The term "overfed" in the biblical context often carries connotations of excess, indulgence, and moral or spiritual complacency. It is used to describe not only physical gluttony but also a state of spiritual lethargy and self-satisfaction that leads individuals away from reliance on God.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 16:49 : "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel identifies being "overfed" as one of the sins of Sodom, linking it to arrogance and a lack of concern for others. This suggests that being overfed is not merely a physical state but a moral failing that leads to neglecting the needs of the less fortunate.

2. Philippians 3:19 : "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." Here, the Apostle Paul warns against those whose lives are governed by their appetites, equating such indulgence with idolatry. The phrase "their god is their belly" implies that being overfed can become a form of worship of self and materialism, detracting from spiritual devotion.

3. Proverbs 23:20-21 : "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This proverb warns against the dangers of overindulgence, associating it with poverty and laziness. The overfed are depicted as lacking discipline, which ultimately leads to their downfall.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical narrative, being overfed is often symbolic of a deeper spiritual issue. It reflects a heart that is turned inward, focused on self-gratification rather than on God and others. This condition can lead to a hardening of the heart, making individuals less responsive to God's call and the needs of their neighbors.

The Bible frequently contrasts the state of being overfed with the virtues of self-control, humility, and generosity. Believers are encouraged to practice moderation and to be mindful of the needs of others, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The call to avoid being overfed is not merely about physical restraint but about cultivating a spirit of dependence on God and a life marked by service and love.

Practical Application:

Christians are encouraged to examine their lives for areas of excess and to seek balance through spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. By doing so, they can guard against the spiritual complacency that comes with being overfed and remain attentive to the voice of God and the needs of the community.(imp. & p. p.) of Overfeed.

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... appetite of the Protestant public for scandals at the expense of their
fellow-Christians was stimulated to a morbid greediness and then overfed with willful ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... but his poverty. Let your praises come from the stomachs of the hungry
and not from the rich banquets of the overfed. We read in ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Overfed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Overfeed. Multi-Version Concordance
Overfed (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was ...
/o/overfed.htm - 6k

Overflow (43 Occurrences)

/o/overflow.htm - 19k

Overextending (1 Occurrence)

/o/overextending.htm - 6k

What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about giving to the poor? | GotQuestions.org

What is Epicureanism? What did Epicurus teach? | GotQuestions.org

Overfed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus