Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical themes and narratives, the concept of "shift" can be understood as a change or transformation that occurs within individuals, communities, or divine plans. This idea is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where shifts often signify a movement from one state of being to another, reflecting God's dynamic interaction with His creation.
Shift in CovenantsOne of the most significant shifts in the Bible is the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, established through Moses, was based on the Law given at Sinai. However, the New Covenant, prophesied in
Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, represents a shift to a relationship based on grace and truth.
Hebrews 8:6 states, "But now, Jesus has received a superior ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is superior and is founded on better promises."
Shift in LeadershipThe Bible records numerous shifts in leadership, often marking pivotal moments in Israel's history. For instance, the transition from Saul to David as king of Israel signifies a shift from a monarchy that was rejected by God to one that was after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). This shift underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.
Shift in Spiritual UnderstandingThe New Testament reveals a shift in spiritual understanding, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often challenged the prevailing interpretations of the Law, emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter. In
Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This shift calls believers to a deeper, heart-centered righteousness.
Shift in MissionThe Great Commission represents a significant shift in the mission of God's people. While the Old Testament focus was primarily on Israel, Jesus' command in
Matthew 28:19-20 to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" expands the mission to a global scale. This shift underscores the inclusivity of the gospel and the call for the church to reach all peoples.
Shift in Personal TransformationThe Bible frequently addresses the shift that occurs in personal transformation through faith in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This shift from the old self to the new self is central to the Christian experience, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Shift in Eschatological ExpectationsProphetic literature in the Bible often speaks of shifts in eschatological expectations. The coming of the Messiah, the establishment of God's kingdom, and the eventual new heavens and new earth are all shifts that point to God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Revelation 21:1 describes this future shift: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more."
Throughout Scripture, shifts are indicative of God's sovereign will and purpose, demonstrating His ability to bring about change for His glory and the good of His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To divide; to distribute; to apportion.
2. (v. t.) To change the place of; to move or remove from one place to another; as, to shift a burden from one shoulder to another; to shift the blame.
3. (v. t.) To change the position of; to alter the bearings of; to turn; as, to shift the helm or sails.
4. (v. t.) To exchange for another of the same class; to remove and to put some similar thing in its place; to change; as, to shift the clothes; to shift the scenes.
5. (v. t.) To change the clothing of; -- used reflexively.
6. (v. t.) To put off or out of the way by some expedient.
7. (n.) The act of shifting.
8. (n.) The act of putting one thing in the place of another, or of changing the place of a thing; change; substitution.
9. (v. t.) Something frequently shifted; especially, a woman's under-garment; a chemise.
10. (n.) The change of one set of workmen for another; hence, a spell, or turn, of work; also, a set of workmen who work in turn with other sets; as, a night shift.
11. (v. t.) In building, the extent, or arrangement, of the overlapping of plank, brick, stones, etc., that are placed in courses so as to break joints.
12. (n.) A breaking off and dislocation of a seam; a fault.
13. (n.) A change of the position of the hand on the finger board, in playing the violin.
Greek
3349. meteorizo -- to raise on high, fig. to be in suspense... 3349 -- properly, in mid-air; (figuratively) to
shift from one "conviction" to
another; (), like a person living "" (used only in Lk 12:29).
...Library
The Economic Challenge to the Church
... Theshift of population from rural to urban centers which the census records show
has continued, if anything, at an accelerated speed, indicates the...
"My Times are in Thy Hand"
... The great truth is this"all that concerns the believer is in the hands of the Almighty
God. "My times", these change andshift; but they change only in...
Pope Anterus.
... And accordingly he does notshift from city to city who does not leave his own city
for the sake of gain to himself, or of his own choice, but who, as has...
Some Preliminary Definitions
... So long as any group is evidently at a disadvantage theshift of population from
the less-favored to the better-favored groups will continue; that is, unless...
Pardon and Peace
... We feel something wrong, not merely in our bodies, but in our souls, our characters;
and then we try to lay the blame on the world around us, andshift it off...
Prayer.
... "Oh, better I never had been born.". See! thou wilt not ask the best, and
yet canst not makeshift without them. "Shift? no; noshift...
On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
... Those who speak thus on the question of religious belief, in factshift the basis
all belief from the alleged evidence of facts to the influence of an internal...
"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the...
... A poorshift indeed, for him to think that he could hide himself from him to whom
darkness is as light, and to flee from him whose kingdom is over all, and who...
Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's...
... But this is a poorshift, to have nothing to say, but that the case was extraordinary,
when it was not.... But anyshift toshift off the force of truth....
North and South
... It is little use merely toshift the region in which sin sets up its throne if its
dominion is still undestroyed.... Weshift from side to side by turns;...
Thesaurus
Shift (1 Occurrence)... 2. (vt) To change the place of; to move or remove from one place to another; as,
to
shift a burden from one shoulder to another; to
shift the blame.
...Shields (44 Occurrences)
Respect (204 Occurrences)
... By ashift in force the phrase came to mean "accept the person instead of the cause"
or "show partiality" (Job 13:8, 10 the American Standard Revised Version...
Ease (46 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To release from pressure or restraint; to move gently; to lift slightly;
toshift a little; as, to ease a bar or nut in machinery....
Expedient (8 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish
an end. 4. (n.) Means devised in an exigency;shift. Int....
Double (49 Occurrences)
... plait; a fold. 18. (n.) A turn or circuit in running to escape pursues;
hence, a trick; ashift; an artifice. 19. (n.) Something...
Dismiss (15 Occurrences)
... took every man his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath; with those who
were to go out on the Sabbath; for Jehoiada the priest didn't dismiss theshift...
Doubling (1 Occurrence)
... that which is doubled. 3. (n.) A turning and winding; as, the doubling of
a hunted hare;shift; trick; artifice. 4. (n.) The lining...
Memphis (8 Occurrences)
... the rulers had moved 10 miles North to Babylon by Roman times, then to Fostat, then
Cairo, and lastly now to Abbasiyeh and Kubkeh, altogether ashift of 18...
Persons (156 Occurrences)
... By ashift in force the phrase came to mean "accept the person instead of the cause"
or "show partiality" (Job 13:8, 10 the American Standard Revised Version...
Resources
What was the Carolingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Reptilian conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgAre all prosperity preachers charlatans and/or false teachers? | GotQuestions.orgShift: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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