The phrase "will swallow himself" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of self-destruction or self-consumption is present in various biblical passages. This idea often symbolizes the consequences of sin, pride, or rebellion against God, leading to one's downfall.

Biblical Context and Themes

1. Pride and Self-Destruction: The Bible frequently warns against pride, which can lead to one's downfall. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse illustrates the concept that those who exalt themselves will ultimately face ruin, metaphorically "swallowing" themselves through their arrogance.

2. Sin and Its Consequences: The notion that sin leads to self-destruction is a recurring theme. In James 1:14-15 , it is written, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This passage highlights the progression of sin leading to spiritual death, akin to consuming oneself.

3. Rebellion Against God: The Bible often depicts rebellion against God as a path to self-destruction. In the account of King Saul, his disobedience and rejection of God's commands led to his downfall. 1 Samuel 15:23 states, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's rebellion ultimately led to his demise, illustrating the self-destructive nature of turning away from God.

4. The Fate of the Wicked: The Psalms frequently describe the fate of the wicked as one of self-destruction. Psalm 7:15-16 says, "He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head." This imagery of falling into one's own pit captures the essence of self-consumption through wickedness.

5. The Devouring Nature of Sin: Sin is often depicted as something that consumes and destroys. In Galatians 5:15 , Paul warns, "But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another." This metaphor of devouring one another serves as a warning against the destructive nature of sin within a community.

Theological Implications

The concept of "will swallow himself" serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent consequences of sin and pride. It underscores the biblical teaching that turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior leads to self-destruction. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the need for repentance, humility, and reliance on God's grace to avoid the pitfalls of self-consumption.Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Nave's Topical Index

What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... worldly-mindedness, follies, bad tempers, and hateful words and deeds ... Wandering on
in darkness, as he does, he will, very likely, swallow the grossest ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iv what are consequences of.htm

Again on Matt. xiv. 25:00:00 of the Lord Walking on the Waves of ...
... Lo, what Peter was in the Lord; what was he in himself? ... and if we acknowledge them
they are our words too; yea ... Thou dost love the world, it will swallow thee up ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxvi again on matt.htm

The Tabernacle of God with Men.
... will be his people, and God himself will be with ... And he said, Write, for these words
are faithful ... Isaiah predicted, when "He will swallow up death in victory ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the tabernacle of god with.htm

Christ's Question to Each
... Well, let me put that into plainer words. It ... themselves. You cannot know
that a medicine will cure you till you swallow it. You ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs question to each.htm

Of Meditation --The First Degree of Prayer or Mystical Theology.
... many vocal prayers, says: I will cry like a young swallow, opening my ... I will meditate
like a dove: putting his conception into other words: I will think over ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii of meditationthe first.htm

Judas Hangs Himself.
... O, earth, open and swallow me up! ... Here, O life accursed, here will I end thee ... As Judas
spoke the last words he tied with convulsive and feverish agony the long ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter vi judas hangs himself.htm

'In this Mountain'
... as probably the word more correctly means, 'He will swallow up death ... of joy, then"
as Paul quotes the words of my ... He will give you the food of your souls; if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/in this mountain.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... shall have destruction. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious: but
the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Death and life ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

God's Family.
... against that for which the Son yielded himself utterly, the ... unity; who strain at
a gnat and swallow a camel ... can be no peace-making, and words will but occasion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/gods family.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... 'He fighting daily oppresseth me; mine enemies daily would swallow me up ... In God I
will praise His word'; that is to say ... 'Every day they wrest my words; all their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance 2.htm

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