Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "shriveled" is often used to describe a state of withering or drying up, typically as a result of divine judgment or as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness. The imagery of shriveling is employed in various contexts throughout Scripture to convey the consequences of sin, the effects of divine displeasure, or the condition of a life disconnected from God.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most vivid uses of the concept of shriveling is found in the prophetic literature. In the book of Joel, the prophet describes a locust plague that devastates the land of Israel, leaving the vines and fig trees shriveled: "The vine has dried up, and the fig tree has withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple—all the trees of the field—are dried up. Surely the joy of mankind has withered away" (
Joel 1:12). Here, the shriveling of the land's produce symbolizes the nation's spiritual desolation and the urgent need for repentance.
In the Psalms, the psalmist uses the imagery of shriveling to express personal anguish and the effects of divine discipline: "For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread" (
Psalm 102:3-4). This passage reflects the psalmist's deep sense of distress and the physical manifestation of spiritual and emotional turmoil.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of shriveling is notably illustrated in the account of Jesus cursing the fig tree. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus encounters a fig tree in leaf but finds no fruit on it. In response, He declares, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." The next day, the disciples observe that the fig tree has withered from the roots (
Mark 11:14, 20). This act serves as a powerful symbol of judgment against unfruitfulness and hypocrisy, particularly in the context of Israel's spiritual state.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the imagery of shriveling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It underscores the biblical principle that spiritual vitality is intrinsically linked to one's relationship with the Creator. Just as a plant cannot thrive without water and sunlight, so too a soul cannot flourish apart from the life-giving presence of God.
The shriveled state is often contrasted with the flourishing life promised to those who remain faithful to God. In
Psalm 1, the righteous person is likened to "a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither" (
Psalm 1:3). This imagery highlights the blessings of spiritual nourishment and the sustaining power of God's Word.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical concept of shriveling serves as a call to self-examination and repentance. It encourages individuals to assess their spiritual health and to seek restoration through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. The warning against spiritual barrenness is a call to remain rooted in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual life and vitality.
In summary, the biblical use of "shriveled" conveys a profound message about the dangers of spiritual neglect and the importance of maintaining a vibrant relationship with God. Through the vivid imagery of withering and flourishing, Scripture invites believers to pursue a life that is fruitful and pleasing to the Lord.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Shrivel.
Strong's Hebrew
7059. qamat -- to seize... 7058, 7059. qamat. 7060 . to seize. Transliteration: qamat Phonetic Spelling:
(kaw-mat') Short Definition:
shriveled. Word Origin a prim.
...6821. tsaphad -- to draw together, contract
... tsaphad. 6822 . to draw together, contract. Transliteration: tsaphad Phonetic
Spelling: (tsaw-fad') Short Definition:shriveled. Word Origin a prim....
Library
The Call of Moses
... BIG HEADS AND LITTLE HEARTS. If a man has ashriveled-up heart and a big head
he is a monster. Perhaps Moses looked down on the Hebrews....
Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... Even then he begins his conflict with hunger and thirst; is scorched by a vertical
sun;shriveled by the burning sand beneath; and poisoned by the breath of...
Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
... But from the degree to which it hadshriveled when they saw it next day it became
evident to them that it had begun to wither as soon as Christ had finished...
1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... and crowded with all these, when we hear the trumpets, and the voice of the Archangel
louder than any trumpet, when we perceive the heavenshriveled up, and...
The Debt of Israel
... "What a debt of vengeance Israel owes to thee!". The old woman laid hershriveled
hands on the arm of her ward. "Aye, and it shall be paid," she said fiercely....
His Conversion
... seemed at last to be turning to the whiteness so long desired, it was caught in
the blaze of this revelation and whirled away in shreds ofshriveled blackness....
Sown among Thorns
... thorns served the wheat; they starved it by devouring its food, and they choked
it by keeping off the air and sun; the poor thing becameshriveled and weak...
Conversion
... His face is white, and blanched by an unearthly solemnity, his body isshriveled
up by his labor, constant study and midnight lamp have worn him away; but when...
Significant Phrases
... scoffing and unbelief. scope and significance. scorched andshriveled. scorn and
loathing. scrupulous and anxious. scrutiny and investigation....
Travailing for Souls
... about spiritual things, having enough grace just to make us hope that you are a
Christian, but not enough to prove you are; bearing ashriveled apple here and...
Thesaurus
Shriveled (8 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Shrivel. Multi-Version Concordance
Shriveled (8 Occurrences).
... (See
NIV). Job 16:8 You have
shriveled me up. This is a witness against me.
...Leanness (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Leanness (4 Occurrences). Job 16:8 You haveshriveled
me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me....
Gauntness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gauntness (1 Occurrence). Job 16:8 You haveshriveled
me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me....
Withered (46 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Wither. 2. (a.) Faded; dried up;shriveled;
wilted; wasted; wasted away. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WITHERED....
Testifies (19 Occurrences)
... Yes, come, Lord Jesus. (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). Job 16:8 You haveshriveled me up.
This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me....
Bunch (6 Occurrences)
... 2) a "cluster of raisins" (2 Samuel 16:1 the King James Version; 1 Chronicles
12:40 the King James Version tsimmuq = "something dried orshriveled"); (3) a...
Shrivelled (6 Occurrences)
Shrivel (3 Occurrences)
Rises (56 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Job 16:8 You haveshriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness
rises up against me. It testifies to my face. (WEB NAS NIV)....
Resources
Why won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath? | GotQuestions.orgShriveled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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