Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "bottoms" is not directly referenced in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations. However, the concept of "bottoms" can be explored through related themes and passages that discuss depths, foundations, and the lower parts of the earth or sea. These themes often carry significant theological and symbolic meanings within the biblical narrative.
Depths and FoundationsThe Bible frequently uses imagery of depths and foundations to convey ideas of stability, creation, and the profound nature of God's works. In
Genesis 1:2, the earth is described as "formless and void," with "darkness over the surface of the deep," indicating the chaotic and unformed state before God's creative order was established. The "deep" here can be understood as the primordial waters, the bottomless chaos from which God brings forth creation.
In
Job 38:16, God challenges Job with the question, "Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?" This rhetorical question highlights the mystery and inaccessibility of the ocean's depths, which are known only to God. The "recesses of the deep" can be seen as the bottoms of the sea, emphasizing God's omniscience and omnipotence.
Symbolism of the Sea and DepthsThe sea and its depths often symbolize chaos, danger, and the unknown in biblical literature. In
Psalm 107:23-24, those who "go down to the sea in ships" witness the "works of the LORD and His wonders in the deep." Here, the sea's depths are a place where God's power and majesty are revealed, demonstrating His control over creation.
The prophet Jonah's experience further illustrates this symbolism.
Jonah 2:3-6 describes his descent into the "heart of the seas" and the "roots of the mountains," where he is trapped in the "deep." Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish reflects a spiritual and physical descent to the bottoms of the sea, from which God delivers him, symbolizing redemption and divine intervention.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of "bottoms" or depths in the Bible often serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most inaccessible and mysterious parts of the world. It underscores the belief that nothing is hidden from God and that His presence extends to the farthest reaches of the earth and sea.
In the New Testament, the theme of depths is echoed in
Romans 11:33, where Paul exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Here, "depth" signifies the immeasurable and unfathomable nature of God's wisdom and knowledge, inviting believers to trust in His divine plan and purpose.
Moral and Spiritual LessonsThe imagery of depths and bottoms in the Bible often carries moral and spiritual lessons. It serves as a metaphor for the human condition, where individuals may find themselves in the depths of despair or sin. Yet, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's ability to reach into these depths and offer salvation and hope.
Psalm 130:1-2 captures this sentiment: "Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice." This plea for divine assistance from the depths reflects the believer's reliance on God's mercy and grace, affirming the promise of redemption and restoration.
In summary, while the term "bottoms" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its related themes of depths and foundations are rich with theological significance, illustrating God's omnipotence, the mystery of creation, and the hope of redemption for those who call upon Him.
Library
A Sight of the Crowned Christ
... The crowds gathered eagerly in the Jordanbottoms in even greater numbers than to
hear John, drawn by a power they felt they must yield to, and did yield to...
God on a Wooing Errand.
... It was kindled that memorable afternoon early in his life down in the Jordan
bottoms.[1] John's namesake, the Herald, applied the kindling match....
The Forgotten Preacher.
... But John did otherwise. He went down to the Jordanbottoms, where the spirit
ventilation was better, and called the people to him. And they came....
Warp-Threads.
... the story begins with the accounts of the deputation that was sent from Jerusalem
by the official leaders of the nation, down to the Jordanbottoms where John...
Way-Marks in John's Narrative.
... story. The time begins with John's preaching in the Jordanbottoms and
reaches up practically to the evening of the betrayal. It...
God's Use of Weak Things.
... Joshua is upon the mountain top with sun shining and air bracing and outlook inspiring.
Judges is down in the valleybottoms, dark and gloomy, and depressing....
The Contemptuous Rejection.
... Away from cultured Jerusalem on the hilltops down to the riverbottoms, and the
stony barrens of the Jordan; from the Judean hill country, away from the...
Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar.
... Sea. It was once described as "the garden of God," that is, as Eden, for
beauty and fertility, like the fertile Egyptianbottoms....
The Story of Jonah.
... wrapped about my head. I went down to thebottoms of the mountains; the
earth with her bars was about me forever.". Then he praised...
The Mountain Road
... 'bare heights.'. Pastures in the East are down inbottoms, not, like ours, upon
the hills. But this flock finds supplies on the barren hill-tops....
Thesaurus
Bottoms (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bottoms (1 Occurrence). Jonah 2:6 I went down to
the
bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever
...Bottom (33 Occurrences)
... (2) qarqa', "soil," "pavement of tesserae" (Amos 9:3). (3) qetsebh, "cutting,"
"chop," "extremity" (Jonah 2:6, "thebottoms of the mountains")....
Bough (8 Occurrences)
Bottomless (9 Occurrences)
Lily (9 Occurrences)
... 2:1) has nothing to do with the plant of that name; the flowers referred to appear
to have been associated with the rank herbage of the valleybottoms (Songs 4...
Webbing (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Web. 2. (n.) A woven band of cotton or flax, used for reins,
girths, bedbottoms, etc. Multi-Version Concordance Webbing (1 Occurrence)....
Table (125 Occurrences)
... 29. (vt) To make board hems in the skirts andbottoms of (sails) in order
to strengthen them in the part attached to the boltrope. 30....
Barred (5 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jonah 2:6 I went down to thebottoms of the mountains. The earth barred
me in forever: yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God....
Broad (113 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) The spread of a river into a sheet of water; a flooded fen. 13. (n.) A
lathe tool for turning down the insides andbottoms of cylinders. Int....
Sank (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Jonah 2:6 I went down to thebottoms of the mountains. The earth barred
me in forever: yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God....
Resources
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