Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "baffles" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept of being baffled, confused, or perplexed is present throughout the Bible, often in relation to the mysteries of God's wisdom, the actions of His people, or the unfolding of His divine plan.
Divine Wisdom and Human PerplexityThe Bible frequently highlights the distinction between God's infinite wisdom and human understanding. In
Isaiah 55:8-9 , the Lord declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage underscores the idea that God's plans and purposes can often baffle human comprehension, as His wisdom surpasses all human reasoning.
Mysteries of God's PlanThroughout Scripture, God's plan for humanity and His methods of working in the world can be perplexing to those who witness them. In
Romans 11:33 , the Apostle Paul exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" This acknowledgment of the inscrutability of God's judgments reflects the common biblical theme that God's ways can be baffling to human minds.
The Disciples' ConfusionThe New Testament provides several instances where Jesus' disciples are baffled by His teachings and actions. In
Mark 9:32 , after Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, it is noted, "But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it." The disciples' confusion highlights the challenge of grasping the full scope of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom.
Parables and TeachingsJesus often used parables to convey deep spiritual truths, which sometimes left His listeners baffled. In
Matthew 13:10-11 , the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables, to which He replies, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." This indicates that the parables were designed to reveal truths to those with spiritual insight while remaining a mystery to others.
The Role of FaithIn the face of baffling circumstances or divine mysteries, the Bible calls believers to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage encourages believers to rely on faith rather than their own understanding when confronted with situations that baffle them.
ConclusionWhile the term "baffles" itself is not found in the Bible, the concept of being perplexed by God's ways, teachings, and plans is a recurring theme. The Scriptures invite believers to embrace faith and trust in God's higher wisdom, even when His actions and purposes are beyond human comprehension.
Greek
215. alaletos -- inexpressible... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: alaletos Phonetic Spelling:
(al-al'-ay-tos) Short Definition: unutterable, that
baffles words Definition:
...Strong's Hebrew
598. anas -- to oppress... anas. 599 . to oppress. Transliteration: anas Phonetic Spelling: (an-as') Short
Definition:
baffles.
... root Definition to oppress NASB Word Usage
baffles (1).
...Library
Book iii. The Words of the Lord, I in the Father...
... character in the liquid. The mode of actionbaffles sight and sense, but the
power of God is manifest in the result achieved. 6. In the...
Washed to Greater Foulness
... never so clean; yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall
abhor me!" The sense of misery couched in this passagebaffles description....
He Will be an Intellectual Genius
... Again, in Dan.8:23 he is referred to as "A King of fierce countenance." who shall
"understand dark sentences." That whichbaffles others shall be simple to him...
(On the Passion, xi. )
... And amidst all the works of God which weary out man's wondering contemplation, what
so delights and sobaffles our mind's gaze as the Saviour's Passion?...
The Same.
... 3 Thro' all his works his wisdom shines, Andbaffles Satan's deep designs; His
power is sovereign to fulfil The noblest counsels of his will....
Consolations in Bereavement
... Death wrought with thee, sweet maid, impatiently:". Yet merciful the haste. That
baffles sickness;"dearest, thou didst die,. Thou wast not made to taste....
Of the Excitements of the Flesh, Without the Humiliation of which...
... glow of perfection, or even keep to strict frugality and abstinence, were it not
that this excitement of the flesh springs up and humbles us andbaffles us and...
The Divine Perfections.
... His truth and promise seal the grace. Through all his works his wisdom shines,.
Andbaffles Satan's deep designs; His power is sovereign to fulfil....
Whether Baptism Has an Equal Effect in All?
... they receive equal grace, they do not make an equal use of it, but one applies himself
more to advance therein, while another by his negligencebaffles grace....
The Withered Hand
... acute a foe. While observing their malice, and the exquisite skill which
baffles it, we must not lose sight of other lessons. It is...
Thesaurus
Baffles (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Baffles (1 Occurrence). Daniel 4:9 Belteshazzar,
master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit
...Baffled (4 Occurrences)
Bag (52 Occurrences)
Psychology
... for either theory. Birth is a mystery whichbaffles investigation, and
Scripture throws no light upon that mystery. Yet some who...
Borrowing (1 Occurrence)
... historical or literary evidence. The one outstanding fact whichbaffles
all these writers is the empty grave. Others suggest that...
Resurrection (42 Occurrences)
... historical or literary evidence. The one outstanding fact whichbaffles
all these writers is the empty grave. Others suggest that...
Jesus (10891 Occurrences)
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