Topical Encyclopedia
The term "overturneth" is an archaic form of the verb "overturn," which means to turn something over, to reverse, or to upset. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's sovereign ability to change circumstances, overthrow nations, or alter the course of events according to His divine will. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's omnipotence and His active role in the affairs of the world.
Biblical Usage:1.
Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The term is frequently associated with God's judgment and His power to overthrow the plans of the wicked or the established order of nations. In
Job 12:15-25, the passage illustrates God's control over creation and human affairs: "He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. He makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and He disperses them" . Here, the concept of overturning is implicit in God's ability to dismantle and rebuild according to His purposes.
2.
Moral and Spiritual Overturning: The idea of overturning is not limited to physical or political realms but extends to moral and spiritual dimensions. In
Proverbs 21:12, it is written, "The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin" . This suggests that God actively works to overturn the plans and prosperity of the wicked, ensuring that justice prevails.
3.
Prophetic Overturning: The prophetic books often speak of God overturning nations as a form of judgment. In
Ezekiel 21:27, the prophet declares, "A ruin, a ruin, I will make it. Indeed, this will not be restored until the arrival of Him to whom it belongs, to whom I have assigned judgment" . This passage highlights the certainty and finality of God's judgment, as well as the hope of restoration through the coming of the rightful ruler, interpreted by Christians as a messianic prophecy.
4.
Historical Examples: The Bible provides numerous historical examples of God overturning the plans of individuals and nations. The account of the Tower of Babel (
Genesis 11:1-9) is a classic example where God confounds human ambition by overturning their plans through the confusion of languages. Similarly, the fall of Babylon as prophesied in
Isaiah 13 and
Daniel 5 serves as a testament to God's ability to overturn mighty empires.
5.
Personal Application: On a personal level, believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to overturn adverse situations in their lives.
Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" . This reflects the belief that God can overturn even the most challenging circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.
In summary, the concept of "overturneth" in the Bible underscores God's supreme authority and His active involvement in the world. It serves as a reminder of His power to bring about justice, fulfill His promises, and guide the course of history according to His divine plan.
Library
Roots
... Only He whooverturneth the mountains by the roots. 'This kind goeth not out but
by prayer and fasting.'" An Indian Missionary. "AMMA, you are getting old."....
That the Self-Existent Being must be All-Powerful.
... Thus, Job 9:4:""He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength;"which removeth the
mountains, and they know it not; whichoverturneth them in his anger....
Purposes of God.
... 1. With fore-ordination or determination, appointment. Job 28:10: "He putteth forth
his hand upon the rock; heoverturneth the mountains by the roots.26....
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
... be denied by any who believe the Scriptures; for these are they which testify of
Him, that it is God" which removeth the mountains, andoverturneth them in his...
Psalm C.
... extending on every side, when the Church was commencing to spread from Jerusalem
throughout all nations, [4538] everywhereoverturneth ungodliness, and...
First Communion and Confirmation
... The Wise Man is right when he says: "The bewitching of vanityoverturneth the innocent
mind."[2] At ten years of age the heart is easily fascinated, and I...
First Communion and Confirmation
... The Wise Man is right when he says: "The bewitching of vanityoverturneth the innocent
mind." [24] At ten years of age the heart is easily fascinated, and I...
Concerning Justification.
... evils; but, though they still continued in them, were notwithstanding justified:
which as in itself it is most absurd, so it very clearlyoverturneth the very...
Of Immediate Revelation.
... And, as that which altogetheroverturneth this precedency, there are that allege,
and that from tradition also, that Peter never saw Rome; and that therefore...
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Overturneth (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Overturneth (3 Occurrences). Job 9:5 Which removeth the
mountains, and they know not: which
overturneth them in his anger.
...Overturning (14 Occurrences)
Overturned (41 Occurrences)
Overthrows (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Job 34:25 Therefore He taketh knowledge of their works; and He
overturneth them in the night, so that they are crushed. (See NAS NIV)....
Removeth (27 Occurrences)
... Persia, (YLT). Job 9:5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which
overturneth them in his anger. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job...
Knoweth (152 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 34:25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and heoverturneth
them in the night, so that they are destroyed. (KJV DBY WBS YLT)....
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