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Scripture Mapping

Friendship

Referenced in 21 chapter analyses

Walk these chapters over 21 days — the corpus’s own order, divided. Not a curated plan.

Overview

Friendship in the Bible is portrayed as a significant and sacred relationship characterized by love, loyalty, and mutual support. It reflects God's desire for community and connection among His people.

In biblical times, friendships were often formed within the context of family and community, reflecting the communal nature of society. The relationships depicted in scripture often illustrate loyalty and support in times of trial.

Key themes

  • Love and Loyalty
  • Support and Encouragement
  • Faithfulness
  • Iron Sharpens Iron

Key verses

  1. Proverbs 27:17As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another, illustrating the mutual growth and encouragement found in friendships.
  2. 1 Samuel 18:1-3The deep bond between David and Jonathan exemplifies loyalty and selflessness in friendship.

Notable passages

  1. Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity, highlighting the steadfast nature of true friendship.
  2. John 15:13-15Jesus calls His disciples friends, emphasizing the depth of relationship and sacrificial love.
  3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Two are better than one, for they have a good reward for their labor; if one falls, the other can lift him up.

Practical applications

  • Cultivate deep, meaningful friendships that reflect Christ's love.
  • Be a source of encouragement and support to friends in times of need.
  • Seek to build community within the church through genuine relationships.

Theological significance

  • Friendship reflects the relational nature of God, who desires a personal relationship with humanity.
  • It illustrates the importance of community and support among believers.
  • Friendship serves as a model for love and sacrifice, mirroring Christ's love for His followers.

Connected topics

Friendship and the topics the corpus connects it to. A heavier line joins two of those topics to each other — the connection you would not have found by reading down the list. The same connections in words, with what the corpus says about each.
  • Community

    Friendship contributes to the broader theme of community in the Bible, where believers are called to live in fellowship.

  • Companion

    The Bible provides numerous examples of friendship, such as David and Jonathan, illustrating the depth and significance of companionship.

  • David Mourning for Saul and Jonathan

    The bond between David and Jonathan exemplifies deep friendship, which is further explored in their earlier interactions in 1 Samuel.

  • David's Lament (2 Samuel 1)

    The bond between David and Jonathan is a significant aspect of this lament, illustrating the depth of true friendship and loyalty.

  • Human Alliances

    The concept of friendship, as seen in David and Jonathan's relationship, is a significant aspect of human alliances.

  • Love

    Friendship is a practical expression of love, as seen in the way friends support and care for one another.

Chapters that reference this

Old Testament

  • 1 Samuel 18Cross-References · Cultural Impact · Key Events · Key Figures · Practical Applications · Study Questions · Symbolism · Themes · Theological Insights
  • 1 Samuel 19Cultural Impact · Historical Context · Key Figures · Practical Applications · Study Questions · Themes
  • 1 Samuel 20Cross-References · Cultural Impact · Geography · Historical Context · Key Events · Key Figures · Practical Applications · Study Questions · Themes
  • 1 Samuel 23Cross-References · Cultural Impact · Geography · Key Events · Key Figures · Practical Applications · Study Questions · Themes · Theological Insights
  • 1 Samuel 31Key Figures
  • 2 Samuel 1Cross-References · Cultural Impact · Historical Context · Key Events · Key Figures · Practical Applications · Study Questions
  • 1 Chronicles 8Cultural Impact · Key Figures
  • 1 Chronicles 10Key Figures
  • Job 2Cross-References
  • Job 6Cross-References · Practical Applications · Themes · Theological Insights
  • Job 16Cross-References
  • Psalms 25Study Questions
  • Psalms 141Cross-References
  • Proverbs 13Cultural Impact
  • Proverbs 17Cross-References · Linguistic Insights · Practical Applications · Symbolism
  • Proverbs 18Cross-References · Cultural Impact · Practical Applications · Theological Insights
  • Proverbs 27Cross-References · Key Events · Linguistic Insights · Practical Applications · Study Questions · Themes
  • Ecclesiastes 7Cross-References
  • Song of Solomon 5Cross-References

New Testament

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