Writhing, in the biblical context, often refers to a physical manifestation of intense emotional or physical distress. The term is used to describe the twisting or contorting of the body, typically as a response to pain, anguish, or severe discomfort. This imagery is employed in various passages throughout the Bible to convey the depth of human suffering and the consequences of sin.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, writhing is frequently associated with the pain of childbirth, a metaphor for intense suffering and the consequences of disobedience to God. In Genesis 3:16, God pronounces judgment upon Eve, saying, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children." Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "writhing" directly in this verse, the concept is implicit in the description of childbirth pain.

The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of writhing to describe the agony of the people under divine judgment. In Isaiah 13:8 , it is written, "Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another, their faces aflame." Here, the writhing of a woman in labor is a powerful metaphor for the fear and distress that will come upon those who face God's wrath.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 30:6 , the prophet asks, "Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned pale?" This rhetorical question underscores the unnatural and overwhelming nature of the suffering that will befall the people, likening it to the writhing of childbirth.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "writhing," the concept is present in the descriptions of suffering and spiritual anguish. In Romans 8:22 , the Apostle Paul writes, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." Here, the groaning and pains of childbirth symbolize the entire creation's longing for redemption and the end of suffering.

Theological Implications

Writhing, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of sin and the human condition in a fallen world. It reflects the physical and emotional turmoil that results from separation from God and the anticipation of divine judgment. The imagery of writhing also points to the hope of deliverance and redemption, as the pains of childbirth ultimately lead to new life. This duality underscores the biblical theme of suffering leading to glory, as seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In summary, the concept of writhing in the Bible is a powerful metaphor for the intense suffering and anguish experienced by individuals and nations under the weight of sin and divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the hope of redemption through Christ.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Writhe.2427. chil -- a writhing, anguish
... 2426, 2427. chil. 2428 . a writhing, anguish. Transliteration: chil Phonetic
Spelling: (kheel) Short Definition: agony. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/2427.htm - 6k

2479. chalchalah -- anguish
... great, much pain. Feminine from the same as Chalchuwl; writhing (in childbirth);
by implication, terror -- (great, much) pain. see HEBREW Chalchuwl. ...
/hebrew/2479.htm - 6k

The Cords of Sin
... But to men writhing in the grip of a sinful past, or paralysed beyond writhing,
and indifferent, because hopeless, or because they have come to like their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the cords of sin.htm

The Acts of Philip.
... prepared for those that love Him. Trample under foot the snares of the enemy,
the writhing serpent. For his path is crooked, since ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/the acts of philip.htm

Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ...
... Dr. Duche`, minister of Christ Church in the city, be asked to open this Congress
with prayer." John Adams, writhing to his wife, said, "Never can I forget ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/ii sermon at the faribault.htm

Discipline
... may see"that noble picture of Israel in Egypt which now hangs in the Royal Academy;
in which the Hebrews, harnessed like beasts of burden, writhing under the ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon i discipline.htm

The Great Council
... weakness of sight. He has a curious way of writhing when he speaks, which
his enemies compare to the wriggling of a snake. He is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 3 the great council.htm

Vanished Hopes
... Clouded by the vapor, targets for the immense missiles, the Jews heaving and
writhing in personal encounters appeared black and inhuman. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxii vanished hopes.htm

The Kingdom of Christ
... Mothers would eat their own children for famine. Three thousand crosses would stand
at one time in the valley below with a living man writhing on each. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiii the kingdom of christ.htm

Surrender a Law of Life.
... subjugation. These Hebrews to whom Jesus is speaking are writhing with
sore shoulders under the galling yoke of the Romans. One ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/surrender a law of life.htm

Letters Written from Rocca D'Orcia
... We hear of picturesque scenes, where men and women afflicted of demons are brought
writhing into her presence, to be welcomed, cared for, and healed. ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/letters written from rocca dorcia.htm

Christ's Question to Each
... The words of my text, as you will probably remember, were addressed by our Lord
to Martha, as she was writhing in agony over her dead brother. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs question to each.htm

Writhing (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Writhing (2 Occurrences). Psalms 55:4 My heart is writhing
within me, and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. (DBY). ...
/w/writhing.htm - 7k

Leviathan (5 Occurrences)
... to Eastern tradition, is an enemy of light; in 41:1 the crocodile is meant; in Psalm
104:26 it "denotes any large animal that moves by writhing or wriggling ...
/l/leviathan.htm - 10k

Wring (4 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To writhe; to twist, as with anguish. 8. (n.) A writhing, as in anguish;
a twisting; a griping. Multi-Version Concordance Wring (4 Occurrences). ...
/w/wring.htm - 8k

Writhes (3 Occurrences)

/w/writhes.htm - 7k

Distortion (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The act of distorting, or twisting out of natural or regular shape; a twisting
or writhing motion; as, the distortions of the face or body. ...
/d/distortion.htm - 7k

Collar (6 Occurrences)
... Job, in describing his suffering and writhing, mentions the disfiguring of his garment,
and suggests that the whole thing feels as narrow or close-fitting as ...
/c/collar.htm - 11k

Agony (20 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body, similar
to those made in the athletic contests in Greece; and hence, extreme pain of ...
/a/agony.htm - 18k

Writing (194 Occurrences)

/w/writing.htm - 70k

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