Topical Encyclopedia
The term "overflown" in the context of the Bible often refers to the imagery of water overflowing its boundaries, symbolizing abundance, judgment, or overwhelming circumstances. This concept is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey various theological themes.
Biblical References:1.
Judgment and Destruction: In the prophetic literature, "overflown" is frequently associated with divine judgment and destruction. For instance, in
Isaiah 8:8, the imagery of an overflowing river is used to describe the Assyrian invasion: "It will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass through, reaching up to the neck; its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, O Immanuel." Here, the overflowing waters symbolize the overwhelming force of the Assyrian army as an instrument of God's judgment against Judah.
2.
Divine Protection and Deliverance: Conversely, the concept of being overflown can also illustrate God's protection and deliverance. In
Psalm 124:4-5, the psalmist reflects on how the Lord's intervention prevented disaster: "Then the waters would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away." This passage uses the imagery of overflowing waters to highlight the peril from which God has delivered His people, emphasizing His role as a protector.
3.
Abundance and Blessing: The idea of overflowing is also used to depict abundance and blessing. In
Malachi 3:10, God promises blessings to those who are faithful in tithing: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." The imagery of an overflowing blessing underscores the generosity and provision of God for His people.
4.
Moral and Spiritual Overflow: The New Testament also uses the concept of overflowing in a moral and spiritual sense. In
Romans 15:13, Paul writes, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Here, the overflow is not of water but of hope, joy, and peace, indicating the abundant life that believers experience through the Holy Spirit.
Theological Implications:The imagery of being overflown in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for both the blessings and judgments of God. It reflects the dual nature of God's interaction with humanity—His capacity to both judge and save. The concept underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as the assurance of His protection and provision for those who trust in Him.
In summary, the term "overflown" in the biblical context is rich with meaning, illustrating the overwhelming nature of God's actions, whether in judgment or blessing. It serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God, as well as His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. p.) of Overfly.
Library
The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... unsettlement of mind, and corruption of manners, generally diffused over people:
from which sources it is no wonder that this flood hath sooverflown, that no...
Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
... they are named in that story, because there the discourse is of the time, when Jordan
contained not itself within its own channel, but hadoverflown its banks....
How Manasseh Reigned after Hezekiah; and How when He was in...
... all the righteous men that were among the Hebrews; nor would he spare the prophets,
for he every day slew some of them, till Jerusalem wasoverflown with blood...
Antichrist in Daniel
... "And with the arms of a flood shall they beoverflown from before him, and shall
be broken; yea, also the Prince of the Covenant" (v.22)....
After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... And as the name of Christians having had its origin here, hath as it were from a
kind of fountainoverflown all the world, even so this good work, having taken...
The God of the Aged
... who is a little older." And when the young Christian comes to them they say, "Do
not fear; I have gone through the waters, and they have notoverflown me; and...
The Strait Gate;
... which were cut down out of time, whose foundation wasoverflown with a flood, which
said unto God, Depart from us, and what can the Almighty do for them?" (Job...
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Overflown (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Overflown (6 Occurrences).
... (KJV JPS). Job 22:16 Which were
cut down out of time, whose foundation was
overflown with a flood: (KJV).
...Overflows (9 Occurrences)
Flood (70 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB DBY RSV NIV). Job 22:16 Which were cut down out of time, whose
foundation wasoverflown with a flood: (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV)....
Overflowings (2 Occurrences)
Emmanu-el (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 8:8 And it hath passed on into Judah, It hathoverflown and passed over,
Unto the neck it cometh, And the stretching out of its wings Hath been the...
Presses (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joel 2:24 And full have been the floors
'with' pure corn, Andoverflown have the presses 'with' new wine and oil....
Fulness (76 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 8:8 And it hath passed on into Judah, It hathoverflown and passed over,
Unto the neck it cometh, And the stretching out of its wings Hath been the...
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