In the context of biblical literature, the term "bulge" is not directly referenced in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, the concept of a bulge, as a swelling or protrusion, can be metaphorically related to various biblical themes and narratives that discuss growth, expansion, or the consequences of pride and excess.

Metaphorical Significance

1. Pride and Arrogance: The idea of a bulge can be metaphorically linked to the sin of pride, where an individual or nation becomes "swollen" with self-importance. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse warns against the dangers of becoming puffed up with pride, which can lead to downfall and judgment.

2. Prosperity and Abundance: In a more positive light, a bulge can symbolize abundance and prosperity. The blessings of God often result in an increase or expansion, as seen in the promises made to the patriarchs. Genesis 22:17 records God's promise to Abraham: "I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore." This promise of multiplication can be seen as a divine "bulge" of blessings and prosperity.

3. Judgment and Consequences: The imagery of a bulge can also be associated with the consequences of sin and the resulting judgment. In Isaiah 30:13 , the prophet warns, "This iniquity will be to you like a breach ready to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly—in an instant." Here, the bulge represents the impending judgment that results from persistent sin and rebellion against God.

Theological Implications

The concept of a bulge, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be used to illustrate the broader theological themes of growth, pride, and divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and reliance on God, rather than becoming inflated with self-importance or material wealth. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need for a humble heart and the dangers of allowing pride or excess to lead one away from God's will.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas where they may be experiencing a "bulge" of pride or self-reliance. The call to humility and dependence on God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, urging Christians to seek God's guidance and to remain grounded in faith and obedience. As James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse encapsulates the biblical principle that true exaltation comes from God, not from self-inflation or worldly success.1. (n.) The bilge or protuberant part of a cask.

2. (n.) A swelling, protuberant part; a bending outward, esp. when caused by pressure; as, a bulge in a wall.

3. (n.) The bilge of a vessel. See Bilge.

4. (v. i.) To swell or jut out; to bend outward, as a wall when it yields to pressure; to be protuberant; as, the wall bulges.

5. (v. i.) To bilge, as a ship; to founder.

1158. baah -- to inquire, cause to swell or boil up
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to inquire, cause to swell or boil up NASB
Word Usage boil (1), bulge (1), inquire (2), searched (1). ...
/hebrew/1158.htm - 6k

The Shortest Way to God.
... is not a question of mathematics; not a matter of keeping tab on somebody: not seven
times but seventy times seven." And Peter's eyes bulge open with an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the shortest way to god.htm

Hot Hearts.
... But there is a third test. God comes to Gideon and says, "You have too many
men yet, Gideon." And Gideon's eyes bulge out a bit. Too many! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/hot hearts.htm

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
... Take the finest needle, and put it below a microscope, and it will be all ragged
and irregular, the fine, tapering lines will be broken by many a bulge and bend ...
/.../measureless power and endless glory.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... 8. And supports of cedar were fixed from the wall of the Sanctuary to the wall of
the porch, lest they should bulge; and chains of gold were fixed in the roof ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... is a volcano"not one that spouts fire, but that hath fire within her; and this inward
fire of living truth, and living grace, makes her bulge out, expands ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... a triumph. In everything they study effect: their sleeves are loose, their
boots bulge, their garb is of the coarsest. They are ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Bulge (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A swelling, protuberant part; a bending outward, esp. when caused by pressure;
as, a bulge in a wall. ... Multi-Version Concordance Bulge (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/bulge.htm - 7k

Bulges (2 Occurrences)
... and gathered fat on his thighs. (See NIV). Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge with
fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. (See NAS). ...
/b/bulges.htm - 6k

Swell (9 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle. 8. (vi) To
be elated; to rise arrogantly. ... Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge with fat. ...
/s/swell.htm - 13k

Overflow (43 Occurrences)
... upon me. (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge with fat. Their
minds pass the limits of conceit. (See RSV). Psalms 78 ...
/o/overflow.htm - 19k

Lampstand (38 Occurrences)
... The next development was a circular bowl with a somewhat shorter spout, sometimes
being only a bulge in the rim, so that the orifice for the wick falls in the ...
/l/lampstand.htm - 24k

Follies (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Follies (2 Occurrences). Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge
with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. (See RSV). ...
/f/follies.htm - 6k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... From various causes they were apt to bulge out and fall (Psalm 62:3). In Psalm
80:12, RV (see Isaiah 5:5), the psalmist says, "Why hast thou broken down her ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Riot (14 Occurrences)
... of riot, blaspheming: (WEB KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge with
fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. (See NAS). ...
/r/riot.htm - 12k

Belly (62 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To cause to swell out; to fill. 7. (vi) To swell and become protuberant,
like the belly; to bulge. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BELLY. ...
/b/belly.htm - 28k

Bulbs (6 Occurrences)

/b/bulbs.htm - 7k

Was the forbidden fruit an apple? | GotQuestions.org

Bulge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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