The term "swoopeth" is an archaic English verb form that is derived from the word "swoop," meaning to descend or pounce upon something swiftly and suddenly. While the specific term "swoopeth" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of a sudden and forceful descent is present in various biblical passages, often used metaphorically to describe divine intervention, judgment, or the actions of predators.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Judgment and Intervention: The imagery of a swift and sudden descent is frequently used in the Bible to describe God's intervention in human affairs, particularly in the context of judgment. For example, in Isaiah 46:11 , God declares, "I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it." Here, the "bird of prey" symbolizes the rapid and decisive nature of God's actions, akin to a predator swooping down on its target.

2. Predatory Imagery: The Bible often uses the imagery of birds of prey to convey the idea of sudden attack or capture. In Job 9:26 , Job laments, "They skim by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey." This verse uses the metaphor of an eagle's swift descent to describe the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of divine judgment.

3. Protection and Deliverance: Conversely, the concept of swooping can also be associated with protection and deliverance. In Deuteronomy 32:11 , God is likened to an eagle caring for its young: "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spreads His wings to catch them and carries them on His pinions." This passage highlights the protective and nurturing aspect of God's character, contrasting the predatory swoop with a benevolent one.

4. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets often employed the imagery of swooping to convey messages of impending doom or deliverance. In Habakkuk 1:8 , the Chaldeans are described as "fiercer than wolves at dusk; their horsemen charge ahead; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour." This vivid imagery underscores the speed and inevitability of the Chaldean invasion as an instrument of God's judgment.

Theological Implications

The use of swooping imagery in the Bible serves to emphasize the power, swiftness, and decisiveness of God's actions, whether in judgment or deliverance. It reflects the belief in a God who is actively involved in the world, executing His will with precision and authority. This imagery also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human life and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

In summary, while the specific term "swoopeth" is not found in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept it represents is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, illustrating both the fearsome and protective aspects of God's character and actions.Swoopeth (2 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy 28:49
Jehovah will bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
(See JPS)

Job 9:26
They are passed away as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey.
(See JPS ASV)

Swoopeth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swoopeth (2 Occurrences). ... Job 9:26 They are passed away
as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey. (See JPS ASV). ...
/s/swoopeth.htm - 6k

Swooping (4 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation against thee from far, from the end
of the earth, as the vulture swoopeth down; a nation whose tongue thou shalt ...
/s/swooping.htm - 7k

Swoop (5 Occurrences)

/s/swoop.htm - 8k

Vulture (16 Occurrences)
... understand; (See JPS). Job 9:26 They are passed away as the swift ships;
As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey. (See JPS). Job 39 ...
/v/vulture.htm - 14k

Swoops (2 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation against thee from far, from the end
of the earth, as the vulture swoopeth down; a nation whose tongue thou shalt ...
/s/swoops.htm - 6k

Haste (106 Occurrences)
... for "and gather" (Exodus 9:19), "hasten in"; for "hasteneth that he may" (Isaiah
51:14), "shall speedily"; for "hasteth to" (Job 9:26), "swoopeth on"; for "and ...
/h/haste.htm - 41k

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