Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextDigging, in the biblical context, refers to the act of breaking and turning the earth with tools or hands, often for the purpose of agriculture, construction, or burial. This activity is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its significance in ancient Near Eastern culture and its metaphorical implications in spiritual teachings.
Agricultural SignificanceDigging is primarily associated with agriculture, a central aspect of life in biblical times. The preparation of soil for planting crops was essential for sustenance and survival. In
Isaiah 5:2, the prophet describes the preparation of a vineyard: "He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines." This passage highlights the meticulous care and effort required in agricultural practices, symbolizing God's care for His people.
Construction and DefenseDigging also played a crucial role in construction and defense. In the building of cities and fortifications, digging was necessary for laying foundations and creating defensive structures. In
2 Chronicles 32:3-4, King Hezekiah's efforts to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege involved digging: "He consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. A large force of men assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land."
Burial PracticesThe act of digging is also associated with burial practices. In
Genesis 23:19, Abraham buries his wife Sarah in the cave of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a burial site. The preparation of graves involved digging, signifying respect and care for the deceased. This practice is further exemplified in the New Testament, where Joseph of Arimathea provides a tomb for Jesus' burial (
Matthew 27:60).
Metaphorical and Spiritual ImplicationsDigging is used metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. In
Luke 6:48, Jesus uses the imagery of digging to describe the foundation of a wise man's house: "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." This parable emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation rooted in obedience to God's word.
Moral and Ethical LessonsThe act of digging can also illustrate moral and ethical lessons.
Proverbs 26:27 warns, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them." This proverb teaches the principle of retribution, where harmful intentions or actions ultimately lead to one's own downfall.
ConclusionThroughout the Bible, digging serves as a practical activity with deep spiritual and moral implications. Whether in the context of agriculture, construction, burial, or metaphorical teaching, digging reflects the diligence, care, and foundational principles that are integral to a life of faith and obedience to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dig.
2. (n.) The act or the place of excavating.
3. (n.) Places where ore is dug; especially, certain localities in California, Australia, and elsewhere, at which gold is obtained.
4. (n.) Region; locality.
Strong's Hebrew
1662. Gath-hachepher -- "wine press ofdigging," home of Jonah... "wine press of
digging," home of Jonah. Transliteration: Gath-hachepher Phonetic
Spelling: (gath-hah-khay'-fer) Short Definition: Gath-hepher.
...855. eth -- a plowshare
... coulter, plowshare Of uncertain derivation; a hoe or otherdigging implement --
coulter, plowshare. 854, 855. eth. 855a . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Old Testament and Archeology
... These so aroused his curiosity that he begandigging in the two most prominent
mounds. Failing to make {113} any discoveries, he...
"Make this Valley Full of Ditches. " 2 Kings, iii. , 16
... We knowdigging means work, and some Christians are so very respectable, they would
feel insulted if God asked them to become one of His navvies....
The Water-Mark of John's Gospel.
... those who believe. These words are worthdigging into for the fine gold
that lies hidden within waiting the miner's pick. The word...
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the...
... Meanwhile they are spared. But what is the "digging"? What is the "digging about
it," but the teaching lowliness and repentance? For a ditch is low ground....
Chapter twenty-seven
... The other man stood viciouslydigging his stake into the ground.... He ceased
digging his stake in the ground and stood still listening....
The Believer's Challenge
... To use another figure,"Christ's death was as it were thedigging out of the
gold of grace out of the deep mines of Jesus' sufferings....
The Barren Fig-Tree.
... The two chief applications employed in husbandry to stimulate growth and fruitfulness
aredigging and manuring: these accordingly the dresser of the vineyard...
The Hidden Treasure.
... On the west coast of Scotland, a few years ago, some men, while engaged indigging
fuel from a moss, found at a great depth large quantities of tallow...
A Bundle of Proverbs
... Ver.), literally 'a man of Belial,' which last word probably means worthlessness.
His work is 'digging evil'; his words are like scorching fire....
Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians
... him. The conduct of men, when they leave God and seek for other delights,
is likedigging a canal alongside a navigable river. They...
Thesaurus
Digging (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Digging (8 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 26:27 Whoso is
digging a pit falleth into it, And the roller of a stone, to him it turneth. (YLT).
...Mine (2991 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To dig into, for ore or metal. 7. (vt) To get, as metals, out of the
earth bydigging. 8. (n.) A subterranean cavity or passage....
Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... It will be seen that most of these discoveries were the work of natives,digging
about indiscriminately in the hope of finding antiquities to sell to tourists...
Grub (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To dig in or under the ground, generally for an
object that is difficult to reach or extricate; to be occupied indigging....
Pit (110 Occurrences)
... PIT. The word translates different Hebrew words of which the most important are:
(1) bor, "pit" or "cistern," made bydigging, (Genesis 37:20); hence, "dungeon...
Sap (6 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A simpleton; a saphead; a milksop. 4. (vt) To subvert bydigging or wearing
away; to mine; to undermine; to destroy the foundation of....
Scoop (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A deep shovel, or any similar implement fordigging out and dipping or
shoveling up anything; as, a flour scoop; the scoop of a dredging machine....
Hammurabi
... Inauguration of His Image: While interesting himself in the all-important work of
digging canals, he found time to turn his attention to the land of Yamutbalu...
Diggeth (7 Occurrences)
Jacob's (34 Occurrences)
... probably twice as deep. Thedigging of such a well must have been a very
laborious and costly undertaking. "Unfortunately, the well...
Resources
What is inductive Bible study? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.orgDigging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
