Topical Encyclopedia
Plunging, in a biblical context, often refers to the act of immersing or submerging, both literally and metaphorically. This concept is most commonly associated with the practice of baptism, a significant rite in Christian tradition symbolizing purification, repentance, and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Baptism and ImmersionThe New Testament provides several instances where plunging, or immersion, is depicted as a method of baptism. The Greek word "baptizo," often translated as "baptize," literally means to dip or immerse. This is evident in the account of John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. The Gospel of Mark records, "And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove" (
Mark 1:10). This passage suggests a full immersion, as Jesus is described as coming up out of the water.
Symbolism of Plunging in BaptismPlunging in baptism symbolizes the believer's death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. The Apostle Paul elucidates this symbolism in his letter to the Romans: "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" (
Romans 6:4). Here, the act of being plunged into water represents burial, while emerging from the water signifies resurrection and renewal.
Old Testament PrefigurationsWhile the New Testament provides explicit examples of baptism by immersion, the Old Testament contains prefigurations of this practice. The account of Naaman, the Syrian commander, who was instructed by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan River to be cleansed of leprosy, serves as a typological precursor to baptism. Naaman's act of plunging into the river seven times (
2 Kings 5:14) signifies obedience and faith, resulting in physical and spiritual cleansing.
Metaphorical Uses of PlungingBeyond the literal act of immersion, plunging is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe overwhelming experiences or deep involvement in certain situations. The psalmist cries out, "Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing" (
Psalm 69:1-2). This vivid imagery conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by troubles and seeking divine rescue.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of plunging, particularly in the context of baptism, carries profound spiritual implications. It signifies a transformative journey, marking the believer's entry into the Christian faith and commitment to a life of discipleship. The act of being plunged into water and emerging anew is a powerful testament to the believer's faith and the transformative power of God's grace.
In summary, plunging, as depicted in the Bible, encompasses both the physical act of immersion in baptism and the metaphorical experience of being overwhelmed or deeply involved. It serves as a rich symbol of spiritual renewal, cleansing, and the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plunge.
Greek
4126. pleo -- to sail... Another form for pleuo (plyoo'-o); which is used as an alternate in certain tenses;
probably a form of pluno (through the idea of
plunging through the water
...Library
Making and Breaking Connections.
... of water baptism. But I am supposing that originally or historically the
word means aplunging or dipping into. We commonly think...
'Physicians of no Value'
... These are but samples, in the physical region, of a tendency which runs through
all lire, and leads men to drown thought byplunging into the thick of the...
The Birth of Saint George.
... Boldlyplunging into it, they reached a dense part of the wood, composed of withered,
hollow, and distorted trees, whence proceeded sounds the most unearthly...
Desire to Please.
... Beforeplunging Adam into that mysterious sleep, God brought all the animals before
him, that he might see and know the extent of his dominion....
What are the Affirmative Expressions Respecting God, and what are...
... we soar upwards the more our language becomes restricted to the compass of purely
intellectual conceptions, even as in the present instanceplunging into the...
The Solar Eclipse
... The Hindoos still believe that a great dragon swallows the sun, and they may be
seen by thousandsplunging into their sacred river, the Ganges, praying to the...
Do You Know Yourself?
... Men try to satisfy it in the pool-room, byplunging into the muddy waters of the
political sea, or by accumulating money and by the follies of life....
Authority and Work
... It is as when some commander plans his battle, and from an eminence overlooks the
current of the fight, and marks theplunging legions as they struggle through...
Ode to the North-East Wind
... us out to play! Sweep the golden reed-beds; Crisp the lazy dyke; Hunger
into madness Everyplunging pike. Fill the lake with wild...
Grieving the Spirit
... being repeated from day to day, in the experience of every believing soul, is the
inrush of the very breath of God into their lives, and theplunging of them...
Thesaurus
Plunging (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plunge. Multi-Version
Concordance
Plunging (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 8:6 I took note
...Cormorant (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Leviticus 11:17; Deuteronomy 14:17), Hebrews shalak,
"plunging," or "darting down," (the Phalacrocorax carbo), ranked among the...
Dip (17 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To perform the action ofplunging some receptacle, as a dipper, ladle.... 13.
(n.) The action of dipping orplunging for a moment into a liquid. 14....
Ospray (2 Occurrences)
... But the eagle and the gier-eagle had been specified, and on account of the osprey
plunging into water for food and having feet bare to the lower leg-joint and...
Lutheran
... English term. The action which the Greek words express may be performed
byplunging, drenching, staining, dipping, sprinkling. The...
Gerasa
... Here the slopes descend swiftly almost into the sea, and animals, once started
on the downward run, could not avoidplunging into the depths....
Gerasenes (3 Occurrences)
... Here the slopes descend swiftly almost into the sea, and animals, once started
on the downward run, could not avoidplunging into the depths....
Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... English term. The action which the Greek words express may be performed
byplunging, drenching, staining, dipping, sprinkling. The...
Plunges (1 Occurrence)
Plus (2 Occurrences)
Resources
Who is Satan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Great Schism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are blue laws? What is a biblical view of blue laws? | GotQuestions.orgPlunging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Topical Bible •
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