Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "billows" is often used to describe large waves or surging waters, symbolizing overwhelming circumstances or divine power. The imagery of billows is frequently employed in the Scriptures to convey the might and majesty of God's creation, as well as the trials and tribulations faced by individuals.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of billows is vividly illustrated in the Psalms, where the psalmists often use the imagery of tumultuous waters to express feelings of distress or to highlight God's sovereignty over creation. In
Psalm 42:7 , the psalmist writes, "Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me." Here, the "breakers and waves" or billows symbolize the overwhelming challenges and emotional turmoil the psalmist is experiencing, yet they also acknowledge God's control over these forces.
Similarly, in
Jonah 2:3 , the prophet Jonah, from the belly of the great fish, cries out, "For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me. All Your breakers and waves passed over me." Jonah's use of billows underscores his dire situation and his recognition of God's hand in his circumstances, ultimately leading to his repentance and deliverance.
New Testament ReferencesWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "billows," the concept is present in the narrative of Jesus calming the storm. In
Mark 4:37-39 , a "great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already being swamped." Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea, demonstrating His authority over the natural elements. The disciples' awe at His command over the billows reflects their growing understanding of His divine nature.
Symbolism and Theological SignificanceIn biblical symbolism, billows often represent chaos, danger, and the trials of life. They serve as a metaphor for the overwhelming situations believers may encounter, yet they also remind us of God's omnipotence and His ability to bring peace and deliverance. The imagery of billows can also be seen as a call to faith, urging believers to trust in God's sovereignty even amidst life's storms.
Theologically, the use of billows in Scripture underscores the belief in God's ultimate control over creation. It reflects the understanding that, while the forces of nature may seem formidable, they are subject to the will of the Creator. This perspective encourages believers to find solace in God's power and presence, trusting that He is with them through every trial and tribulation.
ConclusionThe imagery of billows in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of both the challenges of life and the assurance of God's sovereignty. Through the use of this vivid metaphor, Scripture invites believers to trust in God's providence and to find peace in His presence, even amidst the most tumultuous circumstances.
Strong's Hebrew
1530. gal -- a heap, wave, billow... Word Origin from galal Definition a heap, wave, billow NASB Word Usage
billows (1), heap (13), heaps (2), rock garden (1), rock pile (1), ruins (1), stone
...Library
Introduction.
... Many are being tossed to and fro upon the angrybillows. Hope is almost gone. As
they look forward into the distance all is dark and uncertain....
Epistle Xliii. To Leander Bishop of Hispalis (Seville) .
... For, indeed, I am in this place tossed by suchbillows of this world that I am in
no wise able to steer into port the old and rotten ship of which, in the...
Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell.
... human lives there are periods of trouble, blow following blow, wave following wave,
from opposite and unexpected quarters, till all God'sbillows have gone...
Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps
... Before that steadfast march thebillows fall, Then raise on either hand their crystal
mass, While through the sundered deep Thy people pass And ocean guards...
Happy are Ye Whose Bodies have Been Made to Shine!
... in the furnace of fire were baptized, and came forth;"they went in and bathed in
the flood of flame, they were buffeted by the blazingbillows."There was...
Darkly the Tempest Swept,
... I. Darkly the tempest swept,. Over the sea; Fiercely thebillows leapt,. Bounding
and free;... Winds from the threatening sky,.Billows that leap.". III....
Darkly the Tempest Swept
... Over the sea; Fiercely thebillows leapt,. Bounding and free;... Winds from the threatening
sky,.Billows that leap.". Calmly the Master rose". Winds are assuaged;...
Psalm 89:3. 7 &C. Second Part. The Power and Majesty of God; Or...
... 4 Thy words the raging wind control, And rule the boisterous deep; Thou
mak'st the sleepingbillows roll, The rollingbillows sleep....
The Sea.
... The faithless water swells and raves; Itsbillows, foaming to the skies,.... And saw
the horrors of the deep. Now, on presumption'sbillows borne,....
CM Mrs. Hemans. Christ Stilling the Tempest.
... 2 But the wind ceased,"it ceased,"a word Passed through the gloomy sky; The
troubledbillows knew their Lord, And sank beneath his eye....
Thesaurus
Billows (18 Occurrences)...Billows (18 Occurrences).
... Acts 2:19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs
on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and
billows of smoke. (WEB NIV).
...Quieting (4 Occurrences)
... south? (YLT). Isaiah 51:15 And I 'am' Jehovah thy God, Quieting the sea, when
itsbillows roar, Jehovah of Hosts 'is' His name. (YLT)....
Breakers (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy cataracts; all thy breakers
and thybillows are gone over me. (DBY YLT NAS NIV)....
Billow (1 Occurrence)
... BILLOW. bil'-o (gal, "a great rolling wave"): Figuratively, of trouble, "All thy
waves and thybillows are gone over me" (Psalm 42:7; compare Jonah 2:3)....
Waves (43 Occurrences)
... All your waves and yourbillows have swept over me. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS
NAS RSV NIV).... All your waves and yourbillows passed over me....
Swept (43 Occurrences)
... All your waves and yourbillows have swept over me. (WEB NIV).... The flood was all
around me. All your waves and yourbillows passed over me. (See NIV)....
Bilshan (2 Occurrences)
Sounded (66 Occurrences)
... the border of the sea, A limit age-during, and it passeth not over it, They shake
themselves, and they are not able, Yea, sounded have itsbillows, and they...
Flood (70 Occurrences)
... the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and yourbillows
passed over me. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Nahum 1...
Noisy (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:55 For Jehovah is spoiling Babylon, And hath destroyed out of it a great
voice, And sounded have itsbillows as many waters, Given forth a noise...
Resources
Why didn't Jesus return during the blood-red moon of 2015? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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