Topical Encyclopedia
The term "stoppeth" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of the Bible, often used to describe the act of stopping or closing something, such as ears or mouths. In the context of Scripture, it is frequently associated with the refusal to listen or the deliberate act of ignoring wisdom and truth.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 21:13 : "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." In this verse, the concept of stopping one's ears is metaphorically used to describe a person who ignores the needs and pleas of the impoverished. The consequence of such an action is divine retribution, emphasizing the importance of compassion and responsiveness to the needs of others.
2.
Isaiah 33:15 : "He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil." Here, stopping one's ears is portrayed positively, as an act of righteousness. It signifies a deliberate choice to reject evil and avoid participating in or even listening to wicked schemes.
3.
Psalm 58:4 : "Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears." This passage uses the imagery of a cobra stopping its ears to describe the wickedness and deceitfulness of certain individuals. The metaphor suggests an obstinate refusal to heed wisdom or correction, akin to a serpent that cannot be charmed.
Theological Implications:The act of stopping one's ears in the Bible often carries a moral and spiritual dimension. It can signify a hardened heart, unwilling to receive divine instruction or correction. In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, it is a warning against ignoring the cries of those in need, which is seen as a failure to live according to God's commandments of love and justice.
Conversely, stopping one's ears to evil, as seen in
Isaiah 33:15, is commended as a mark of integrity and righteousness. It reflects a conscious decision to avoid sin and maintain purity in thought and action. This duality in the use of "stoppeth" underscores the importance of discernment in what one chooses to hear and respond to.
Practical Application:For believers, the concept of "stoppeth" serves as a reminder to be attentive to the voice of God and the needs of others while being vigilant against the influences of sin and corruption. It calls for a heart that is open to divine guidance and a life that actively rejects evil. In a world filled with distractions and moral challenges, the biblical teaching on stopping one's ears provides a framework for living a life that honors God and serves others faithfully.
Library
How to Dwell in the Fire of God
... walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, thatstoppeth his ears...
The Blessedness of Giving
... pay him again.". "Whosostoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also
shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.". "He that hath...
Christian Names.
... courses. "For mind is apt and quick to wed ideas and names together, Nor
stoppeth its perceptions to be curious of priorities."....
Of Faith.
... Faithstoppeth the mouths of lions [769] , as in Daniel's case: for the Scripture
saith concerning him, that Daniel was brought up out of the den, and no...
John vi. 26, 27
... But Hestoppeth not at rebukes, but addeth instruction also, saying, "Labor not
for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting...
John vii. 1, 2
... their maladies, might have anything to say. By this then hestoppeth all
[1350] their mouths. "After these things was the Jews' feast...
Letter cxxxix. To Apronius.
... impious mouths. They are "like the deaf adder thatstoppeth her ear."
[3895] Salute your reverend brothers on my behalf. As for...
Cii. To Bishop Basilius.
... righteous judgment" [1824] and "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" [1825]
and "He that shutteth his eyes from seeing evil andstoppeth his ears from...
Whether it is Unlawful to Wear Divine Words at the Neck?
... certain other animals: wherefore it is written (Ps.57:5): "Their madness is according
to the likeness of a serpent, like the deaf asp thatstoppeth her ears...
Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy.
... For thou knowest not what may happen on the coming day." [4155] Also in the same
place: "He whostoppeth his ears that he may not hear the weak, shall himself...
Thesaurus
Stoppeth (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Stoppeth (6 Occurrences). Job 5:16 So the poor hath
hope, and iniquity
stoppeth her mouth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS).
...Stopping (22 Occurrences)
Stopped (134 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 58:4 Their venom is like the venom of a serpent; they are
like the deaf asp thatstoppeth her ear; (See NIV). Psalms...
Venom (8 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Psalms 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: They are like
the deaf adder thatstoppeth her ear, (See JPS NAS RSV NIV)....
Deaf (22 Occurrences)
... such to hear (Isaiah 42:18; Isaiah 43:8) and thereby to receive the Divine mercy
(Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5). The expression "deaf adder thatstoppeth her car...
Despiseth (23 Occurrences)
... walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, thatstoppeth his ears...
Bribes (14 Occurrences)
... walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, thatstoppeth his ears...
Asp (3 Occurrences)
... Asp (3 Occurrences). Psalms 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: They
are like the deaf adder thatstoppeth her ear, (See JPS YLT)....
Adder (9 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like
the deaf adder thatstoppeth her ear; (KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV)....
Shaketh (20 Occurrences)
... walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, thatstoppeth his ears...
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