Topical Encyclopedia
The term "teeming" in the Bible often conveys the idea of abundance, fertility, and the prolific nature of God's creation. It is used to describe the fullness and richness of life that God has ordained for His creation, particularly in the context of the natural world and humanity's role within it.
Biblical Usage1.
Creation Narrative: The concept of teeming is prominently featured in the creation account in Genesis. In
Genesis 1:20 , God commands the waters to "teem with living creatures," illustrating the abundance and diversity of life that He intended for the earth. This command reflects God's sovereign power and His desire for the earth to be filled with life in various forms.
2.
Blessing of Multiplication: The idea of teeming is closely related to the blessing of multiplication given to living creatures and humanity. In
Genesis 1:22 , God blesses the creatures of the sea and the birds, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." This blessing underscores the divine intention for life to flourish and expand, filling the earth with God's creative handiwork.
3.
Humanity's Role: Humanity is also included in this blessing of fruitfulness. In
Genesis 1:28 , God blesses Adam and Eve, instructing them to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This command not only emphasizes the teeming nature of human life but also establishes humanity's responsibility to steward and manage the earth's resources wisely.
4.
Symbol of Prosperity: Throughout the Bible, teeming is often used as a symbol of prosperity and divine favor. In
Deuteronomy 28:11 , as part of the blessings for obedience, God promises to make Israel "abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your livestock, and the produce of your land." This promise of abundance is a reflection of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to bless His people with overflowing resources.
5.
Contrast with Desolation: The opposite of teeming, desolation or barrenness, is often depicted as a consequence of disobedience or judgment. In the prophetic literature, the absence of teeming life serves as a stark contrast to the blessings of obedience. For example, in
Jeremiah 4:23-26, the prophet describes a vision of the earth as "formless and empty," a reversal of the teeming creation, symbolizing God's judgment.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of teeming in the Bible highlights several key theological themes:
·
God's Sovereignty and Creativity: Teeming life is a testament to God's sovereign power and His creative genius. It reflects His ability to bring forth life in abundance and variety, showcasing His glory and majesty.
·
Blessing and Covenant: The abundance associated with teeming is often linked to God's covenant promises. It serves as a sign of His blessing and favor upon those who walk in obedience to His commands.
·
Human Stewardship: The command to be fruitful and multiply carries with it the responsibility of stewardship. Humanity is called to manage the earth's resources wisely, ensuring that the teeming life continues to flourish in accordance with God's design.
·
Hope and Restoration: In eschatological contexts, the promise of a restored creation often includes imagery of teeming life, symbolizing the renewal and restoration that God will bring about in the new heavens and new earth.
In summary, the biblical concept of teeming is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of creation, blessing, responsibility, and hope. It serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and His desire for life to flourish under His sovereign care.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Teem.
2. (a.) Prolific; productive.
Strong's Hebrew
8318. sherets -- swarmers, swarming things... Word Origin from sharats Definition swarmers, swarming things NASB Word Usage insects
(3), swarming thing (3), swarming things (5), swarms (1),
teeming life (2
...Library
Ode on the Installation of the Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of...
... God ever lives; and Nature, Beneath His high dictature, Hale andteeming, can replace
Strength by strength, and grace by grace, Hope by hope, and friend by...
How, I Ask, Can You, Seeing that Your Commentaries Contain Such...
... accusation he would have set down, how many volumes he would have compiled, how
he would be assailing me with all the arms and shafts of thatteeming breast of...
Matt. xxiv. 1, 2
... the deaths, both themselves and they that obeyed them underwent, and together with
all this, the time also occasioned them much difficulty,teeming with wars...
Testimonies to a Future Judgment.
... When from the golden ether down shall fall. Fire'steeming treasure, and in burning
flames. All things of earth and heaven shall be consumed;...
Life a Tale
... when we observe how our position to-day has shifted from what it was yesterday;
how the sunny slopes of youth have been changed for theteeming uplands of...
A Foreword
... He just gave you such a human picture of theteeming life of a great city that it
made a tear come to your eye to think of what the city could be at its best...
The Right to Run Things
... Suppose you are assigned an area where the Gospel has never been preached, an area
teeming with people, very few of whom have ever even heard the precious name...
The Manifestation of the Messiah
... one. By day he preached to theteeming crowds, or baptized them; by night
he would sleep in some slight booth, or darksome cave....
First Evangelistic Efforts
... return unhurt, we knew not; but we were determined, by the grace of GOD, not to
leave T'ung-chau any longer without the Gospel, nor itsteeming thousands to...
The Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation.
... On the other hand, if we look into the more bulky parts of nature, we see the seas,
lakes and riversteeming with numberless kinds of living creatures: we find...
Thesaurus
Teeming (18 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Teem. 2. (a.) Prolific;
productive. Multi-Version Concordance
Teeming (18 Occurrences).
...Multiplier (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:42 any thing going on the belly, and any going on four, unto every
multiplier of feet, to everyteeming thing which isteeming on the earth -- ye...
Creature (73 Occurrences)
... any thing unclean, or against a carcase of an unclean beast, or against a carcase
of unclean cattle, or against a carcase of an uncleanteeming creature, and...
Flying (22 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Deuteronomy 14:19 and everyteeming thing which is flying, unclean
it 'is' to you; they are not eaten; (YLT NIV). Psalms...
Teemeth (3 Occurrences)
Teem (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 1:20 And God saith, 'Let the waters teem with theteeming living creature,
and fowl let fly on the earth on the face of the expanse of the heavens...
Teems (4 Occurrences)
Pregnant (33 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Being with young, as a female; having conceived;
great with young; breeding;teeming; gravid; preparing to bring forth....
Brooks (28 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:10 and any one that hath not fins and scales in the seas, and in the
brooks, of anyteeming creature of the waters, and of any creature which...
Chaldea (8 Occurrences)
... The wants of ateeming population were supplied by a rich soil, not less
bountiful than that on the banks of the Egyptian Nile....
Resources
Are there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the promises of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.orgTeeming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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