Swerving, in a biblical context, often refers to a deviation from the path of righteousness or truth. It is a metaphorical term used to describe the act of turning away from God's commandments, teachings, or the faith itself. This concept is frequently addressed in Scripture, highlighting the importance of steadfastness and adherence to divine guidance.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 1:6 : "Some have strayed from these and turned aside to empty talk." In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about individuals who have swerved from the faith, engaging in meaningless discussions rather than focusing on the truth of the Gospel. This swerving is depicted as a departure from the core teachings of Christianity, leading to fruitless endeavors.

2. Proverbs 4:27 : "Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil." Here, the wisdom literature of Proverbs advises believers to maintain a straight path, avoiding any deviation that might lead to sin or moral compromise. The imagery of swerving to the right or left underscores the ease with which one can be led astray if not vigilant.

3. Hebrews 10:23 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." While the term "swerve" is not explicitly used, the exhortation to hold resolutely implies a warning against swerving from the hope and faith in God's promises. The emphasis is on maintaining a firm grip on one's faith to prevent any deviation.

Theological Implications:

Swerving is often associated with a lack of faithfulness and discipline in one's spiritual journey. It suggests a movement away from the truth, which can lead to spiritual peril. The Bible consistently calls believers to remain steadfast, emphasizing the dangers of being led astray by false teachings, worldly temptations, or personal doubts.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, swerving can be seen as a failure to uphold the ethical standards set forth by Scripture. It involves a conscious or unconscious decision to abandon the principles of righteousness, often resulting in negative consequences both spiritually and morally. The call to avoid swerving is a call to integrity and commitment to God's ways.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cultivate spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other Christians to guard against swerving. By staying rooted in the Word of God and being accountable to a community of faith, individuals can better resist the temptations and distractions that lead to deviation from the path of righteousness.

In summary, swerving is a significant biblical concept that serves as a caution against turning away from the truth and the faith. It underscores the importance of vigilance, steadfastness, and commitment to God's commandments in the life of a believer.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Swerve.

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... Now, this their swerving from the gospel ariseth, 1. Either from their not having,
or, having, not retaining, the true knowledge of the person of the Lord ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Concerning Great, Small, Same, Different, Similar, Dissimilar ...
... firmly and purely fixed in the most beautiful limits of the superessential sameness,
without changing, without falling, without swerving, unalterable, unmingled ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput ix concerning great small.htm

On Rational Natures.
... know that every being which is endowed with reason, and transgresses its statutes
and limitations, is undoubtedly involved in sin by swerving from rectitude ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on rational natures.htm

The Comfort of the Truth
... How does a man in his moral struggles get comfort? He gets it not by swerving,
or dodging, or compromising, but by being true. The ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xxxiv the comfort of the.htm

Still, in his Examination of the Amount of Justice and Wisdom ...
... but skilfully to combine both these requisites together, in regard to justice [2003]
returning the due recompense, in regard to kindness not swerving from the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxvi still in his.htm

There Remains the Pleasure of These Eyes of My Flesh...
... O Thou Light, which Tobias saw, when, these eyes closed, he taught his son the way
of life; and himself went before with the feet of charity, never swerving. ...
/.../the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxiv there remains the.htm

Letter ci. From Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople, to Leo.
... by all unanimously and without gainsaying, which thus confirmed the souls of the
strong, and invited into the way of Truth all who were swerving therefrom. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter ci from anatolius bishop.htm

I Speak not his Practises but his Principles
... Nevertheless I have heard him often say, That he never allowed himself in swerving
from any of these, and that he repented deeply every miscarriage and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/30 i speak not his.htm

How Vainglory Attacks a Monk on the Right had and on the Left.
... or to the left;" [1005] ie, do not flatter yourself on your virtues and be puffed
up by your spiritual achievements on the right hand; nor, swerving to the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv how vainglory attacks.htm

That the Foundation and Basis of the Spiritual Combat must be Laid ...
... He does not run uncertainly, because, [845] looking to the heavenly Jerusalem, he
has a mark set, towards which his heart is swiftly directed without swerving. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xvii that the foundation.htm

Swerving (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Swerve. Multi-Version Concordance Swerving (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 1:6
from which certain, having swerved, did turn aside to vain discourse, (See RSV) ...
/s/swerving.htm - 7k

Swift (35 Occurrences)

/s/swift.htm - 19k

Direct (58 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Straightforward; not of crooked ways, or swerving from truth and openness;
sincere; outspoken. 3. (a.) Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous. ...
/d/direct.htm - 24k

Pergamos (1 Occurrence)
... there. The church of Pergamos was rebuked for swerving from the truth and
embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. ...
/p/pergamos.htm - 12k

Swerved (4 Occurrences)

/s/swerved.htm - 7k

Swerving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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