing in RelationshipsIn interpersonal relationships, pushing can have both positive and negative connotations. Positively, it can refer to encouraging or urging others towards good deeds and spiritual growth.
Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" . This spurring or pushing is a form of encouragement within the Christian community.
Conversely, pushing can also imply coercion or undue pressure, which is cautioned against in Scripture. In the context of leadership and authority, Peter advises elders to shepherd the flock "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (
1 Peter 5:3). This suggests that leaders should guide gently rather than push forcefully.
Pushing and Spiritual WarfareIn spiritual warfare, pushing can symbolize the resistance against evil forces. Believers are called to stand firm and push back against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11-13 encourages Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" . The imagery of standing firm implies a resistance, a pushing back against spiritual adversaries.
ConclusionThe concept of pushing in the Bible encompasses a range of actions and attitudes, from physical confrontations to spiritual perseverance and relational dynamics. Whether in the context of warfare, personal growth, or community interactions, the underlying principle often involves exerting effort, influence, or resistance in alignment with God's will and purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Push.
2. (a.) Pressing forward in business; enterprising; driving; energetic; also, forward; officious, intrusive.
Greek
1598. ekpeirazo -- to test thoroughly, tempt ... test , ie with the of testing to an (unwarranted) degree; "hyper-test," going to
improper measures which exceed appropriate boundaries and
pushing the one
... 3791. ochleo -- to disturb, trouble
... a , carrying someone along. That is, like a tumultuous pushing the entrapped
passer-by to destination. [3791 () is literally "having ...
Strong's Hebrew
7716. seh -- one of a flock, a sheep (or goat)... Or sey {say}; probably from sha'ah through the idea of
pushing out to graze; a member
of a flock, ie A sheep or goat -- (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb
... Library
Peter on the Waves
... What was bad in it? First, the characteristic pushing of himself to the front, and
wish to be singled out from his brethren by some special token. ...
The Life, Education, and Training of Julian, and his Accession to ...
... good cheer, because in his judgment the victims were propitious, and since they
surrounded the symbol of the Christian doctrine, and was indeed pushing into it ...
Evidences of Regeneration.
... to set up and organize the visible kingdom of God on earth; to lay a foundation
for universal reform, was rather their business, than the pushing forward of ...
Heroic Faith
... have been plenty of excuses very ready about using means as well as exercising faith,
and not being called upon to abandon advantages, and not pushing a good ...
Priscilla and Aquila
... So, in the infinite complexity of events, do not let us worry ourselves by forecasting,
but let us trust, and be sure that the Hand which is pushing us is ...
Growth
... simplest spiritual things. A lily grows mysteriously, pushing up its solid
weight of stem and leaf in the teeth of gravity. Shaped into ...
The Right to Privacy
... Though the courtyard is fairly commodious, it is packed with people, talking,
gesticulating, pushing to get a better vantage point from which to view the bride ...
Making Haste to be Rich.
... thousand dollars capital. In a little while, he was trading high, and pushing
his business to the utmost of its capacity. At the ...
Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... It was, however, merely pushing to excess a conviction already prevalent in the
Church, that Christianity and Judaism were distinct religions. ...
"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... Peyton managed every thing, even to paying the bills; and when I offered to repay
him my proportion, he said" "No, no!""pushing back my hand""nonsense!". ...
Thesaurus
Pushing (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pushing (26 Occurrences).
... (See NIV). Mark 12:8 And they
took him and put him to death,
pushing his body out of the garden. (BBE).
...Put (13688 Occurrences)
... 11. (vt) To throw or cast with a pushing motion overhand, the hand being raised
from the shoulder; a practice in athletics; as, to put the shot or weight. 12. ...
Leg (24 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 34:21 Because you have been pushing with side and leg, pushing the diseased
with your horns till they were sent away in every direction; (BBE). ...
Aramaeans (49 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, made himself horns of iron and
said, The Lord says, Pushing back the Aramaeans with these, you will put an ...
Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... 19. (vt) Treatment shown by an enemy; mercy; especially, the act of sparing the
life a conquered enemy; a refraining from pushing one's advantage to extremes. ...
Quick-tempered (3 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:7 For it is necessary for a Bishop to be a man of virtue, as God's servant;
not pushing himself forward, not quickly moved to wrath or blows, not ...
Ossifrage (2 Occurrences)
... These he generally obtains by pushing them over cliffs, when he has watched his
opportunity; and he has been known to attack men while climbing rocks, and dash ...
Languishing (6 Occurrences)
... Nahum 1:4 He is pushing against a sea, and drieth it up, Yea, all the floods He
hath made dry, Languishing 'are' Bashan and Carmel, Yea, the flower of Lebanon ...
Laughed (27 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 22:7 I am laughed at by all those who see me: pushing out
their lips and shaking their heads they say, (BBE). Psalms ...
Gore (9 Occurrences)
... his horn), the Revised Version (British and American) "gore." The same verb in Piel
and HithpaeI is elsewhere translated "push" and "pushing" (Deuteronomy 33:17 ...
Resources
How can I evangelize my friends and family without pushing them away? | GotQuestions.orgWith all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.orgPushing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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