Topical Encyclopedia
The term "hover" in the biblical context is most notably associated with the imagery of the Spirit of God in the creation narrative. The Hebrew word often translated as "hover" is "rachaph," which conveys a sense of moving gently or fluttering. This term appears in the opening verses of the Bible, setting a foundational understanding of God's creative and sustaining presence.
Creation NarrativeIn
Genesis 1:2 , the text states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Here, the Spirit of God is depicted as hovering over the chaotic waters, symbolizing divine order and life-giving power poised to bring forth creation. This imagery suggests an active, nurturing presence, akin to a bird hovering over its nest, ready to bring forth life and order from chaos.
Symbolism and Theological ImplicationsThe act of hovering in this context is rich with theological significance. It implies God's intimate involvement with His creation, emphasizing His sovereignty and the dynamic nature of His creative work. The Spirit's hovering is not passive but anticipatory, indicating the imminent act of creation that follows. This portrayal underscores the belief in a God who is both transcendent and immanent, deeply involved in the world He creates.
Other Biblical ReferencesWhile the specific term "hover" is not frequently used throughout the Bible, the concept of God's protective and nurturing presence is echoed in various passages. For instance,
Deuteronomy 32:11 uses similar imagery: "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them; He carried them on His pinions." This verse highlights God's care and guidance for Israel, drawing a parallel to the creation narrative's depiction of divine oversight and protection.
Application in Christian TheologyIn Christian theology, the image of the Spirit hovering over the waters is often seen as a precursor to the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Just as the Spirit was present at the dawn of creation, so too is the Spirit active in the new creation brought about through Christ. This continuity emphasizes the Spirit's role in both the physical and spiritual realms, bringing life, renewal, and transformation.
The concept of hovering, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's ongoing presence and activity in the world. It reassures believers of His constant care and the promise of new beginnings, both in the natural world and in the spiritual lives of His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A cover; a shelter; a protection.
2. (v. i.) To hang fluttering in the air, or on the wing; to remain in flight or floating about or over a place or object; to be suspended in the air above something.
3. (v. i.) To hang about; to move to and fro near a place, threateningly, watchfully, or irresolutely.
Greek
2523. kathizo -- to make to sit down, to sit down... active) form for kathezomai; to seat down, ie Set (figuratively, appoint);
intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (
hover, dwell) -- continue
...Strong's Hebrew
7363b. rachaph -- tohover... rachaph. 7364 . to
hover. Transliteration: rachaph Short Definition: hovers. Word
Origin a prim. root Definition to
hover NASB Word Usage hovers (1), moving (
...Library
Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... "I," it says, "owe no duty to the forum, the election-ground, or the senate-house;
I keep no obsequious vigil, preoccupy no platforms,hover about no...
Brooks -- the Pride of Life
... world.". What is the pride of life? Pride is one of those words whichhover
in the middle region between virtue and vice. The materials...
Visits of Angels.
... Angels are detailed for our protection: heavenly visitantshover near us lest
the fires of affliction destroy us. UNDERSTANDING CHRIST....
Death
... "DEATH," wrote Paber, "is an unsurveyed land, an unarranged Science." Poetry draws
near Death only tohover over it for a moment and withdraw in terror....
Angelic Comforters.
... of the Saviour's grace and mercy are vouchsafed"the Promises of God, like the
ministering angels on Mount Olivet, are sent tohover around these stricken...
Ninth Day. Prayerfulness.
... He prayed! How deeply sacred the prayerful memories thathover around the
solitudes of Olivet and the shores of Tiberias! He seemed...
Amos
... his soul. He is familiar with lions and bears, iii.8, v.19, and the terrors
of the wildernesshover over all his message. He had...
Artifices of the Demons.
... and to consider thoughtfully the Father and Maker of all things, gets impressed
with false opinions respecting itself, then the demons whohover about matter...
The Next Night Diamond was Seated by his Open Window...
... Along the surface of the river, darkly clear below them in the moonlight, they floated;
now, where it widened out into a little lake, they wouldhover for a...
One with Christ.
... BEREAVEMENT.) 12,11,12,11,12,11,12,11. What though the dark cloud for a season
dothhover,. O'er pleasures and prospects so humble as thine;...
Thesaurus
Hover (1 Occurrence)...Hover (1 Occurrence). Job 28:4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants of the
earth: forgotten of the foot, they hang suspended; away below men they
hover.
...Hove (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (v.) imp. & pp of Heave. 4. (vi & t.) To rise; to swell; to heave; to cause to
swell. 5. (vi) Tohover around; to loiter; to lurk. Multi-Version Concordance...
Bait (3 Occurrences)
... 9. (vi) To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or tohover, as a hawk when
she stoops to her prey. Multi-Version Concordance Bait (3 Occurrences)....
Suspended (2 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Job 28:4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants of the earth: forgotten
of the foot, they hang suspended; away below men theyhover. (DBY)....
Hang (37 Occurrences)
... (vi) To be, or be like, a suspended weight. 13. (vi) Tohover; to impend; to appear
threateningly; -- usually with over; as, evils hang over the country. 14....
Openeth (48 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 28:4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants of the
earth: forgotten of the foot, they hang suspended; away below men theyhover....
Below (52 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Job 28:4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants of the earth: forgotten
of the foot, they hang suspended; away below men theyhover. (DBY)....
Hovered (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofHover. Multi-Version Concordance
Hovered (2 Occurrences). Genesis 1:2 And the earth was...
Low (216 Occurrences)
... Job 28:4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants of the earth: forgotten of
the foot, they hang suspended; away below men theyhover. (Root in DBY YLT)....
Hovering (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofHover. Multi-Version Concordance
Hovering (2 Occurrences). Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty....
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