Topical Encyclopedia
The term "stupefied" refers to a state of being stunned, dazed, or rendered insensible, often due to shock, awe, or overwhelming circumstances. In the context of the Bible, this condition can be both physical and spiritual, reflecting a profound reaction to divine intervention, judgment, or revelation.
Biblical Instances and Contexts1.
Divine Judgment and Awe: The Bible often describes individuals or groups as being stupefied in response to God's mighty acts or judgments. In the Old Testament, the plagues of Egypt left Pharaoh and his people in a state of shock and disbelief. Although the term "stupefied" is not directly used, the reaction of the Egyptians can be understood in this light. The overwhelming power of God left them unable to comprehend or respond effectively.
2.
Prophetic Visions: Prophets often experienced a form of stupefaction when confronted with divine visions. In
Daniel 8:27, after receiving a vision, Daniel says, "I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding." Here, Daniel's physical and mental state reflects a profound sense of being overwhelmed by the divine revelation.
3.
Astonishment at Miracles: In the New Testament, the miracles of Jesus often left onlookers stupefied. In
Mark 5:42, after Jesus raises a girl from the dead, the people present are described as being "completely astonished." The miraculous power of Jesus often left witnesses in a state of awe and disbelief, unable to fully grasp the divine nature of His works.
4.
Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of Heart: Stupefaction can also be a metaphor for spiritual blindness or hardness of heart. In
Romans 11:8, Paul refers to a spirit of stupor: "as it is written: 'God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.'" This reflects a condition where individuals are unable to perceive or respond to spiritual truths due to their hardened hearts.
5.
End Times and Judgment: The apocalyptic literature of the Bible often describes a future time when people will be stupefied by the unfolding of God's final judgment. In Revelation, the catastrophic events and divine judgments leave humanity in a state of shock and awe, unable to comprehend the full magnitude of God's wrath and justice.
Theological ImplicationsThe state of being stupefied in the Bible often serves as a reminder of human limitations in the face of divine power and mystery. It underscores the need for humility and reverence before God, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are far beyond human understanding. This condition also highlights the importance of spiritual awareness and readiness, as those who are spiritually stupefied may miss the significance of God's actions and messages.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to seek spiritual discernment and sensitivity to avoid being spiritually stupefied. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can cultivate a heart that is responsive to God's leading and open to His revelations. This vigilance helps prevent the hardening of the heart and ensures a readiness to respond to God's call and work in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Having been made stupid.
2. (imp. & p. p.) of Stupefy.
Greek
1839. existemi -- to displace, to stand aside from... literally, "to remove from a standing (fixed) position," put out of place; ie "beside
oneself," showing someone as flabbergasted (completely
stupefied); at a
...Strong's Hebrew
3385a. yarah -- perhaps to bestupefied... yarah. 3385b . perhaps to be
stupefied. Transliteration: yarah Short Definition:
afraid.
... root Definition perhaps to be
stupefied NASB Word Usage afraid (1).
...3385. Yruw'el -- perhaps to bestupefied
Yruw'el. 3384, 3385. Yruw'el. 3385a . perhaps to bestupefied. Transliteration:
Yruw'el Phonetic Spelling: (yer-oo-ale') Short Definition: Jeruel. Jeruel...
Library
My Brother Eusebius Writes to Me That, when He was at a Meeting of...
... word of truth. When I heard this, I wasstupefied. But one witness... word of
truth. When I heard this, I wasstupefied. But one witness...
Significant Phrases
... bedraggled and disappointed. befogged andstupefied. beliefs and practises.... benumbed
and powerless. bewildered andstupefied. bigots and blockheads....
How Jesus was Treated by the Schoolmaster.
... And Zacheus, seeing that He so divided the first letter, wasstupefied about the
first letter, and about such a human being and such learning; and he cried out...
Argument. --But, on the Ground that Liberty in Meats is Granted to...
... to wit, those who are about to pray to God and to give Him thanks, not only by day,
but by night also; which cannot be if the mind,stupefied by meat and wine...
Finger-Posts
... added touches. It was a time of sore perplexity. The crucifixion had left
them dazed,stupefied. It was wholly unexpected. They...
The Accession of Darius.
... The mass of the community werestupefied with astonishment at the sudden revolution
which had occurred. No movement was made toward determining the succession....
On the Road to Jerusalem
... the floor of Laodice's bamboo howdah. The camel-driver, Hiram, seemed only
a little lessstupefied than she. The mute, with a face...
A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... We are actually settled in a West Indian country- house, amid a multitude of sights
and sounds so utterly new and strange, that the mind isstupefied by the...
Triumph Over Death and the Grave
... We see that when conscience isstupefied, or when the mind is poisoned with infidelity,
many people, notwithstanding the natural love of life, are so disgusted...
November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ...
... shadow of Christianity according to Christ, appeared"and when the theatrical pageant
was over, he hurried out into the fresh air halfstupefied with the...
Thesaurus
Stupefied (2 Occurrences)... & pp) of Stupefy. Multi-Version Concordance
Stupefied (2 Occurrences).
... You have
stupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come. (WEY).
...Understanding (248 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:15 For this people's mind isstupefied, their hearing has become dull,
and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes...
Gross (12 Occurrences)
... James 5:5 Here on earth you have lived self-indulgent and profligate lives. You
havestupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come....
Feeding (37 Occurrences)
... James 5:5 Here on earth you have lived self-indulgent and profligate lives. You
havestupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come....
Turning (381 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:15 For this people's mind isstupefied, their hearing has become dull,
and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes...
Minds (137 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:15 For this people's mind isstupefied, their hearing has become dull,
and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes...
Profligate (3 Occurrences)
... James 5:5 Here on earth you have lived self-indulgent and profligate lives. You
havestupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come....
Prevent (32 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:15 For this people's mind isstupefied, their hearing has become dull,
and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes...
Benumbed (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Benumb. 2. (a.) Made torpid; numbed;stupefied; deadened; as,
a benumbed body and mind. Multi-Version Concordance Benumbed (1 Occurrence)....
Seeing (442 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:15 For this people's mind isstupefied, their hearing has become dull,
and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes...
Resources
What is up with Millennials? | GotQuestions.orgStupefied: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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