Entertainments
81 passages listed in Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook. Verse text: Berean Standard Bible; links open in your translation.
50 sections
- A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests
- Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To
- Began with Thanksgiving
- Concluded with a Hymn
- Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests,
- Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned
- Given by the Guests in Return
- Given on Occasions of Birthdays
- Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings
- Given on Occasions of Festivals
- Given on Occasions of Harvest Home
- Given on Occasions of Marriage
- Given on Occasions of National Deliverance
- Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice
- Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants
- Given on Occasions of Return of Friends
- Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing
- Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends
- Given on Occasions of Vintage
- Given on Occasions of Weaning Children
- Guests At: Arranged According to Rank
- Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance
- Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish
- Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes
- Guests At: Saluted by the Master
- Guests At: Usually Anointed
- Invitations to Often Addressed to Many
- Invitations to Often by the Master in Person
- Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends
- Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready
- Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor
- Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine
- Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner
- Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper
- Men and Women did not Usually Meet At
- Music and Dancing often Introduced At
- None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The
- None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At
- Offense Given by Refusing to Go To
- Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains
- Often Given in The Court of the House
- Often Given in The House
- Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber
- Often Great
- Often Scenes of Great Intemperance
- Portions of, often Sent to the Absent
- Preparations Made For
- Served often by Hired Servants
- Served often by Members of the Family
- Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast
A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests
- Genesis 43:34 When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph.
- 1 Samuel 1:5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
- 1 Samuel 9:23–24 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” …
Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To
- Luke 14:22–23 ‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ …
Began with Thanksgiving
- 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”
- Mark 8:6 And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd.
Concluded with a Hymn
- Mark 14:26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests,
- John 13:26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.
Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned
- Matthew 23:6 They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,
- Luke 14:7–8 When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: …
Given by the Guests in Return
- Job 1:4 Job’s sons would take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
- Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
Given on Occasions of Birthdays
- Mark 6:21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings
- 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.
- 1 Kings 1:18–19 But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, do not know it. …
- 1 Chronicles 12:39–40 They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. …
- Hosea 7:5 The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him.
Given on Occasions of Festivals
- 1 Samuel 20:5 So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now.
- 1 Samuel 20:24–26 So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat. …
Given on Occasions of Harvest Home
- Ruth 3:2–7 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. …
- Isaiah 9:3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people rejoice before You as they rejoice at harvest time, as men rejoice in dividing the plunder.
Given on Occasions of Marriage
- Matthew 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.
Given on Occasions of National Deliverance
- Esther 8:17 In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear …
- Esther 9:17–19 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. …
Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice
- Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
- Deuteronomy 12:6–7 To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. …
- 1 Samuel 1:4–5 And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. …
- 1 Samuel 1:9 So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants
- Genesis 26:30 So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank.
- Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
Given on Occasions of Return of Friends
- 2 Samuel 12:4 Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.”
- Luke 15:23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing
- 1 Samuel 25:2 Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.
- 1 Samuel 25:36 When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.
- 2 Samuel 13:23 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king.
Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends
- 1 Kings 19:21 So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.
Given on Occasions of Vintage
- Judges 9:27 And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech.
Given on Occasions of Weaning Children
- Genesis 21:8 So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.
Guests At: Arranged According to Rank
- Genesis 43:33 They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment.
- 1 Samuel 9:22 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited — about thirty in all.
- Luke 14:10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you.
Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance
- Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
- Genesis 43:24 And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.
- Luke 7:38 As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.
- Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish
- Matthew 26:23 Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me.
Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes
- Genesis 43:34 When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph.
- 1 Samuel 1:4 And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.
Guests At: Saluted by the Master
- Luke 7:45 You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.
Guests At: Usually Anointed
- Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
- Luke 7:46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.
Invitations to Often Addressed to Many
- Luke 14:16 But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests.
Invitations to Often by the Master in Person
- 2 Samuel 13:24 And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?”
- Esther 5:4 “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”
- Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.
- Luke 7:36 Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends
- 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.
- Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready
- Proverbs 9:1–5 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. …
- Luke 14:17 When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor
- Deuteronomy 14:29 Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands.
- Luke 14:13 But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind,
Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine
- Esther 5:6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner
- Genesis 43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.”
- Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
- Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper
- Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
- John 12:2 So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
Men and Women did not Usually Meet At
- Esther 1:8–9 By order of the king, no limit was placed on the drinking, and every official of his household was to serve each man whatever he desired. …
- Mark 6:21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
- Matthew 14:11 John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
Music and Dancing often Introduced At
- Amos 6:5 You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.
- Mark 6:22 When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
- Luke 15:25 Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The
- Luke 13:24–25 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. …
None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At
- Esther 1:8 By order of the king, no limit was placed on the drinking, and every official of his household was to serve each man whatever he desired.
Offense Given by Refusing to Go To
- Luke 14:18 But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’
- Luke 14:24 For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’”
Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains
- 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.
Often Given in The Court of the House
- Esther 1:5–6 At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest. …
- Luke 7:36–37 Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. …
Often Given in The House
- Luke 5:29 Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber
- Mark 14:14–15 and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ …
Often Great
- Genesis 21:8 So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.
- Daniel 5:1 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them.
- Luke 5:29 Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
Often Scenes of Great Intemperance
- 1 Samuel 25:36 When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.
- Daniel 5:3–4 Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. …
- Hosea 7:5 The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him.
Portions of, often Sent to the Absent
- 2 Samuel 11:8 Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him.
- Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- Esther 9:19 This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.
Preparations Made For
- Genesis 18:6–7 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” …
- Proverbs 9:2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
- Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
- Luke 15:23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
Served often by Hired Servants
- Matthew 22:13 Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
- John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Served often by Members of the Family
- Genesis 18:8 Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.
- Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
- John 12:2 So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast
- John 2:8–9 “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, …
Related topics
Topics: Nave’s Topical Bible (1896) and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook (1897), public domain, via the Berean Bible topical index.