Topical Encyclopedia The term "confound" in the Bible is often used to describe a state of confusion, bewilderment, or disarray that God brings upon individuals or groups, typically as a form of judgment or to demonstrate His power and sovereignty. The concept of confounding is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both the futility of human wisdom in opposition to God and the divine intervention that disrupts human plans.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "confound" is "בּוּשׁ" (buwsh), which can mean to be ashamed, confused, or disappointed. One of the earliest examples of God confounding human efforts is found in the account of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:7 , God says, "Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech." Here, God confounds the language of the people to thwart their plans of building a tower to the heavens, demonstrating His authority over human ambition. Another significant instance is in Exodus 23:27 , where God promises the Israelites, "I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run." This confounding of Israel's enemies is a divine strategy to ensure victory for His chosen people. Psalms and Prophets The Psalms frequently appeal to God to confound the plans of the wicked. Psalm 35:4 pleads, "May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay." This reflects a common theme where the psalmist seeks divine intervention to bring confusion upon adversaries. The prophets also speak of God confounding nations and leaders. In Isaiah 19:14 , it is written, "The LORD has poured into them a spirit of confusion; they have made Egypt stagger in all she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit." This passage illustrates God's judgment upon Egypt, causing disarray and dysfunction as a consequence of their actions. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "καταισχύνω" (kataischynō) is often used, meaning to dishonor or disgrace. The concept of confounding is evident in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In 1 Corinthians 1:27 , Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Here, the confounding of worldly wisdom is a central theme, highlighting the paradox of God's kingdom where the humble and lowly are exalted. The confounding of human wisdom is also seen in the ministry of Jesus. In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' wise response leaves them amazed and unable to refute His teaching, effectively confounding their plans. Theological Implications The theme of confounding in the Bible underscores the limitations of human understanding and the supremacy of God's wisdom. It serves as a reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. The confounding of language, nations, and individuals illustrates the divine prerogative to intervene in human history, ensuring that His purposes are ultimately fulfilled. In a broader theological context, the confounding of the wise by the seemingly foolish message of the Gospel challenges believers to trust in God's wisdom rather than their own understanding. This principle is a call to humility and faith, recognizing that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To mingle and blend, so that different elements can not be distinguished; to confuse.2. (v. t.) To mistake for another; to identify falsely. 3. (v. t.) To throw into confusion or disorder; to perplex; to strike with amazement; to dismay. 4. (v. t.) To destroy; to ruin; to waste. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONFOUNDkon-found': The physical origin of spiritual terms is well illustrated by the principal Hebrew words for "confounded" (rendered also "ashamed," etc.); bosh, is "to become pale" (2 Kings 19:26 Job 6:20 Psalm 83:17; Psalm 129:5 the King James Version; Isaiah 19:9, etc.); chapher, "to become red" (Psalm 35:4 Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 24:23, "the moon shall be confounded," Micah 3:7); yabhash, "to be dried up" (Jeremiah 46:24 the King James Version; Jeremiah 48:1, 20 the King James Version; Jeremiah 50:2 the King James Version; Zechariah 10:5); kalam, "to blush" (Psalm 69:6 the King James Version; Isaiah 41:11, etc.). In Genesis 11:7, 9, of the confusion of tongues, the word is balal, "to mix," "mingle." In Jeremiah 1:17 the King James Version it is chathath, "to bring or put down." Greek 4797. sugcheo -- to pour together, ie to confuse, throw into ... ... 1), confounding (1), confusion (2), stir (1). confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar. Or sugchuno (soong-khoo'-no) from sun ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4797.htm - 7k 2617. kataischuno -- to curse vehemently 1788. entrepo -- to turn about, to reverence, to put to shame Strong's Hebrew 1101. balal -- to mingle, mix, confuse, confound... 1100, 1101. balal. 1101a . to mingle, mix, confuse, confound. Transliteration: balal Phonetic Spelling: (baw-lal') Short Definition: anoint. ... /hebrew/1101.htm - 5k 1101a. balal -- to mingle, mix, confuse, confound 1104. bala -- to swallow down, swallow up, engulf Library Confound Me Not. December 13. Of God's Coming Down to Confound the Languages of the Builders of ... Letter i. --Aridity and Weakness. The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel. Confusion. The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of ... Prayers and Confessions The Power of Little Things. Consecration: what is It? Christianity in Poverty and Lowliness, and on the Sick Bed. Thesaurus Confound (9 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To destroy; to ruin; to waste. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONFOUND. ... Multi-Version Concordance Confound (9 Occurrences). ... /c/confound.htm - 11k Confuse (6 Occurrences) Confusion (71 Occurrences) Mighty (514 Occurrences) Confounded (64 Occurrences) Tongues (67 Occurrences) Theology Dash (30 Occurrences) Mate (9 Occurrences) Mingle (7 Occurrences) Resources What is the protoevangelium? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? | GotQuestions.org What is scrupulosity, and how can it be overcome? | GotQuestions.org Confound: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Confound (9 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 1:27 Genesis 11:7 Genesis 11:9 Exodus 23:27 Deuteronomy 7:23 Psalms 14:6 Psalms 55:9 Jeremiah 1:17 Zechariah 10:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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