Gaping, in a biblical context, often refers to the act of opening the mouth wide, typically in amazement, derision, or as a gesture of hostility. This term is used metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe the actions and attitudes of individuals or groups, often in relation to their treatment of others, particularly the righteous or those in distress.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 22:13 : "They open their mouths against me like lions that roar and maul." In this verse, the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, describes his adversaries as opening their mouths wide against him, akin to lions ready to devour. This imagery conveys a sense of vulnerability and the ferocity of his enemies. The psalm is often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of the suffering of Christ, who also faced mockery and scorn.

2. Job 16:10 : "They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with scorn; they unite 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, or opening their mouths wide, signifies their contempt and the verbal assaults he endures during his time of suffering.

3. Lamentations 2:16 : "All your enemies open their mouths against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth. They say, 'We have swallowed her up. Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have lived to see it.'" This passage reflects the derision and triumph of Jerusalem's enemies over her downfall. The gaping mouths symbolize their mockery and the fulfillment of their malicious desires.

Theological Implications:

Gaping, as depicted in these passages, is often associated with hostility and mockery. It reflects the sinful nature of humanity, where individuals or groups take pleasure in the misfortune of others, particularly the righteous. This behavior is condemned in Scripture, as it stands in stark contrast to the virtues of compassion, empathy, and support that believers are called to exhibit.

In the broader biblical narrative, the act of gaping can also be seen as a representation of the spiritual battle between good and evil. The righteous, like Job and the psalmist, often find themselves surrounded by those who seek to harm them through words and actions. Yet, these trials are also opportunities for demonstrating faith and reliance on God, who ultimately delivers and vindicates His people.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to guard their speech and attitudes, avoiding the sin of gaping in derision or hostility towards others. Instead, they are called to speak words of life, encouragement, and truth, reflecting the character of Christ. In moments of personal trial or when witnessing the suffering of others, Christians are reminded to respond with compassion and support, rather than joining in the chorus of mockery or condemnation.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Gape.2295. thauma -- a wonder
... Cognate: 2295 -- a wonder, evoking "emotional" astonishment (gaping) at the marvel,
ie performed to powerfully strike the viewer (uniquely, individually). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2295.htm - 6k

2785. ketos -- a huge fish
... whale, sea monster. Probably from the base of chasma; a huge fish (as gaping for
prey) -- whale. see GREEK chasma. (ketous) -- 1 Occurrence. 2784, 2785. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2785.htm - 6k

3605. kol -- the whole, all
... 3), everyone* (3), everything (52), everything* (4), everywhere (2), everywhere*
(2), far (1), farthest (1), forever* (10), full (2), gaping (1), health* (1 ...
/hebrew/3605.htm - 7k

And Whence, Finally, do You Know Whether all These Images which ...
... here that figure of yours, so there the deity himself [4637] is a mere mask and
face, without the rest of the body, growling with fiercely gaping jaws, terrible ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/10 and whence finally do.htm

"How is the Tide Turned!"
... The last time I was here, about forty years ago, I was taken prisoner by an immense
mob, gaping and roaring like lions. But how is the tide turned! ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/how is the tide turned.htm

For what Reason the Worshippers of Janus have Made his Image with ...
... For they say that it has two faces, one before and one behind, because our gaping
mouths seem to resemble the world: whence the Greeks call the palate ouranos ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 for what reason the.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... of vegetation, with the exception of a few reeds and rushes, and here and there
a tamarisk." This lonely land, cracked with drought, as if gaping with chapped ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Acts xiii. 4, 5
... If he will needs be gaping for their praises, he will do just what they wish,
not what himself wishes. What then would I advise you? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii acts xiii 4.htm

Rom. I. 26, 27
... And if we leave those, and stand gaping at these useless things, all our time will
be wasted in vain and to no profit, and we shall suffer the extreme of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv rom i 26.htm

A Strain of Sodom.
... For such an end. No creatures wed: not such as haunt the fens; Not stall-fed cattle;
not the gaping brood. Subaqueous; nor they which, modulant. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over.
... Many of them are foot-sore and lame; many have received bruises and scratches during
the journeyings of the day; some have gaping and bleeding wounds from the ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/x thou anointest my head.htm

Curiosity.
... The eyes, continually gaping and watching what passes before them, present the mind
with numberless images to amuse it in its weary or lonesome moments. ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xvii curiosity.htm

"Confido"
... inflamed that every step was torture. Ulcers, which opened and left gaping
wounds, next made their appearance. It was said that in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 11 confido.htm

Gaping (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Gape. Multi-Version Concordance Gaping (2 Occurrences). Job 30:14 As through
a wide breach they come, in the midst of the ruin they roll themselves in. ...
/g/gaping.htm - 7k

Gapeth (1 Occurrence)

/g/gapeth.htm - 6k

Gape (2 Occurrences)
... hiatus. 5. (vi) To long, wait eagerly, or cry aloud for something; -- with
for, after, or at. 6. (n.) The act of gaping; a yawn. 7 ...
/g/gape.htm - 7k

Gaps (2 Occurrences)

/g/gaps.htm - 7k

Gulf (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A large deposit of ore in a lode. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GULF.
(chasma, "a chasm," "vent," "a gaping opening"-a great interval; from chaino ...
/g/gulf.htm - 9k

Agape
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv. & a.) Gaping, as with wonder, expectation,
or eager attention. 2. (n.) The love feast of the ...
/a/agape.htm - 15k

Water (4571 Occurrences)
... providentially the place of a postmorten without which it would have been impossible
to determine the real cause of death), and from the gaping wound there ...
/w/water.htm - 23k

Blood (435 Occurrences)
... providentially the place of a postmorten without which it would have been impossible
to determine the real cause of death), and from the gaping wound there ...
/b/blood.htm - 54k

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