Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextSurf refers to the breaking waves of the sea as they approach the shore, creating a foamy, turbulent water surface. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "surf" as a distinct term, the concept of waves and the sea is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing chaos, power, and the majesty of God's creation.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible frequently uses the imagery of the sea and its waves to convey various theological and moral lessons. In the Old Testament, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, as seen in the creation narrative where God brings order out of the watery chaos (
Genesis 1:2). The power of God over the sea is further illustrated in the parting of the Red Sea, where the Israelites pass through on dry ground, demonstrating God's control over the natural world (
Exodus 14:21-22).
In the New Testament, the sea continues to serve as a backdrop for divine intervention and teaching. Jesus' calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee is a profound demonstration of His authority over nature. In
Mark 4:39 , it is written, "Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." This miracle not only reveals Jesus' divine power but also serves as a metaphor for His ability to bring peace amidst life's tumultuous circumstances.
Symbolism and ThemesThe surf, as part of the sea, symbolizes both the beauty and the unpredictability of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for reliance on God's sovereignty. The relentless crashing of waves can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations believers face, yet it also points to the steadfastness and faithfulness of God, who remains constant amidst the changing tides of life.
The Apostle James uses the imagery of the sea to describe the instability of doubt. In
James 1:6 , he writes, "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Here, the surf becomes a metaphor for the vacillating nature of a doubter's faith, emphasizing the importance of steadfast trust in God.
Cultural and Historical InsightsIn biblical times, the sea was often viewed with a mixture of awe and fear. It was a source of sustenance and trade but also a place of danger and mystery. The ancient Israelites, primarily a land-based people, would have had limited interaction with the sea, making the imagery of surf and waves particularly potent in conveying messages of divine power and protection.
Theological ImplicationsThe surf, as part of the broader biblical theme of the sea, underscores the majesty and omnipotence of God. It serves as a reminder of His ability to bring order out of chaos and to provide peace in the midst of life's storms. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's control over all creation, finding comfort in His unchanging nature and His promises of deliverance and peace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The swell of the sea which breaks upon the shore, esp. upon a sloping beach.
2. (n.) The bottom of a drain.
Greek
2830. kludon -- a billow (of water)... Word Origin from kluzo (to wash over) Definition a billow (of water) NASB
Word Usage
surf (1), surging waves (1). raging, wave.
...574. haplos -- simply, sincerely
... 6 But he must [continuously, in process] ask in (4102 ) without any doubting, for
the one who doubts is like thesurf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind...
Strong's Hebrew
1796. doki -- a pounding (of waves)... Word Origin from dakah Definition a pounding (of waves) NASB Word Usage pounding
waves (1). wave. From dakah; a dashing of
surf -- wave. see HEBREW dakah.
...3220. yam -- sea
... From an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in noisysurf) or large
body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea...
Library
The High Woods
... You may see, as you go down to bathe on the east coast, a group of black dots, in
pairs, peering up out of the sand, at the very highest verge of thesurf-line...
Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... to Greece and Italy, they saw it frowning defiance to them as they came, with
threatening clouds hanging upon its summit, and the surges andsurf of the AEgean...
La Brea
... We were lifted on shore through a tumblingsurf; and welcomed by an intelligent
and courteous German gentleman, who showed us all that was to be seen; and what...
The Cocal
... All this while the dull thunder of thesurf was growing louder and louder; till,
not as in England over a bare down, but through thickest foliage down to the...
(And Last): Homeward Bound
... dusk. And now we were outside. The roar of thesurf, the tumble of the
sea, the rush of the trade-wind, told us that at once. Out...
Naparima and Montserrat
... a period at the commencement of which Trinidad was perhaps several times as large
as it is now, and has gradually been eaten away by thesurf, as fresh pieces...
The Destruction of Sennacherib
... wide, But through it there roll'd not the breath of his pride: And the foam of his
gasping lay white on the turf, And cold as the spray of the rock-beatingsurf...
A Minority Movement.
... mission. One morning at a popular summer resort on the Long Island Sound
coast thousands of bathers were enjoying thesurf-bathing....
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... The wind was blowing hard towards the shore, if that can be called a shore which
consists of steep abrupt precipices, on which thesurf was breaking with the...
Letter i. To Innocent.
... event. For, if our ship is wafted by thesurf into the wished-for haven,
I shall be content to be told that the pilotage was poor....
Thesaurus
Surf (1 Occurrence)... the shore, esp. upon a sloping beach. 2. (n.) The bottom of a drain.
Multi-Version Concordance
Surf (1 Occurrence). James 1:6 But
...Rote (1 Occurrence)
... hurdy-gurdy. 4. (n.) The noise produced by thesurf of the sea dashing upon
the shore. See Rut. 5. (vt) To learn or repeat by rote. 6...
Breach (55 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A breaking of waters, as over a vessel; the waters themselves; surge;
surf. 5. (n.) A breaking up of amicable relations; rupture....
Suretyship (1 Occurrence)
Spotted (9 Occurrences)
... The "spots" of Jude 1:12 the King James Version are spilades, "hidden (sunken) rocks"
which are betrayed by thesurf beating over them (as in Homer Od....
Spot (42 Occurrences)
... The "spots" of Jude 1:12 the King James Version are spilades, "hidden (sunken) rocks"
which are betrayed by thesurf beating over them (as in Homer Od....
Surface (71 Occurrences)
Resources
What is godly wisdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgSurf: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
