[Greek] κλίνω (klinō), [Latin] clinare: to cause to bend, to bow down, to put to flight, to draw to a close, to draw near, to recline, in incline, to lie down, to rest, to lean, to lean towards; Mt.8:20, Lk.9:12, Lk.9:58, Lk.24:5, Lk.24:5, Lk.24:29, Jn.19:30, Heb.11:34
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, taking on many meanings, means to cause to lean, to cause to give away, to rest, to turn aside, to make another recline, to make subservient, to be tipped over, to turn (in battle), to lie down, to fall, to recline at meals, to wander off, to decline, and to come to an end. Aristophanes’ Plutus 621 states, “But let us make has to put Plutus to bed in the Temple of Asclepius.” Aristophanes’ Knights 98 states, “But bring it to me while I take my seat.” Sophocles’ Ajax 131 states, “For a day can press down all human thing, and a day can raise them up.” Aeschylus’ Persians 931 states, “The Land of Asia, the leading power of earth, has piteously been bowed down to her knees.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.5.13 states, “The Athenians, as a consequence of their superiority, grew careless of themselves, and have thus become degenerate, much as an athlete, who in a class by themselves and win the championship easily, are apt to grow slack and drop below their rivals.”
Old Testament: This term also has many meanings. Not surprisingly, going down (in a locational sense) occurs quite frequently. This term can mean to decline, to lay down, to let down, to kneel, to incline, to bend, to bring down, to stretch out, to turn, to bend, to relax, and to lodge. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there (Gen.12:10). Where he bowed, there he fell dead (Jdg.5:27). You have subdued under me those who rose up against me (2Sam.22:40). He built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched a tent there (Gen.12:8). The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him (Gen.39:21). Don’t turn to idols, nor make yourselves molten gods (Lev.19:4). The exile will soon be set free (Isa. 51:14). Give us seven days’ respite that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel (1Sam.11:3).
New Testament: This term can mean to bow down (the head), to put to flight, to draw to a close, to begin to end, to rest, and to prostrate oneself. Even Jesus, the Son of Man, needs to find a place to rest His head. After the feeding of the multitude, the people needed to find a place of lodging (to rest). Upon seeing the empty tomb and two men (angels) in dazzling garments, the disciples bowed their faced to the ground. Jesus stayed with travelers on the Emmaus road. Jesus eventually bows His head and dies on the cross. Rev.2:12-17 makes references to the letter written to the persevering Christians in the church in Pergamum who were dealing with emperor worship and pagan practices. One such god included Asclepius. In contrast to the patients hearing what was said in their dreams, the angel pleads for the Christians to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Scripture:
“When Jesus had taken the wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing His head, He handed over His Spirit.” Jn.19:30
Jesus finishes His Passover on the cross. Jesus is the Lamb being sacrificed on the cross.
“Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” Lk.9:12
The multitudes need to find rest in lodging somewhere.
Conclusion:
Recline, incline, decline, declination, inclination, clinic
I was surprised by the many uses and meanings of this term which can apply in everyday situations. In the city of Pergamum, one of the cities in Revelations, patients were placed in the temple of the healing god Asclepius. It was believed that these patients received “medical prescriptions” in their dreams. The patients would later give this “prescription” to be filled out by the temple priest. You also can notice a serpent around a staff next to Asclepius. Interestingly, this symbol is associated the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Greek athletes, like any other athletes in any period of history, will decline in their capabilities without training or competition.
It is interesting to note that the Greek term kline means couch, bed, stretcher, cot, and sleeping mat. It goes without saying that one who reclines is resting or sleeping. A clinic is a place where a patient reclines in bed and a doctor leans over in treating his patient.
One who declines is someone who turns something aside. The declination of a celestial body refers to its passing (movement) in the heavens. One who leans in a certain way is inclined to act or do something.
To be honest, I really did not have any inclination–[sorry, couldn’t resist]– that this term would have so many meanings and senses.