In biblical literature, the term "bowl-full" is often used to describe abundance, completeness, or the fulfillment of divine judgment or blessing. The imagery of a bowl, particularly when full, conveys a sense of overflowing or being filled to capacity, which can symbolize both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

Old Testament References

1. Abundance and Blessing: In the Old Testament, a bowl-full can symbolize abundance and divine provision. For instance, in the context of offerings and sacrifices, a full bowl represents the completeness and sufficiency of the offering presented to God. The imagery of a bowl overflowing with grain, wine, or oil is often used to depict God's blessings upon His people, as seen in passages that describe the prosperity of the land and the bounty provided by God.

2. Judgment and Wrath: Conversely, a bowl-full can also represent the fullness of God's wrath and judgment. In prophetic literature, bowls are sometimes used as symbols of God's impending judgment upon nations or peoples. The imagery of a bowl being poured out signifies the complete and inevitable nature of divine retribution. This is particularly evident in the prophetic books where the fullness of iniquity leads to the outpouring of God's wrath.

New Testament References

1. Revelation and Judgment: The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of bowls in the context of divine judgment. The "seven bowls" of God's wrath are poured out upon the earth as part of the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John. Each bowl represents a specific judgment, and the imagery of a bowl-full underscores the totality and completeness of God's righteous judgment. Revelation 16:1 states, "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, 'Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.'"

2. Symbol of Fulfillment: In the New Testament, the concept of a bowl-full can also be seen in the context of fulfillment. The imagery of a full bowl can symbolize the completion of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. This is often associated with the eschatological hope of believers, where the fullness of time brings about the realization of God's kingdom and the ultimate redemption of His people.

Theological Implications

The use of "bowl-full" in Scripture carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and blessing, as well as His justice and judgment. The dual nature of the imagery reflects the character of God as both merciful and just. For believers, the concept of a bowl-full encourages a response of gratitude for God's blessings and a sober awareness of His righteous judgment. It calls for a life of faithfulness and obedience, recognizing the fullness of God's grace and the seriousness of His commands.

Affairs in the West
... his beautiful bride with fifty youths, clad in silver robes, to be her slaves, and
when each youth knelt and presented her a golden bowl full of rubies and ...
/.../chapter lxx affairs in the.htm

Christian Sympathy
... Was Alexander ever more royal than when his troops were suffering from thirst, and
a soldier offered him a bowl full of the precious liquid, he put it aside ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... Oh, to have a heart saturated with holy influences till it shall be as Gideon's
fleece, which held so much dew that Gideon could wring out a bowl full from it! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm

Bowl-full (1 Occurrence)
Bowl-full. Bowlful, Bowl-full. Bowls . Multi-Version Concordance
Bowl-full (1 Occurrence). Judges 6:38 And it was so ...
/b/bowl-full.htm - 6k

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

/b/bowls.htm - 21k

Wringed (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece
together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/w/wringed.htm - 6k

Wrung (5 Occurrences)
... Judges 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece
together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/w/wrung.htm - 8k

Fleece (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece
together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/f/fleece.htm - 9k

Drained (38 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed
the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/d/drained.htm - 18k

Bowlful (3 Occurrences)

/b/bowlful.htm - 7k

Pressed (65 Occurrences)
... Judges 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece
together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/p/pressed.htm - 25k

Thrust (92 Occurrences)
... Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece
together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/t/thrust.htm - 35k

Dew (35 Occurrences)
... Judges 6:38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece
together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlfull of water. ...
/d/dew.htm - 26k

What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | GotQuestions.org

What is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

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