The term "befell" is an archaic English word often used in biblical translations to describe events or occurrences that happened, particularly those that are significant or divinely orchestrated. In the context of the Bible, "befell" is used to convey the unfolding of events within God's sovereign plan, highlighting His providence and the fulfillment of His purposes.

Biblical Usage:

The word "befell" is not frequently used in modern translations, but it appears in older versions and is understood to mean "happened" or "occurred." It is often used to describe events that are pivotal in the narrative of Scripture, emphasizing the unfolding of God's will in the lives of individuals and nations.

Examples in Scripture:

1. Genesis 44:29 : In the account of Joseph and his brothers, Jacob expresses his fear of losing Benjamin, saying, "If you take this one from me too and harm befalls him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow." Here, "befalls" is used to express the potential occurrence of harm, underscoring Jacob's deep concern for his son.

2. Judges 20:3 : The Israelites inquire about the events that led to a grievous crime, asking, "Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?" The use of "befell" in older translations highlights the gravity and unexpected nature of the event, prompting a communal response to address the sin.

3. 1 Samuel 4:16 : A messenger reports to Eli about the disastrous battle with the Philistines, saying, "I have just come from the battle; I fled from it today." The events that "befell" Israel in this context include the loss of the Ark of the Covenant and the death of Eli's sons, marking a significant moment of judgment and transition for the nation.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, events that "befall" individuals or groups are often seen as part of God's divine orchestration. The occurrences are not random but are woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan. This understanding reinforces the belief in God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world.

Providence and Human Responsibility:

While events that "befall" people are under God's sovereign control, the Bible also emphasizes human responsibility. The interplay between divine providence and human action is a recurring theme, where individuals are called to respond in faith and obedience to the circumstances that God allows.

Reflection in Christian Life:

For believers, the concept of events that "befall" them serves as a reminder of God's presence and purpose in their lives. It encourages trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when circumstances are challenging or difficult to understand. The assurance that God is at work in all things provides comfort and hope, motivating Christians to live faithfully in response to His guidance.

In summary, the term "befell" in the Bible captures the unfolding of significant events within God's sovereign plan, highlighting His providence and the fulfillment of His purposes in history and in the lives of His people.(imp.) of Befall.4672. matsa -- to attain to, find
... root Definition to attain to, find NASB Word Usage actually found (1), afford*
(1), befall (1), befallen (2), befell (1), came (2), caught (5), come (6), comes ...
/hebrew/4672.htm - 6k

What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ...
... CHAPTER 9. What Befell The Jews That Were In Babylon On Occasion Of Asineus
And Anileus, Two Brethren. 1. A Very sad calamity now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 what befell the.htm

What Afterward Befell the Seditious when they had done a Great ...
... CHAPTER 7. What Afterward Befell The Seditious When They Had Done A Great Deal Of
Mischief, And Suffered Many Misfortunes; As Also How Caesar Became Master Of ...
/.../chapter 7 what afterward befell.htm

Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ...
... From The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus Out Of Egypt. CHAPTER 9. Concerning The
Afflictions That Befell The Hebrews In Egypt, During Four Hundred Years. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the afflictions.htm

Of what Befell Julianus, the Emperor's Uncle, and Felix.
... Book III. Chapter IX."Of what befell Julianus, the Emperor's Uncle, and
Felix. Julianus forthwith fell sick of a painful disease ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter ix of what befell julianus.htm

Of what Befell the Orthodox Bishops at Constantinople.
... Book II. Chapter XXIII."Of what befell the orthodox bishops at Constantinople.
Constantius, on his return from the West, passed some time at Constantinople. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxiii of what befell the.htm

Concerning the Calamity that Befell Antiochus, King of Commagene. ...
... CHAPTER 7. Concerning The Calamity That Befell Antiochus, King Of Commagene.
As Also Concerning The Alans And What Great Mischiefs ...
/.../chapter 7 concerning the calamity.htm

Herein is Declared what Befell the Sons of Eli, the Ark, and the ...
... Eli. CHAPTER 11. Herein Is Declared What Befell The Sons Of Eli, The Ark,
And The People And How Eli Himself Died Miserably. 1. About ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 herein is declared.htm

What Things Befell Joseph in Prison.
... Containing The Interval Of Two Hundred And Twenty Years. From The Death Of Isaac
To The Exodus Out Of Egypt. CHAPTER 5. What Things Befell Joseph In Prison. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 what things befell.htm

The Calamity which Befell the Jews in Jerusalem on the Day of the ...
... Book II. Chapter XIX."The Calamity which befell the Jews in Jerusalem
on the Day of the Passover. 1. While Claudius was still ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xix the calamity which befell.htm

Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon.
... From The Captivity Of The Ten Tribes To The First Year Of Cyrus. CHAPTER
10. Concerning Daniel And What Befell Him At Babylon. 1 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning daniel and.htm

Befell (8 Occurrences)
...Befell (8 Occurrences). Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to
him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. ...
/b/befell.htm - 8k

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... During this siege, which lasted about eighteen months, "every worst woe befell the
devoted city, which drank the cup of God's fury to the dregs" (2 Kings 25:3 ...
/z/zedekiah.htm - 49k

Befel (1 Occurrence)
... Befel (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 3:11 persecutions, sufferings. What things befell
me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. ...
/b/befel.htm - 6k

Lying (203 Occurrences)
... the truth (David in 1 Samuel 21:2). What more striking example of the heinousness
of lying in the sight of God can we have than the fate which befell Gehazi who ...
/l/lying.htm - 44k

Laws (184 Occurrences)
... 3. Its Object: In addition to being a period in which the land was left fallow,
the jubilee was intended to meet the economic evils that befell peasants in ...
/l/laws.htm - 47k

Lowliness (9 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:19 serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with
trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews; (ASV DBY). ...
/l/lowliness.htm - 8k

Temptations (9 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:19 Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and
temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: (KJV DBY WBS YLT ...
/t/temptations.htm - 8k

Exulted (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 31:29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, and
exulted when evil befell him; (DBY JPS NAS RSV). Jeremiah ...
/e/exulted.htm - 7k

Devil (58 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was
possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. (KJV). ...
/d/devil.htm - 25k

Midian (60 Occurrences)
... the produce of the earth. Overwhelming disaster befell this horde at the
onset of Gideon's chosen men. In the battle and pursuit ...
/m/midian.htm - 32k

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