Emptier
Jump to: ISBEWebster'sThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Emptier" is used in the Bible to describe an agent or force that brings desolation, destruction, or depletion. It is often associated with divine judgment and the consequences of sin. The concept of an "Emptier" is particularly evident in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where it symbolizes the stripping away of prosperity and security as a result of disobedience to God.

Biblical References:

1. Nahum 2:2 · "For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines."

In this passage, the "destroyers" or "emptiers" are those who have brought devastation upon Israel and Judah. The context of Nahum is the impending judgment on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which had been an instrument of God's judgment against Israel but would itself face destruction. The "emptiers" here are the Assyrians, who had plundered and laid waste to the land of God's people.

2. Isaiah 24:1-3 · "Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins; He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants. The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word."

In Isaiah, the imagery of the earth being laid waste and plundered is a vivid depiction of the "emptier" as an agent of God's judgment. The passage speaks to the universal scope of God's judgment against sin, where the "emptier" is not a specific nation but the Lord Himself executing justice.

3. Jeremiah 51:2 · "I will send strangers to Babylon to winnow her and to empty her land; for they will come against her from every side in the day of disaster."

Here, the "emptier" is described as the foreign nations that God will use to bring about the downfall of Babylon. This prophecy highlights the sovereignty of God in using various means to accomplish His purposes, including the rise and fall of empires.

Theological Significance:

The concept of the "Emptier" serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It underscores the reality of divine retribution and the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. The "Emptier" is not merely a destructive force but a tool in the hands of a just and holy God who seeks to bring His people back to righteousness.

In the broader biblical narrative, the role of the "Emptier" also points to the hope of restoration. As seen in Nahum 2:2, even after the devastation brought by the "emptiers," God promises to restore the splendor of His people. This dual theme of judgment and restoration is central to the prophetic message and reflects God's ultimate desire for redemption and reconciliation with His creation.

Historical Context:

The historical context of the "Emptier" often involves the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East, where empires such as Assyria, Babylon, and later Persia played significant roles in the history of Israel and Judah. These empires, while instruments of God's judgment, were also subject to His sovereign will and were themselves judged for their own sins and excesses.

The imagery of the "Emptier" would have resonated deeply with the original audience of the biblical texts, who experienced firsthand the devastation of war, exile, and loss. It served as both a warning and a call to repentance, urging the people to return to the covenant faithfulness that God desired.

Practical Application:

For contemporary readers, the concept of the "Emptier" invites reflection on the areas of life where disobedience and sin may lead to spiritual desolation. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and align their lives with God's will, trusting in His promise of restoration and renewal. The "Emptier" also serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes, even through the most challenging circumstances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) One who, or that which, empties.

2. (compar.) of Empty.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EMPTY; EMPTIER

emp'-ti, emp'-ti-er (kenos):

"Empty," adjective meaning void, etc., as the translation of req, riq, reqam, etc., occurs in the literal sense of "with nothing" (Genesis 31:42 Job 22:9); in 2 Samuel 1:22, it is equivalent to "in vain," "hungry" (Isaiah 29:8); in some instances the meaning is comparative only; baqaq, "to gush out," "to pour out," "to empty" is used adjectivally (Hosea 10:1, "Israel is an empty vine"; but the Revised Version (British and American) takes the Hebrew word in its original sense of "pouring out," rendering "Israel is a luxuriant vine"); tohu, "emptiness" (Job 26:7); kenos, "empty" is so translated (Mark 12:3); in Matthew 12:44, the Greek word is scholazo, "to be free," "unoccupied"; "to empty" (verb) is the translation of baqaq (Nahum 2:2), of dalal, "to become poor," etc. (Isaiah 19:6, the English Revised Version "minished," the American Standard Revised Version "diminished"). the Revised Version (British and American) has "empty" for "vain" (Ephesians 5:6), "emptied himself" for "made himself of no reputation" (Philippians 2:7), "emptied out" for "gathered" (2 Kings 22:9 2 Chronicles 34:17, margin "poured out").

W. L. Walker

Library

Book Three the Story of his Student Days in Carthage, his ...
... And I remained without any appetite for incorruptible food"not because I was already
filled with it, but because the emptier I became the more I loathed it. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book three the story of.htm

'Love Buildeth Up'
... of a spear comes flashing 'Knowledge puffeth up.' Puffed-up things are swollen by
wind only, and the more they are inflated the hollower and emptier they are ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love buildeth up.htm

Light of a Stone Most Precious
... Bearing wealth God's heart is prizing,. Glory from Christ's blessed Face. Oh
to be but emptier, lowlier,. Mean, unnoticed, and unknown,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/light of a stone most.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... Even so, to strike with the spiritual sword of our affections, with such vehemency,
at the lighter and emptier matters of religion, cannot choose but to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.htm

Providence
... of his fellow-men; and then judge of the loss to mankind by this one single siege
of one single town; and think how many stomachs must be the emptier, how many ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... heart; but ever since you have known something of better things, and brighter realities,
have you been ever contented with earthly things and emptier vanities? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its ...
... those things, for an attendance to which the human mind was formed, and in comparison
of which all the pursuits of this transitory life are emptier than wind ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter i the introduction to.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... where shall they abide? Nothing without, nothing within; an empty coffer, an emptier
conscience. Where is their rest? where their salvation? where their hope? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... "O man, thy kingdom is departing from thee; And, while it lasts, is emptier than
my shade.". Its silent language such: nor need'st thou call. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

Thesaurus
Emptier
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, empties. 2. (compar.)
of Empty. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EMPTY; EMPTIER. ...
/e/emptier.htm - 8k

Emptied (20 Occurrences)

/e/emptied.htm - 12k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... 11. (vi) To discharge itself; as, a river empties into the ocean. 12. (vi) To
become empty. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EMPTY; EMPTIER. ...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Emptiers (1 Occurrence)

/e/emptiers.htm - 6k

Resources
Emptier: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Emptied
Top of Page
Top of Page