Topical Encyclopedia
Subverting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of undermining or overthrowing established authority, beliefs, or moral principles. This concept is often associated with rebellion against God's ordained order and can manifest in various forms, including false teachings, moral corruption, and political insurrection.
Biblical References:1.
False Teachings and Doctrinal Corruption: The New Testament warns against those who subvert the faith of believers through false teachings. In
Titus 1:10-11, Paul addresses the issue of rebellious people who deceive others: "For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced. They are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach, and that for the sake of dishonest gain." Here, subversion is linked to the distortion of sound doctrine for personal gain, leading to the spiritual downfall of entire families.
2.
Moral and Spiritual Corruption: Subversion can also occur through moral decay and the rejection of God's commandments. In
2 Timothy 2:16-18, Paul warns Timothy to avoid godless chatter, as it leads to further ungodliness: "But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some." This passage highlights how false teachings can subvert the faith of believers, leading them away from the truth.
3.
Political and Social Rebellion: The Bible also addresses subversion in the context of political and social rebellion.
Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities, as they are established by God: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the idea that subverting legitimate authority is tantamount to opposing God's order.
4.
Subversion in the Old Testament: The Old Testament provides examples of subversion through idolatry and the rejection of God's covenant. In
Jeremiah 23:14, the prophet condemns the prophets of Jerusalem for their moral corruption: "And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah." This illustrates how subversion can lead to widespread moral decay and divine judgment.
Theological Implications:Subverting God's order, whether through false teachings, moral corruption, or rebellion against authority, is a serious offense in the biblical narrative. It is often portrayed as a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and a threat to the spiritual well-being of His people. Believers are called to remain vigilant against such influences, holding fast to sound doctrine and living in obedience to God's commandments. The Bible encourages discernment and steadfastness in the face of subversion, urging the faithful to uphold truth and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Subvert.
Greek
2692. katastrophe -- an overthrowing... overthrow,
subverting. From katastrepho; an overturn ("catastrophe"), ie Demolition;
figuratively, apostasy -- overthrow,
subverting. see GREEK katastrepho.
...Library
An Argument Urging it Upon the Remnant of Idolaters that they...
... XXVII."An Argument Urging It Upon the Remnant of Idolaters that They Should at Length
Become Servants of This True God, Who Everywhere isSubverting Idols....
2 Timothy ii. 14-Nov
... Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord, that they
strive not about words to no profit, but to thesubverting of the hearers."....
Acts xv. 13, 15
... "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you
with words,subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep...
The Charter of Gentile Liberty
... Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you
with words,subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep...
the harmony of the gospels
... XXVII.--An Argument Urging It Upon the Remnant of Idolaters that They Should at
Length Become Servants of This True God, Who Everywhere isSubverting Idols....
Acts of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.
... nation, neither agreeing with other nations nor consenting to the religious observances
of the Jews, uncircumcised, inhuman, lawless,subverting whole houses...
The Epistle of the Same Phileas of Thmuis to Meletius, Bishop of...
... which we have in the Lord Jesus Christ, nor softened by our imprisonments and trials,
and daily and multiplied reproach, hast ventured onsubverting all things...
Of Bodily Patience.
... pronouncing it "weak," He shows what need there is of strengthening, it"that is
by patience"to meet [9168] every preparation forsubverting or punishing...
The Author to the Reader.
... no little petulancy and confidence, damnable doctrines, to the perverting of the
doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to thesubverting and overturning...
Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power...
... presume that the power of binding and loosing has derived to you, that is, to every
Church akin to Peter, what sort of man are you,subverting and wholly...
Thesaurus
Subverting (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Subvert. Multi-Version
Concordance
Subverting (3 Occurrences). Luke 23:2 They began
...Subvert (4 Occurrences)
... (Acts 15:24, "subverting your souls"); of anatrepo, "to turn upside down," "to overturn"
(Titus 1:11, "who subvert whole houses," the Revised Version (British...
Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
Forasmuch (64 Occurrences)
... Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words,subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised...
Remind (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
Disputing (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
Contend (56 Occurrences)
... 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that
they contend not about words to no profit, but to thesubverting of the hearers...
Charging (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
Avoid (31 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
Argue (21 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to thesubverting of those...
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