Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "turnings" in the biblical context often refers to changes in direction, both physically and metaphorically. It can denote a literal change in path or a spiritual or moral shift in one's life. The concept of turning is significant in Scripture, symbolizing repentance, transformation, and divine guidance.
Biblical References:1.
Repentance and Spiritual Turning: The idea of turning is frequently associated with repentance, a fundamental theme in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shuv" is often used, meaning to return or turn back to God. This is seen in the call to repentance, where individuals or nations are urged to turn from their sinful ways and return to the Lord. For example, in the book of Ezekiel, God calls His people to turn from their wickedness: "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall" (
Ezekiel 18:30).
2.
Divine Guidance and Direction: Turnings also reflect God's guidance in the lives of His people. The Bible often describes God directing the paths of the faithful, leading them in the way they should go.
Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasizes trusting in the Lord for direction: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making and life direction.
3.
Moral and Ethical Turning: The concept of turning is also applied to moral and ethical decisions. The Bible encourages believers to turn away from evil and pursue righteousness. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of turning from darkness to light, symbolizing a moral and spiritual transformation.
Acts 26:18 describes this turning: "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me."
4.
Physical and Literal Turnings: While the metaphorical use of turning is more prevalent, there are instances of literal turnings in the Bible. These include changes in physical direction during journeys or battles. For example, in the wilderness wanderings, the Israelites experienced various turnings as they followed God's guidance through the desert.
Numbers 9:18-23 describes how the Israelites would set out or camp based on the movement of the cloud over the tabernacle, indicating God's direct guidance in their journey.
Theological Significance:The concept of turnings in the Bible underscores the dynamic relationship between God and His people. It highlights the importance of repentance, the necessity of divine guidance, and the call to live a life aligned with God's will. Turnings serve as a reminder of the constant need for spiritual vigilance and the willingness to change direction in response to God's leading. The biblical narrative is replete with examples of individuals and nations who experienced profound turnings, illustrating the transformative power of God's grace and the call to a life of faithfulness.
Strong's Hebrew
182. odoth -- a cause... Or (shortened) rodowth {o-doth'} (only thus in the plural); from the same as 'uwd;
turnings (ie Occasions); (adverb) on account of -- (be-)cause, concerning
...Library
A Description of Mystical Theology, which is no Other Thing than...
... God alone is he, who, by his infinite wisdom, sees, knows and penetrates all the
turnings and windings of our hearts: he understands our thoughts from afar, he...
The Perat?? Derive their System from the Astrologers; this Proved...
... And (they state) that some are likewise tropical, and when the sun stands in these,
he causes greatturnings [464] of the surrounding (sign)....
The Two Masters, Self and Truth
... Self is ingenious, crooked, and, governed by subtle and snaky desire, admits of
endlessturnings and qualifications, and the deluded worshipers of self vainly...
Book V Here She Made an End and was for Turning the Course of Her...
... though all-expedient for knowledge, are none the less rather apart from our path,
and we must be careful lest you become wearied by ourturnings aside, and so...
I have Been Asked to Tell You About the Back of the North Wind. .....
... Indeed it was sometimes only through a little lane with severalturnings, which
looked as if it had been sawn out for him, that he could reach his bed at all....
On Sleep.
... But let not the couch be elaborate, and let it have smooth feet; for elaborateturnings
form occasionally paths for creeping things which twine themselves...
The Perspective of True Service.
... There are always the threeturnings of a true life, upward, inward, outward.
Upward to God, inward to self, outward to the world....
Arguments from the Novelty of Fate and Generation; that Golden Age...
... If the sun, driving through the circles and passing along the signs of the Zodiac
in his annual periods, accomplishes the changes andturnings of the seasons...
The Doctrine of Mathematicians not Wholly to be Despised, when...
... For they say that the circumference of the world is likened to theturnings
of a well-rounded globe, the earth having a central point....
The Magnificat
... of verse 50. It contains threeturnings or strophes, the first two of which
have two clauses each, and the third three. The first...
Thesaurus
Turnings (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Turnings (2 Occurrences).
... The
turnings of thy sides
'are' as ornaments, Work of the hands of an artificer. (YLT).
...Nadib (2 Occurrences)
... thy feet with sandals, O daughter of Nadib. Theturnings of thy sides 'are'
as ornaments, Work of the hands of an artificer. (YLT)....
Getting (151 Occurrences)
... your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up
and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the streetturnings so that...
False-hearted (6 Occurrences)
... your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up
and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the streetturnings so that...
Truly (468 Occurrences)
... your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up
and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the streetturnings so that...
Turning-leaves (1 Occurrence)
Turning-leaves. Turning, Turning-leaves.Turnings . Multi-Version Concordance...
(DBY). Turning, Turning-leaves.Turnings . Reference Bible.
Return (499 Occurrences)
... provisions, etc. 31. (n.) Theturnings and windings of a trench or mine.
Multi-Version Concordance Return (499 Occurrences). Matthew...
Pleasure (331 Occurrences)
... your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up
and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the streetturnings so that...
Chorus (4 Occurrences)
... O daughter of Nadib. Theturnings of thy sides 'are' as ornaments, Work
of the hands of an artificer. (YLT). Jeremiah 31:4 Again...
Artificer (13 Occurrences)
... sandals, O daughter of Nadib. Theturnings of thy sides 'are' as ornaments,
Work of the hands of an artificer. (YLT). Isaiah 3:3 The...
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