Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "convulsed" is often associated with physical manifestations of spiritual or demonic activity, as well as with intense emotional or physical reactions. The term is used to describe the violent shaking or agitation of a person, often in the context of demonic possession or divine intervention.
Biblical References:1.
Mark 1:26 : "At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek." This passage describes an event during Jesus' ministry where He encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. The spirit's reaction to Jesus' authority is to convulse the man, demonstrating both the power of the demonic presence and the greater power of Christ to command and expel it.
2.
Mark 9:20 : "So they brought the boy to Jesus. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth." This account involves a boy possessed by a mute spirit. The spirit's violent reaction upon seeing Jesus highlights the spiritual battle and the authority of Jesus over demonic forces.
3.
Luke 9:42 : "Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father." This passage parallels the account in Mark, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and power to heal and restore those afflicted by demonic forces.
Theological Implications:The instances of convulsions in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, are often linked to the presence of evil spirits. These accounts serve to illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. They also underscore the authority of Jesus Christ over all spiritual entities, affirming His divine power and mission to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and demonic oppression.
From a theological perspective, these passages highlight the belief in the supernatural and the acknowledgment of spiritual forces at work in the world. The convulsions experienced by individuals in these accounts are not merely physical ailments but are indicative of deeper spiritual conflicts. The response of Jesus in each situation—His rebuke of the spirits and His healing of the afflicted—demonstrates His role as the ultimate healer and redeemer.
Practical Application:For believers, these accounts serve as a reminder of the spiritual realities that exist beyond the physical world. They encourage Christians to rely on the power and authority of Jesus in spiritual matters, recognizing that He has already triumphed over evil. The accounts of convulsions and subsequent healings also inspire faith in Jesus' ability to bring about physical and spiritual restoration.
In pastoral care and ministry, these passages can be used to address issues of spiritual oppression and to offer hope and deliverance through the power of Christ. They remind believers of the importance of prayer, faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in overcoming spiritual challenges.
Overall, the biblical accounts of convulsions serve as powerful testimonies to the authority of Jesus Christ and His mission to bring freedom and healing to a fallen world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Convulse.
Library
God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... stars upon it. All nature will beconvulsed and all the earth will be
encompassed by these unparalleled plagues. A similar picture...
The Brazen Serpent.
... And there are those now who, though they feel the sting of sin, and areconvulsed
and tormented by it, cannot bring themselves to seek help from Christ....
The Sixth Word
... obedience. The Sacred Face is notconvulsed with agony, but is turned, with
calm and benignant aspect, towards men whom He blesses....
The Second Awakening.
... Scenes of devastation and bloodshed unexampled in the history of modern nations
haveconvulsed the world, and our country is threatened with similar calamities...
Epiphanius of Pavia.
... Italy. He also was a blessing for his land,convulsed by the disturbances
of war, and deluged by one barbarous tribe after another....
The Sack of Rome
... SAINT AUGUSTIN I THE SACK OF ROME. During June of the year 403, an astonishing
eventconvulsed the former capital of the Empire....
During These Various Changes in the Lives of those with whom He...
... When he had been seized by the delirium and fever which had flung him, firstconvulsed
and quivering, and then totally insensible, at the foot of the grim...
Rhapsody
... theophany itself. [Strophe, All natureconvulsed as God comes; antistrophe,
Is it against nature that the coming is directed? conclusion...
But when Ye See Jerusalem with the Army Compassing it About...
... shall become dark, and the moon shall not shew its light, and the stars shall fall
from heaven, and the powers [22] of heaven shall beconvulsed: [2908] and...
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.
... terror. Theconvulsed earth had paid homage to its Creator: the sword of
grief had pierced the hearts of those who loved him. This...
Thesaurus
Convulsed (7 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Convulse. Multi-Version Concordance
Convulsed (7 Occurrences).
... (WEB
RSV). Mark 9:26 Having cried out, and
convulsed greatly, it came out of him.
...Boy (94 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit
convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth....
Ground (538 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit
convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth....
Youth (169 Occurrences)
... And he said, Youth, I say to thee, Wake up. (DBY). Luke 9:42 Now while the youth
was coming, the spirit dashed him to the ground and cruellyconvulsed him....
Violently (92 Occurrences)
... were choked. (KJV WEY WBS). Luke 9:42 While he was still coming, the demon
threw him down andconvulsed him violently. But Jesus...
Wallowing (5 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit
convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth....
Writhed (4 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 77:16 The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and
they writhed. The depths alsoconvulsed. (WEB NIV). Isaiah...
Foaming (7 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit
convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth....
Throwing (29 Occurrences)
... him with a loud cry. (WEY NAS). Mark 9:26 Having cried out, andconvulsed
greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead...
Rebuked (39 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 9:42 While he was still coming,
the demon threw him down andconvulsed him violently....
Resources
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