In the context of the Bible, the term "empties" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often relating to themes of desolation, judgment, and spiritual barrenness. The concept of emptiness is frequently used to describe the state of a person, nation, or object that has been stripped of its purpose, value, or divine favor.

Literal Emptiness

1. Physical Desolation: The Bible often uses the imagery of emptiness to describe lands that have been laid waste or cities that have been destroyed. For example, in Isaiah 24:1 , it is written, "Behold, the LORD lays waste to the earth and leaves it in ruins; He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants." This passage illustrates the physical emptiness that results from divine judgment.

2. Vessels and Containers: In a more literal sense, empties can refer to vessels or containers that are devoid of contents. In 2 Kings 4:3 , the prophet Elisha instructs the widow, "Go, borrow empty vessels from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few." Here, the empty vessels become a symbol of potential and divine provision, as they are later filled with oil.

Metaphorical Emptiness

1. Spiritual Barrenness: Emptiness is often used metaphorically to describe a lack of spiritual vitality or divine presence. In Jeremiah 2:5 , God questions, "What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves." This passage highlights the emptiness that results from idolatry and turning away from God.

2. Moral and Ethical Emptiness: The Bible also speaks of emptiness in terms of moral and ethical failure. In Ephesians 5:6 , Paul warns, "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience." Here, "empty words" refer to deceitful or meaningless speech that leads people away from truth and righteousness.

3. Vanity and Futility: The concept of emptiness is closely related to vanity and futility, as seen in Ecclesiastes. The Preacher laments in Ecclesiastes 1:2 , "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" This expression of existential emptiness underscores the transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits apart from God.

Theological Implications

1. Divine Judgment and Restoration: Emptiness often serves as a precursor to divine judgment, but it also opens the door for restoration and renewal. In the prophetic literature, God frequently promises to fill what is empty and restore what is desolate. For instance, in Isaiah 44:3 , God declares, "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants."

2. Human Dependence on God: The theme of emptiness underscores the human need for God’s presence and provision. It serves as a reminder that apart from God, life is devoid of true meaning and purpose. The filling of emptiness with divine presence is a recurring theme, as seen in the New Testament with the coming of the Holy Spirit to fill and empower believers.

In summary, the concept of "empties" in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing both physical desolation and spiritual barrenness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of restoration through His grace and provision.(n.) Plural of Empty.

Vision and SerVice
... The throne of David was empty. God never empties places in our homes and hearts,
or in the nation or the Church, without being ready to fill them. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/vision and service.htm

Thereafter He Shows that There are not Two Christs or Two Lords
... points in the same way, let us consider what it is that dies, and what it is that
destroys death; what it is that is renewed, and what it is that empties itself ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 thereafter he shows.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... He that is full empties Himself; for He empties Himself of His Glory for
a short while, that I may have a share in His Fulness. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... At any rate, Abana and Pharpar are cleaner and wider, and their current is stronger
than that of the Jordan, which empties itself into the Dead Sea. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/mr evil-questioning tried and executed.htm

Glad Confession and Sad Warning
... because in that day you will have with you an illuminating Spirit who will solve
all your difficulties.' So, again, a shallow interpretation empties the words ...
/.../glad confession and sad warning.htm

Of a Loving Strife Between the Spirit of God and Our Spirit
... of love, and enters so deeply into the touch of God, that it is overcome in all
its cravings, and turned to nought in all its works, and empties itself; above ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter liv of a loving.htm

Of Three Kinds of Most Inward Practices
... And here the hunger and thirst of love become so great that he perpetually surrenders
himself, and gives up his own works, and empties himself, and is noughted ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxv of three kinds.htm

Argument --That the Same Divine Majesty is in Christ, He once More ...
... It empties itself in descending to injuries and reproaches, in bearing abominations,
in experiencing things unworthy; and yet of this humility there is present ...
/.../chapter xxii argumentthat the same.htm

Whether Doing Good to Another is a Cause of Pleasure?
... one's good. But in so far as it empties us of our own good it may be a
cause of sadness; for instance when it is excessive. Reply ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether doing good to another.htm

The Love that Constrains
... any other. So, brethren, let us each feel not only the love that grasps the
world, but the love that empties itself on me. But there ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

Empties (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Empty. Multi-Version Concordance
Empties (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he to me ...
/e/empties.htm - 6k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... in transportation of freight; as, special rates for empties. 10. ... 11. (vi) To discharge
itself; as, a river empties into the ocean. 12. (vi) To become empty. ...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... From this junction-point the Niles flows North through Nubia and Egypt 1,900 miles
and empties into the Mediterranean Sea, in latitude 32 degree North, through ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

Nephtoah (2 Occurrences)
... nears Jerusalem. There are ancient rock-cut tombs and a copious spring
which empties itself into a large masonry reservoir. The ...
/n/nephtoah.htm - 9k

Emptier
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, empties. 2. (compar.)
of Empty. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EMPTY; EMPTIER. ...
/e/emptier.htm - 8k

Euphrates (36 Occurrences)
... From its source in the Armenian mountains to the Persian Gulf, into which
it empties itself, it has a course of about 1,700 miles. ...
/e/euphrates.htm - 26k

Emptiers (1 Occurrence)

/e/emptiers.htm - 6k

Emptieth (1 Occurrence)

/e/emptieth.htm - 6k

Pharpar (1 Occurrence)
... for some unknown reason. This river empties itself into the lake or marsh
Bahret Hijaneh, on the east of Damascus. One of its branches ...
/p/pharpar.htm - 7k

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)
... South of Ba`albek the Yahfufah, a stream of considerable importance, empties into
the Litany, while the Barada (the "Abana" of Scripture), rising in the same ...
/l/lebanon.htm - 45k

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