Topical Encyclopedia
The term "chopped" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of cutting or hewing, typically with an axe or similar tool. This action is frequently associated with the destruction or alteration of physical objects, such as trees or idols, and carries significant symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative.
Old Testament References1.
Idolatry and False Worship: In the Old Testament, the act of chopping is often linked to the destruction of idols and altars dedicated to false gods. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 12:3, the Israelites are commanded to "tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire." This directive underscores the importance of eradicating idolatry and purifying the land for the worship of Yahweh alone.
2.
Judgment and Punishment: The imagery of chopping is also used metaphorically to describe divine judgment. In
Isaiah 10:33-34, the prophet declares, "Behold, the Lord, the LORD of Hosts, will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low. He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One." Here, the chopping of trees symbolizes the humbling of the proud and the execution of God's judgment upon the nations.
3.
Construction and Craftsmanship: Chopping is not solely associated with destruction; it also pertains to construction and craftsmanship. In the building of the Temple, Solomon's workers "chopped" cedar trees from Lebanon (
1 Kings 5:6). This act of chopping was part of the preparation of materials for the sacred space dedicated to the worship of God.
Symbolic MeaningThe act of chopping in the Bible often carries a deeper symbolic meaning beyond its literal sense. It represents the decisive action required to remove sin and idolatry from one's life, as well as the transformative power of God's judgment and grace. The physical act of chopping down idols or trees serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the establishment of a right relationship with God.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "chopped," the concept of cutting away or pruning is present in the teachings of Jesus. In
John 15:2, Jesus speaks of the vine and the branches, stating, "He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes to make it even more fruitful." This pruning process, akin to chopping, signifies the removal of unproductive elements in a believer's life to foster spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of chopping, whether in the context of destruction or preparation, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of holiness. Through the physical act of chopping, the Scriptures convey profound truths about God's expectations for His people and the transformative power of His Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Chop.
Strong's Hebrew
1438. gada -- to hew, hew down or off... root Definition to hew, hew down or off NASB Word Usage break (1), break off (1),
chopped down (2), cut in pieces (1), cut it in pieces (1), cut of asunder (1
...8401. teben -- straw
... Probably from banah; properly, material, ie (specifically) refuse haum or stalks
of grain (aschopped in threshing and used for fodder) -- chaff, straw, stubble...
Library
The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The soil of the marshes or of the plains, separated from the pebbles and foreign
substances which it contained, mixed with grass orchopped straw, moistened...
Fowler -- the Spirit of Christ
... I never read this Scripture in the presence of a Christian congregation without
feeling that I have in some waychopped down through every heart with a great...
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money...
... him. And I fought with Achor for two hours, and I killed him; and I clave
his shield into two parts, and Ichopped off his feet....
The Christians are not Atheists, but Acknowledge one Only God.
... Diagoras guilty of atheism, in that he not only divulged the Orphic doctrine, and
published the mysteries of Eleusis and of the Cabiri, andchopped up the...
The Elf
... I am going to the Golden City!' And they showed him the sword and the fire, and
he said, 'Do it quickly!' and theychopped off his arm, and said, 'Will you...
Tempest and Trust
... But before they had made their harbour the wind suddenlychopped round, as is frequent
of that coast, and the gentle southerly breeze turned into a fierce...
Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672.
... Some were cast into the fire; some were hanged, beheaded, crucified;56 some were
pierced,chopped, tortured with pincers, and roasted to death on grid-irons....
The Servant of the Lord
... Why did not the Church share the fate of John's disciples, who scattered like sheep
without a shepherd when Herodchopped off their master's head?...
The Goal of Progress
... unity as much as a bundle of faggots, all cut to the same length, and tied together
with a rope, resemble the tree from which they werechopped, waving in the...
The Perseverance of Faith
... When theychopped off the right hand, he seized it with the left hand; when they
cut off the left hand, he laid hold of the boat with his teeth, and did not...
Thesaurus
Chopped (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Chop. Multi-Version Concordance
Chopped (3 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 6:14 The cart came into
...Chop (5 Occurrences)
... 14. (n.) The act of chopping; a stroke. 15. (n.) A piecechopped off; a slice or
small piece, especially of meat; as, a mutton chop. 16. (n.) A crack or cleft....
Hash (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That which is hashed orchopped up; meat and vegetables, especially such
as have been already cooked,chopped into small pieces and mixed....
Tanner (3 Occurrences)
... About Hebron oak branches,chopped into small chips, are used for tanning the leather
bottles or water skins. In this case the hair is not removed....
Plaster (13 Occurrences)
... fat" red sand or with the ash from the bathhouse fires, and the finishing coat is
composed of white sand and slaked lime with or withoutchopped flax straw....
Brick (10 Occurrences)
... country. The Nile mud is thoroughly slipped or mixed and then rendered
more cohesive by the addition ofchopped straw or stubble....
Chops (2 Occurrences)
Chaff (24 Occurrences)
... False doctrines are also called chaff (Jeremiah 23:28), or more correctly rendered
"chopped straw." The destruction of the wicked, and their powerlessness, are...
Stubble (18 Occurrences)
... tebhen (Job 21:18), is a mixture ofchopped straw and chaff produced in threshing,
which is winnowed out by the fan (compare Jeremiah 23:28 Isaiah 5:24 Matthew...
Potter (14 Occurrences)
...Chopped straw was usually added to the clay of these early specimens. This
material is omitted in the wheel-shaped objects. In a Mt....
Resources
What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an Asherah pole? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgChopped: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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