Gapes, in a biblical context, refers to the act of opening the mouth wide, often in astonishment, derision, or desire. This term is used metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe various human attitudes and reactions, particularly those of scorn or longing. The imagery of gaping is vivid and often conveys a sense of vulnerability or exposure.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 22:13 : "They open their mouths against me like lions, roaring and mauling." In this verse, the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, describes his enemies as those who "open their mouths" against him. The imagery of gaping mouths like lions suggests a fierce and predatory hostility. This psalm is often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of the suffering of Christ, with the gaping mouths symbolizing the mockery and aggression He faced.

2. Job 16:10 : "They have gaped at me with their mouths; they have struck my cheeks with scorn; they have joined together against me." Here, Job laments the treatment he receives from his friends and others who should have been his comforters. The act of gaping at him signifies their contempt and derision, adding to his profound sense of betrayal and isolation.

3. Lamentations 2:16 : "All your enemies open their mouths against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, 'We have swallowed her up. Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have lived to see it.'" In this passage, the gaping mouths of the enemies of Jerusalem symbolize their triumph and malicious joy over the city's downfall. The open mouths are not just a sign of verbal assault but also of the enemies' insatiable desire for destruction.

Theological Implications:

The act of gaping, as depicted in the Bible, often carries a negative connotation, associated with hostility, mockery, and a lack of compassion. It reflects the fallen nature of humanity, where individuals can become instruments of scorn and derision rather than support and love. The imagery serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by the faithful and the need for reliance on God amidst persecution and ridicule.

Symbolism and Imagery:

In biblical literature, the mouth is a powerful symbol of speech and expression. When described as gaping, it emphasizes an exaggerated and often aggressive or mocking posture. This imagery is used to evoke a strong emotional response, highlighting the intensity of the situation and the depth of the psalmist's or prophet's distress.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to be mindful of their words and actions, ensuring they do not become like those who gape in derision. Instead, Christians are encouraged to use their mouths to edify and uplift others, reflecting the love and grace of Christ. The warnings against gaping mouths serve as a call to cultivate a spirit of humility and kindness, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and scorn.

Of the Remedy for the Fourth Source of Weariness.
... to us with all readiness, becomes exhausted either by the effort of hearing or by
standing, and now no longer commends what is said, but gapes and yawns, and ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 13 of the remedy for.htm

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. The Formation and ...
... And it is further reported that the shell"I mean, the shell of the animal which
bears the pearl"opens and gapes, as it were, and being opened receives into ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/7 the parable of the.htm

Hell; Or, the Vengeance of God.
... 6 Tremble, my soul, and kiss the Son; Sinners, obey the Saviour's call; Else your
damnation hastens on, And hell gapes wide to wait your fall. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 2 44 hell or the.htm

Death Dreadful or Delightful.
... 4 See how the pit gapes wide for you, And flashes in your face, And thou,
my soul, look downwards too, And sing recovering grace. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 2 52 death dreadful or.htm

Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ...
... Seth, represent the two cities in their distinctive ranks, the one the heavenly
city, which sojourns on earth, the other the earthly, which gapes after earthly ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 15 whether it is credible.htm

Hell; Or, the Vengeance of God.
... Tremble, my soul, and kiss the Son; Sinners, obey the Savior's call; Else your
damnation hastens on,. And hell gapes wide to wait your fall. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 44 hell or the.htm

Death Dreadful or Delightful.
... Let stubborn sinners fear,. You must be driv'n from earth, and dwell. A long forever
there. See how the pit gapes wide for you,. And flashes in your face: ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 52 death dreadful or.htm

Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast.
... and burned on, as though there was to be no more verdure, the trees are but the
skeletons of their former selves, and the ground is cracked, and gapes for drink ...
/.../champness/broken bread/xxxvi selfishness and prayer a.htm

The Great Proclamation
... and does not know that it is God whom he does need, is condemned to wander in a
dry and thirsty land, where no water is, and where his heart gapes, parched and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great proclamation.htm

Stillness in Storm
... which you look at it. From one it swells out into rounded fullness; from
the other it gapes as in empty hungriness. So the rich fool ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/stillness in storm.htm

Gapes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gapes (1 Occurrence). Job 5:5 whose harvest ... even out
of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. (WEB). ...
/g/gapes.htm - 6k

Gapeth (1 Occurrence)

/g/gapeth.htm - 6k

Gaped (2 Occurrences)

/g/gaped.htm - 7k

Pant (8 Occurrences)
... Pant (8 Occurrences). Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even
out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. (See RSV NIV). ...
/p/pant.htm - 9k

Schemer (2 Occurrences)
... Schemer (2 Occurrences). Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even
out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. (See NAS). ...
/s/schemer.htm - 6k

Thirsty (38 Occurrences)
... Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns.
The snare gapes for their substance. (See RSV NIV). ...
/t/thirsty.htm - 18k

Eager (43 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of
the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. (See NAS). ...
/e/eager.htm - 18k

Thorns (56 Occurrences)
... Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns. The
snare gapes for their substance. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/thorns.htm - 25k

Devour (118 Occurrences)
... NIV). Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of
the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. (See NAS). ...
/d/devour.htm - 37k

Gapes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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