Definition and Context
In a biblical context, "shifting" often refers to a change or movement, whether physical, spiritual, or metaphorical. It can denote a transition in circumstances, beliefs, or divine plans. The concept of shifting is seen throughout Scripture as God moves His people, changes their hearts, or alters their circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Biblical Examples

1. Shifting in Faith and Belief
The Bible frequently addresses the idea of shifting in terms of faith and belief. James 1:6 warns against being double-minded, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This passage highlights the instability that comes with a lack of firm faith, illustrating the dangers of spiritual shifting.

2. Shifting Circumstances
The account of Joseph in Genesis is a prime example of shifting circumstances. Joseph's life was marked by dramatic changes—from being sold into slavery by his brothers to rising to power in Egypt. Genesis 50:20 reflects on this shift: "As for you, you intended evil against me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This demonstrates how God can use shifting circumstances to bring about His divine plan.

3. Shifting Nations and Kingdoms
The Bible also speaks of the shifting of nations and kingdoms. Daniel 2:21 states, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This verse underscores God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of earthly powers, indicating that such shifts are under His control and part of His divine orchestration.

4. Shifting in Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:11-12 advises believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage suggests that spiritual warfare involves a constant shifting of tactics and strategies, requiring believers to remain vigilant and steadfast.

5. Shifting in Personal Transformation
The process of personal transformation in the life of a believer can also be seen as a form of shifting. Romans 12:2 encourages, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a shift from worldly patterns to a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the ongoing nature of spiritual growth and renewal.

Theological Implications

The concept of shifting in the Bible often points to God's sovereignty and the dynamic nature of His interaction with the world. It serves as a reminder that while human circumstances may change, God's purposes remain steadfast. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, even amidst the uncertainties and shifts of life. The biblical narrative consistently shows that God uses shifts to refine, teach, and guide His people, ultimately leading them closer to Him and His eternal purposes.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shift.

2. (a.) Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle; as, shifting winds; shifting opinions or principles.

3. (a.) Adapted or used for shifting anything.

1365. distazo -- twenty thousand
... 1365 (from 1364 , "two, double" and 4714 , "stance, standing") -- properly, going
two ways, shifting between positions; choosing "a double-stance" and hence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365.htm - 6k

5157. trope -- a turning
... turning, change, mutation. Word Origin from trepo (to turn) Definition
a turning NASB Word Usage shifting (1). turning. From an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5157.htm - 6k

The Discourse of the Old Man on the State of the Soul and Its ...
... And so the nous, ie, the mind, is defined as aeikinetos kai polukinetos, ie, ever
shifting and very shifting: as it is thus described in the so called wisdom ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv the discourse of.htm

Book I.
... been said by me, Thou the only God, do Thou come to my help, the one true and eternal
substance, where is no discord, no confusion, no shifting, no indigence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/two books of soliloquies/book i.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... The population, as in many another American city, was shifting from the downtown
district, and many believed that the parish had seen its best days. ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

Sixth Tractate. The Impassivity of the Unembodied.
... and yet likings and dislikings, the Soul enjoying, grieving, angry, grudging, envying,
desiring, never at peace but stirring and shifting with everything that ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate the impassivity of.htm

The Procession of Amen
... He forgot the mission that urged him to the temple and, permitting the shifting,
restless crowd to surround him, he lingered, thinking. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

An Apostolic Testimony and Exhortation
... If you talk so to a man who has his foot upon shifting sands or slippery clay; the
more he tries the deeper will he sink into the one, or slide the further ...
/.../an apostolic testimony and exhortation.htm

"Give Ye them to Eat"
... responsibility. He is in danger of shifting his burden upon organizations, instead
of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm

Introduction
... Oriental history. Its occupation by Babylonians or Egyptians marks the shifting
of the balance of power between Asia and Africa. The ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... Unless, indeed, like chameleons, they have a natural aptitude to change colour,
they must have a worrying time of it, and a horrible amount of shifting to get ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm

Down the Islands
... For hundreds of miles, day after day, the steamer carried us past a shifting diorama
of scenery, which may be likened to Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Shifting (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle; as,
shifting winds; shifting opinions or principles. ...Shifting (3 Occurrences). ...
/s/shifting.htm - 7k

Unscrupulous (2 Occurrences)
... the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's
cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every shifting device to ...
/u/unscrupulous.htm - 7k

Goats'
... Samuel 19:13, 16). Goats' hair cloth is admirab1y suited to stand the hard
usage of a frequently shifting encampment. The children of ...
/g/goats'.htm - 7k

Waves (43 Occurrences)
... the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's
cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every shifting device to ...
/w/waves.htm - 18k

Firmly (47 Occurrences)
... Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,
without ever shifting from your hope that rests on the Good News that you ...
/f/firmly.htm - 19k

Resemble (15 Occurrences)
... the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's
cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every shifting device to ...
/r/resemble.htm - 11k

Rests (25 Occurrences)
... Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,
without ever shifting from your hope that rests on the Good News that you ...
/r/rests.htm - 13k

Established (200 Occurrences)
... Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,
without ever shifting from your hope that rests on the Good News that you ...
/e/established.htm - 37k

Device (17 Occurrences)
... the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's
cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every shifting device to ...
/d/device.htm - 14k

Mariners (7 Occurrences)
... the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's
cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every shifting device to ...
/m/mariners.htm - 8k

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Shifting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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