Topical Encyclopedia
In a biblical context, the term "breakdown" can refer to a variety of situations where there is a collapse or failure, whether it be physical, emotional, spiritual, or societal. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that can be related to the concept of breakdown, offering insights into its causes, consequences, and remedies.
Emotional and Spiritual BreakdownEmotional and spiritual breakdowns are often depicted in the Bible as moments of deep distress, despair, or crisis of faith. One of the most poignant examples is found in the life of King David. In
Psalm 42:11, David cries out, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." This verse illustrates the internal struggle and emotional turmoil that can lead to a breakdown, while also pointing to the remedy of placing hope in God.
The prophet Elijah also experienced a significant breakdown after his victory over the prophets of Baal. In
1 Kings 19:4, Elijah, overwhelmed and fearing for his life, prays, "I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Here, Elijah's breakdown is marked by exhaustion and a sense of defeat, yet God responds with care and provision, demonstrating His compassion and understanding of human frailty.
Societal BreakdownThe Bible also addresses societal breakdowns, often as a result of moral decay and turning away from God's commandments. The book of Judges repeatedly describes cycles of societal breakdown in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (
Judges 21:25). This phrase captures the chaos and disorder that ensue when a society abandons divine guidance.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in
Genesis 19 serves as another example of societal breakdown due to rampant sin and immorality. The cities' downfall underscores the biblical principle that turning away from God's righteousness leads to judgment and collapse.
Remedies and RestorationThe Bible offers hope and restoration for those experiencing breakdowns. In
Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to those burdened and weary: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This passage highlights the restorative power of Christ's presence and the peace that comes from surrendering to His guidance.
Furthermore, the account of Job exemplifies the potential for restoration after a breakdown. Despite losing everything, Job's faithfulness leads to a profound encounter with God, resulting in the restoration of his fortunes and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty (
Job 42:10-17).
ConclusionWhile breakdowns are a part of the human experience, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and overcoming them through faith, repentance, and reliance on God's promises. Whether personal or societal, breakdowns are opportunities for growth and renewal when approached with a heart open to divine intervention and guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act or result of breaking down, as of a carriage; downfall.
2. (n.) A noisy, rapid, shuffling dance engaged in competitively by a number of persons or pairs in succession, as among the colored people of the Southern United States, and so called, perhaps, because the exercise is continued until most of those who take part in it break down.
3. (n.) Any rude, noisy dance performed by shuffling the feet, usually by one person at a time.
Greek
5171. truphao -- to live luxuriously... indulgently. Cognate: 5171 (from 5172 , "
breakdown of character from living
in luxury") -- to live indulgently (luxuriously). See 5172 ().
...5172. truphe -- softness, daintiness, luxuriousness
... ie living in excessive luxury") -- properly, brought on by self-indulgence (luxury);
(figuratively) moral and spiritualbreakdown ("enfeeblement") from over...
Strong's Hebrew
7667. sheber -- a breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash... Word Origin from shabar Definition a breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash
NASB Word Usage 2,172* (1), breaches (1),
breakdown (1), broken (2
...Library
Life on the Top Floor
... his Saviour. Abreakdown to the moral life is just as natural, and just
as much a matter of law as thebreakdown of an engine. It...
Care of the Speaker's Throat
... throat is otherwise affected. Nervousness, anxiety, or unusual mental exertion
may cause a vocalbreakdown. For this condition rest...
Disestablishment
... as much the real cause of their downfall in the state as that coalition between
clergy and lawyers described by Dr. Beecher as causing thebreakdown of party...
Unexpected Orders
... the Candidates' Department at Headquarters. Then anotherbreakdown, and
another year's furlough. Her health again improving, to...
A Book of Modern Social Inquiry Has a Shape that is Somewhat...
... social drug. Now we do talk first about the disease in cases of bodily
breakdown; and that for an excellent reason. Because, though...
Biography
... In February 1861, their father was tken ill; this was the beginning of his complete
breakdown in health, which obliged him to give up his business, &...
The Church and Rural Public Thought
... the rightness or the wrong of the contention, it should be remembered that this
belief has resulted in some sections in practically thebreakdown of observance...
And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... to repent. Note, too, thebreakdown of the metre under a certain redundancy,
which is not characteristic of Jeremiah. [Therefore...
Introduction to Apologia Contra Arianos.
... reciting the occasion of its assembling, the behaviour of the Eastern bishops, the
violence inflicted by them upon orthodox bishops, thebreakdown of the...
Samuel, the Child of Prayer
... Here is where thebreakdown in religion occurs, where the religious life of a community
first begins to decay, and where we must go first to beget praying men...
Thesaurus
Breakdown (1 Occurrence)... time. Multi-Version Concordance
Breakdown (1 Occurrence). Nahum 3:19 There
is no healing your wound, for your injury is fatal. All
...Offices (14 Occurrences)
... Expressed in Sacrificial Terms VI. CHRIST'S KINGLY OFFICE TheBreakdown
of the Secular Monarchy VII. THE MESSIANIC BASIS OF THE...
Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... broken at the cistern" in Ecclesiastes 12:6 is the windlass for drawing the water,
and by the figure thebreakdown of the old man's breathing apparatus is...
Breaker (2 Occurrences)
Collapse (9 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A falling together suddenly, as of the sides of a hollow vessel. 4. (n.)
A sudden and complete failure; an utter failure of any kind; abreakdown....
Christ (573 Occurrences)
... Expressed in Sacrificial Terms VI. CHRIST'S KINGLY OFFICE TheBreakdown
of the Secular Monarchy VII. THE MESSIANIC BASIS OF THE...
Break (257 Occurrences)
Resources
What are the 613 commandments in the Old Testament Law? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I heal from the hurt of a broken relationship? | GotQuestions.orgIf the Bible teaches gender equality, why has gender inequality always been the norm? | GotQuestions.orgBreakdown: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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