Dictionary of Bible Themes – 5901 loneliness
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5901 loneliness

5901 loneliness

God intends human beings to live together in harmony and to value one another, but Scripture recognises many reasons for individuals to feel unwanted and isolated.

Loneliness is not part of God’s plan for human beings

Ge 2:18 See also Ps 68:5-6; Isa 49:15

God is with his people at all times and in all circumstances

Isa 41:10 See also Dt 31:8; Jos 1:9; Ps 27:10; Isa 43:2; Mt 28:20; Jn 14:18; Heb 13:5-6

Reasons why people may experience loneliness

Sin Isa 59:2 See also Ge 4:10-12; 1Sa 28:5-6; Ps 81:11-12; Isa 64:7; Hos 5:6; Eph 4:18

Remorse Mt 27:4-5 See also 1Ch 21:17; Mt 26:75

Lack of friends Ps 142:4 See also Jn 5:7; Jn 14:18

Social ostracism Jn 4:9 A moral outcast (see Jn 4:18), she was collecting water at the hottest part of the day, when she could do so alone. See also Lk 19:7 A Jew who worked for the Roman occupying power was considered a traitor.

Public shame Jn 8:3 See also Mk 15:29-32

Desertion 2Ti 4:16 See also Ps 38:11; Ps 88:18

Loss of family Lk 7:12 See also Ru 1:3-5; 2Sa 18:33; 2Ki 4:1; Job 1:20-21; Ps 27:10; Mt 2:17-18; Jer 31:15; 1Ti 5:5

Loss of identity Lk 8:27 pp Mk 5:2-3 See also Lk 8:30 pp Mk 5:9

Discontent Ecc 4:8 See also Ecc 2:10-11,18; Heb 13:5-6

Disability Ac 3:2 See also Lev 21:17-18; Mt 9:32; Mt 12:22

Disease Lk 17:12 Lepers were forbidden to mix with those not affected. See also Lev 13:4; Nu 5:1-3; 2Ki 7:3; 2Ch 26:21

Insomnia Ps 102:7 See also Job 7:4; Da 6:18

Depression 1Ki 19:4 See also Dt 33:27; Job 7:16; Ps 43:5; Ps 73:16-17; Jer 15:10; Mic 7:1

Poverty Pr 19:7 See also 1Ki 17:12; Pr 19:4; Lk 15:14-16

Old age Ps 71:9 See also 2Sa 19:34-35

Dying and the approach of death Ps 23:4 See also Ps 18:4-6; Ro 8:38-39

Loneliness experienced as a consequence of God’s calling

God’s setting apart for service 1Ki 19:10 See also Jdg 6:14-15; Jer 1:5; Jer 4:18-19; Jer 15:16-17

Leadership Mk 10:32 See also Ex 24:1-2; Jos 1:6-7; Mt 20:17-19

Responsibility Nu 11:14 See also Ex 18:17-18; 2Co 11:28

Jesus Christ experienced loneliness

Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:33-34 See also Ps 22:1-2; Mt 4:1-2 pp Lk 4:1-2; Mt 14:23; Lk 4:28-30; Jn 6:67; Jn 16:32

Positive aspects of loneliness

Solitude provides an opportunity for communion with God Mt 6:6 See also Ex 3:1-2; Ex 33:9; 2Ki 4:32-33; Mt 26:39; Mk 1:35; Mk 6:45-46; Rev 1:9

Engaging in spiritual warfare Ge 32:24

The opportunity for spiritual experiences away from the crowd Mk 9:2 See also Da 10:8; 2Co 12:2-4

Solitude as rest from the turmoil of everyday life Mk 6:31-32 See also Mt 11:28

See also

1110God, present everywhere
2530Christ, death of
5056rest
5689friendlessness
5690friends
5734relationships
5770abandonment
5795bereavement
7921fellowship
8341separation
8482spiritual warfare
8602prayer

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