Convulsing
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Topical Encyclopedia
Convulsing, as described in the Bible, often refers to the physical manifestations of spiritual or demonic influence, particularly in the context of exorcisms performed by Jesus and His disciples. The term is associated with violent shaking or seizures, which are depicted as symptoms of demonic possession or oppression.

Biblical Instances:

1. Mark 1:26 · In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue. The spirit reacts violently to Jesus' command: "The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out of him with a loud shriek" . This passage highlights the authority of Jesus over demonic forces and the physical manifestations that accompany their expulsion.

2. Mark 9:20-26 · Another significant account is the healing of a boy possessed by a spirit that causes seizures. When the boy is brought to Jesus, "the spirit saw Him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth" (Mark 9:20). Jesus rebukes the spirit, and after a final convulsion, it leaves the boy. This narrative emphasizes the power of faith and prayer in overcoming spiritual afflictions.

3. Luke 9:39 · In a parallel account, a father describes his son's condition to Jesus: "A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him" . This description underscores the destructive nature of demonic influence and the desperation of those seeking deliverance.

Theological Implications:

In these accounts, convulsing is not merely a medical condition but is portrayed as a symptom of spiritual bondage. The New Testament narratives consistently present Jesus as having ultimate authority over such afflictions, demonstrating His divine power and compassion. The physical manifestations of convulsing serve to illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for divine intervention.

Spiritual Warfare:

The episodes of convulsing in the Bible are often linked to the broader theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are reminded of the reality of demonic forces and the importance of relying on Christ's power for deliverance. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Practical Application:

For Christians, these accounts encourage a reliance on prayer, faith, and the authority of Jesus in confronting spiritual challenges. The Bible calls believers to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) to stand firm against spiritual attacks. The instances of convulsing serve as a reminder of the power of Jesus to bring healing and deliverance to those in bondage.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Convulse.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONVULSING

kon-vuls'-ing (Mark 1:26 margin (the King James Version torn)).

See UNCLEAN SPIRIT.

Library

The Blood of the Testament
... die." He meant Adam and Eve to witness the harrowing appearance, as the sentence
upon sin was excecuted, stabbing at the very heart of life, convulsing all the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Jesus Heals the Sick
... know you are God's Holy One." But Jesus reproved the unclean spirit, saying, "Be
still, and come out of him." Then the unclean spirit, after convulsing the man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jesus heals the sick.htm

The Divination by a Cauldron; Illusion of Fiery Demons; Specimen ...
... Wading 'mid corpses through tombs of lifeless dust,. Panting for blood; with fear
convulsing men. Gorgo, and Mormo, and Luna, [265] and of many shapes,. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxv the divination by a.htm

History of Public Speaking
... He had a wonderful gift of touching the human heart, now melting his hearers
by his pathos, then convulsing them with his quaint humor. ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/history of public speaking.htm

The Demoniac Boy
... to help the father's lingering unbelief, "enter no more into him." The evil being
obeys, yet proves his reluctance by screaming and convulsing his victim for ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 14-29 the demoniac boy.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... "They would do better," says Augustin, "to work and spin their wool.". He dwells
upon the catastrophes which were then convulsing the Roman world. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... Scriptural, and prudent way for us, both as ministers and people, to take, is wholly
to refrain from this agitating subject, which is now convulsing the country ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Thesaurus
Convulsing (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONVULSING. kon-vuls'-ing (Mark 1:26 margin (the King
James Version torn)). ... Multi-Version Concordance Convulsing (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/convulsing.htm - 7k

Convulsion (8 Occurrences)

/c/convulsion.htm - 9k

Unclean (393 Occurrences)
... Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice,
came out of him. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/u/unclean.htm - 39k

Loud (222 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit,
convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. ...
/l/loud.htm - 37k

Convulses (1 Occurrence)

/c/convulses.htm - 6k

Shook (33 Occurrences)
... dead men. (WEB NAS NIV). Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and
crying with a loud voice, came out of him. (See NIV). Mark ...
/s/shook.htm - 16k

Shriek (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shriek (2 Occurrences). Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit,
convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. (See NIV). ...
/s/shriek.htm - 7k

Voice (651 Occurrences)
... Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice,
came out of him. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/v/voice.htm - 38k

Crying (247 Occurrences)
... Make his paths straight!'" (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). Mark 1:26 The
unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. ...
/c/crying.htm - 44k

Cry (431 Occurrences)
... BBE). Mark 1:26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud
voice, came out of him. (Root in WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY RSV). ...
/c/cry.htm - 46k

Resources
Does 2 Chronicles 5:14 teach slaying in the Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Convulsing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Convulsing (2 Occurrences)

Mark 1:26
The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
(WEB RSV)

Mark 9:26
Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, "He is dead."
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Convulsing

Related Terms

Quake (23 Occurrences)

Fit (47 Occurrences)

Thebes (5 Occurrences)

Convulsions (4 Occurrences)

Convulsing (2 Occurrences)

Constant (16 Occurrences)

Shock (6 Occurrences)

Samson (37 Occurrences)

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)

Convulses
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