Topical Encyclopedia Withering, in a biblical context, often symbolizes spiritual decay, judgment, or the consequences of sin. The imagery of withering is used throughout Scripture to convey the fragility of life, the effects of disobedience, and the power of God over creation. Old Testament References In the Old Testament, withering is frequently associated with God's judgment and the consequences of turning away from Him. For instance, in Isaiah 40:7-8 , it is written: "The grass withers, the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage contrasts the temporary nature of human life and achievements with the eternal nature of God's word. The Psalms also use the imagery of withering to describe the fate of the wicked. Psalm 1:3-4 contrasts the righteous, who are "like a tree planted by streams of water," with the wicked, who "are like chaff that the wind blows away." The withering of the wicked signifies their lack of stability and ultimate destruction. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus uses the concept of withering to illustrate spiritual truths. In the parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13:6 , Jesus describes seeds that fall on rocky ground: "But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." This represents those who initially receive the word with joy but fall away when trouble or persecution arises due to their lack of deep roots in faith. Another significant instance is the cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21:19 : "Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He went up to it and found nothing on it except leaves. 'May you never bear fruit again!' He said. And immediately the tree withered." This act serves as a powerful symbol of judgment against unfruitfulness and hypocrisy, particularly in the context of Israel's spiritual state at the time. Spiritual Implications Withering serves as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness and the consequences of living apart from God's will. It is a reminder of the importance of remaining rooted in faith and obedience to God. The imagery calls believers to examine their lives, ensuring they are producing spiritual fruit and not merely outward appearances of righteousness. The Bible consistently uses the concept of withering to highlight the transient nature of life and the importance of aligning oneself with God's eternal purposes. It serves as a warning against complacency and a call to spiritual vitality through a relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wither.2. (a.) Tending to wither; causing to shrink or fade. Library The Withering Work of the Spirit September the Seventeenth the Never-Withering Leaf Of the Withering of the Fig-Tree, and of the Question as to the ... The True Branches of the True vine Withered Branches Psalm LIV. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ... The Withered Fig Tree The vine and the Branches. "And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ... Thesaurus Withering (2 Occurrences)...Withering (2 Occurrences). Mark 9:18 and wheresoever it seizes him it tears him, and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and he is withering away. ... /w/withering.htm - 7k Never-withering (1 Occurrence) Withers (20 Occurrences) Withereth (13 Occurrences) Neverthless (1 Occurrence) Gnashes (4 Occurrences) Wreath (21 Occurrences) Faint (76 Occurrences) Tears (58 Occurrences) Pomegranate (11 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be a root out of dry ground (Isaiah 53:2)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org Why are there times in my life when finding God is so difficult? | GotQuestions.org Withering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Withering (2 Occurrences)Mark 9:18 Isaiah 27:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |