Topical Encyclopedia
The term "valiantly" in the context of the Bible often refers to acts of courage, bravery, and strength in the face of adversity, particularly in the service of God and His purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where numerous figures demonstrate valiant behavior as they fulfill God's commands and defend His people.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of acting valiantly is frequently associated with warfare and the defense of Israel. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of David. In
1 Samuel 18:5, it is recorded, "So David marched out and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And this pleased all the people, as well as Saul’s servants." David's success in battle and his leadership are seen as acts of valor, demonstrating his reliance on God's strength.
Another significant reference is found in
2 Samuel 10:12, where Joab, the commander of David's army, encourages his troops with the words, "Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight." Here, the call to act valiantly is directly linked to the defense of God's people and the trust in His divine will.
The Psalms also celebrate valiant deeds, often attributing them to God's empowerment.
Psalm 60:12 declares, "With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies." This verse highlights the belief that true valor comes from reliance on God's power rather than human strength alone.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not focus on physical warfare, the concept of acting valiantly is applied to spiritual battles and the perseverance of faith. In
1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul exhorts the believers, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." This call to courage and strength is a spiritual mandate, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and opposition.
The Book of Hebrews also speaks to the valiant faith of the Old Testament heroes.
Hebrews 11:34 recounts how through faith, individuals "quenched the fury of the flames, escaped the edge of the sword, whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies." This passage underscores the idea that faith in God can transform weakness into strength, enabling believers to act valiantly.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, acting valiantly is seen as a response to God's call and empowerment. It is not merely about human bravery but about participating in God's redemptive work with courage and faith. The biblical narrative consistently points to the idea that true valor is rooted in obedience to God and trust in His promises.
In summary, the concept of acting valiantly in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual courage. It is a demonstration of faith in action, where individuals rely on God's strength to overcome challenges and fulfill His purposes. Whether in the context of ancient battles or spiritual perseverance, the call to act valiantly remains a timeless exhortation for believers.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VALIANT, VALIANTLYval'-yant, val'-yant-li (chayil; ischuros): "Valiant" in the Old Testament is for the most part the translation of chayil, "power," or "might," and is applied to the courageous and to men of war ("mighty men of valor"), as in 1 Samuel 14:52; 1 Samuel 31:12 2 Samuel 11:16, etc.; in some passages ben chayil, "a son of might" (Judges 21:10 1 Samuel 18:17 2 Samuel 2:7, etc.). A few other Hebrew words (gibbor, etc.) are thus rendered. In the New Testament the word occurs once in the King James Version (Hebrews 11:34, "valiant in fight"; the Revised Version (British and American) "mighty in war"). "Valiantly" is the translation of the same Hebrew word (Numbers 24:18 Psalm 60:12, etc.); in one case in the King James Version of chazaq (1 Chronicles 19:13, the American Standard Revised Version "play the man," the English Revised Version "men"). In some instances the Revised Version (British and American) has variations, as "man of valor" for "valiant man" (1 Samuel 16:18), "valiant" for "strong" (1 Chronicles 26:7, 9 Jeremiah 48:14, etc.).
W. L. Walker
Strong's Hebrew
2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen... retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax)
strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self
valiantly, withstand.
... 2428. chayil -- strength, efficiency, wealth, army
... 1), nobly (1), power (2), retinue (2), riches (9), strength (10), strong (2), substance
(1), troops (2), valiant (41), valiant* (4), valiantly (6), valor (18 ...
Library
Of Temptations
... following: "My brother, when a king arrays one of his knights in strong armour of
proof, it is a token that he requires him to fight valiantly against his ...
Trinidad
... The Arrawaks, to do them justice, defended themselves more valiantly than the still
gentler people of Hayti, Cuba, Jamaica, Porto Rico, and the Lucayas: but ...
Psalm 118
... Of joy and health: the Lord's right hand. doth ever valiantly. ^16The right hand
of the mighty Lord. ... The right hand of the mighty Lord. doth ever valiantly. ...
Whether the Circumstances are Properly Set Forth in the Third Book ...
... Thus, that a valiant man act "valiantly for the sake of" the good of the virtue
or fortitude, is not a circumstance; but if he act valiantly for the sake of ...
The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
... and manifestly sustained by the love unto their Maker, were by faith freed from
the ties of the body; the impotent enemy they have valiantly destroyed under ...
The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs.
... Having fought valiantly, ye have, O ascetics, manfully endured the assaults of the
tyrants; with love ye have laid your souls under the sword and have put on ...
Preface.
... It is an awful problem. But the writers of the Bible have faced it valiantly.
Physical science is facing it valiantly now. Therefore ...
The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... hide into a hundred fragments, when, leaping from his steed, which he directed Pedrillo
to hold, he drew his falchion of Toledo steel, and valiantly on foot ...
The Death of Saint George.
... his body, and bled in such abundance that his strength began to enfeeble and grow
weak: yet, retaining his true nobleness of mind, he valiantly returned victor ...
The Fourth
... of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession
for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of ...
Thesaurus
Valiantly (9 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia VALIANT,
VALIANTLY.
... WL Walker. Multi-Version
Concordance
Valiantly (9 Occurrences). Numbers 24:18 Edom shall be a possession.
...Trample (34 Occurrences)
... Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down
our adversaries. (See NIV). ... Psalms 108:13 Through God, we will do valiantly. ...
Victory (71 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will
tread down our adversaries. ... Psalms 108:13 Through God, we will do valiantly. ...
Valiant (66 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Intrepid in danger; courageous; brave. 3. (a.) Performed with valor or bravery;
heroic. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VALIANT, VALIANTLY. ...
Tread (60 Occurrences)
... Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down
our adversaries. ... (YLT). Psalms 108:13 Through God, we will do valiantly. ...
Foes (95 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will
tread down our adversaries. ... Psalms 108:13 Through God, we will do valiantly. ...
Adversaries (93 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who
will tread down our adversaries. (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS). ...
Enemy (134 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS NIV). Numbers 24:18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also, even
his enemies, shall be a possession; while Israel doeth valiantly. (See NIV). ...
Valiantest (1 Occurrence)
Valiants (1 Occurrence)
Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Gad? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Docetism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Zebulun? | GotQuestions.orgValiantly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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