Topical Encyclopedia
The term "overshadowed" in the Bible carries significant theological and symbolic meaning, often indicating divine presence, protection, or intervention. It is used in various contexts to describe the manifestation of God's power and glory.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of being overshadowed is closely associated with God's protective presence. For instance, in
Psalm 91:4, the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Although the term "overshadowed" is not directly used in this verse, the imagery of being covered by God's wings conveys a similar sense of divine protection and care.
The overshadowing presence of God is also evident in the narrative of the Exodus. The cloud that led the Israelites by day and the pillar of fire by night (
Exodus 13:21-22) can be seen as a form of divine overshadowing, guiding and protecting the people of Israel on their journey to the Promised Land.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the term "overshadowed" is explicitly used in the context of the Annunciation. In
Luke 1:35, the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God." Here, the overshadowing signifies the miraculous conception of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the divine intervention and the sanctity of the event.
Another significant instance is the Transfiguration of Jesus. In
Matthew 17:5, during the Transfiguration, a bright cloud overshadowed Jesus, Peter, James, and John, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" The overshadowing cloud represents God's presence and affirms Jesus' divine sonship and authority.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of being overshadowed by God highlights His immanence and transcendence. It signifies God's intimate involvement in the world and His ability to intervene in human affairs. The overshadowing presence of God is both protective and revelatory, providing guidance, assurance, and divine revelation.
In the context of the Incarnation and the Transfiguration, overshadowing underscores the mystery of God's interaction with humanity. It reveals the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Him.
Symbolism and ApplicationSymbolically, being overshadowed by God can be understood as living under His protection and guidance. It invites believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His presence in their lives. The imagery of overshadowing encourages a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing God's authority and majesty.
In practical application, Christians are called to live in the awareness of God's overshadowing presence, finding comfort and strength in His protection and seeking to align their lives with His will. The concept serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance of His constant care and guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Overshadow.
Greek
1982. episkiazo -- to overshadow... Word Origin from epi and skia Definition to overshadow NASB Word Usage fall (1),
overshadow (2),
overshadowed (1), overshadowing (1). overshadow.
...Library
Under the Apple Tree. "I Sat Down under his Shadow with Great...
... Now, when the spouse was sitting down, restful and delighted, she was
overshadowed. She says, "I sat down under His shadow." I do...
Jesus Only
... an ecstasy so sublime would not have been good for the disciples; and Peter himself
very soon found this out, for when the luminous cloudovershadowed him, and...
Manner of Christ's Birth Predicted.
... For if she had had intercourse with any one whatever, she was no longer a virgin;
but the power of God having come upon the virgin,overshadowed her, and...
Three Youths Save Constantinople
... He and Tribigild carried their armies across the Bosporus into Europe, so that
Constantinople found herselfovershadowed by a host of 30,000 men, of whom the...
The Holy Spirit and the Incarnation of the Word. ...
... is the Word." [21] Later he says: "The power of God came upon the Virgin and
overshadowed her." Then he quotes the angel's message in a composite form: "Behold...
The Meaning of the "Bright Cloud. "
... 42. The Meaning of the "Bright Cloud.". Next to these come the words, "While He
was yet speaking, behold, also, a bright cloudovershadowed them," [5814] etc....
That the Glory and Honour of Christ is not to be Ascribed to the...
... And so we read not only that the Holy Ghost came upon the Virgin, but also that
the power of the Most Highovershadowed the Virgin; that since Wisdom Itself is...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus...
... "For while he yet spake, a bright cloud came, andovershadowed them." [2655] He
desired three tabernacles; the heavenly answer showed him that we have One...
The Transfiguration
... for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.6. For he wist not what to say; for
they were sore afraid.7. And there was a cloud thatovershadowed them: and a...
Sacred Times --The Lord's Day.
... into a holiday. As the saintsovershadowed the Lord, the saints' days
overshadowed the Lord's Day. Footnotes: [688] Gen. 2:3. This...
Thesaurus
Overshadowed (4 Occurrences)... & pp) of Overshadow. Multi-Version Concordance
Overshadowed (4 Occurrences). Matthew
17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them.
...Overshadow (4 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:34 While he said these things, a cloud came andovershadowed them,
and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. (Root...
Enveloped (6 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Envelop. Multi-Version Concordance Enveloped (6 Occurrences). Matthew
17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloudovershadowed them....
Fasts (3 Occurrences)
... based on the rabbinical calculation which makes it the day of the giving of the
Law, and this religious side has so completelyovershadowed the agricultural...
Feasts (45 Occurrences)
... based on the rabbinical calculation which makes it the day of the giving of the
Law, and this religious side has so completelyovershadowed the agricultural...
Spake (704 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloudovershadowed them: and behold
a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I...
Cloud (119 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cloud (119 Occurrences). Matthew 17:5 While he was
still speaking, behold, a bright cloudovershadowed them....
Ear (670 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloudovershadowed them: and behold
a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I...
Voice (651 Occurrences)
... the God of Israel. (BBE). Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloudovershadowed them. Behold, a voice came...
Overshadowing (5 Occurrences)
Resources
Who was Charles Wesley? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the scribes that often argued with Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bowing or kneeling in prayer? | GotQuestions.orgOvershadowed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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