The term "fluttered" in the context of the Bible often conveys a sense of movement, hovering, or trembling, and is used to describe both physical and spiritual phenomena. It appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the dynamic and active presence of God, as well as the emotional and spiritual states of individuals.

Old Testament Usage

1. Creation and Divine Presence: One of the most significant uses of the concept of "fluttering" is found in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is described as "hovering" over the waters. While the Berean Standard Bible uses the term "hovering," the original Hebrew word "rachaph" can also be translated as "fluttered." This imagery suggests a nurturing, protective presence, akin to a bird fluttering over its young, indicating God's active involvement in creation.

2. Protection and Care: Deuteronomy 32:11 provides another vivid illustration, where God is likened to an eagle that "stirs up its nest and hovers over its young." Here, the term "hovers" is again derived from "rachaph," emphasizing God's protective and caring nature towards Israel. This metaphor highlights the divine care and guidance provided to the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

3. Emotional and Spiritual States: In the poetic and prophetic literature, fluttering can describe the emotional and spiritual states of individuals. For example, in Jeremiah 4:19, the prophet exclaims, "My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me; I cannot keep silent." The imagery of a heart fluttering or pounding conveys intense emotional turmoil and distress, reflecting the prophet's deep concern for the impending judgment on Judah.

New Testament Usage

While the specific term "fluttered" is not directly used in the New Testament, the concept can be seen in the descriptions of spiritual experiences and divine encounters. The movement of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2 during Pentecost, can be likened to a fluttering presence, as the Spirit descends upon the apostles with power and fills them with divine inspiration.

Theological Implications

The imagery of fluttering in the Bible underscores the dynamic and active nature of God's presence in the world. It conveys a sense of movement and life, illustrating how God is not distant or static but intimately involved in the affairs of creation and the lives of His people. This concept also highlights the protective and nurturing aspects of God's character, as He hovers over His creation with care and concern.

In summary, the term "fluttered" and its associated imagery in the Bible serve to illustrate the vibrant and active presence of God, as well as the emotional and spiritual experiences of individuals in response to divine interaction. Through these depictions, the Scriptures reveal a God who is both transcendent and immanent, deeply engaged with His creation and His people.

King David's Little Boy.
... The trees in the royal gardens swayed in the breeze, and the doves fluttered
up to the windows; but all was hushed and still within. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm

The Dove of God
... As His meek head rose, glistening from the waters of the baptism, there fluttered
down upon Him the gentle token of the manifest designation from the Heavens ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... toward the northeast. From an upper window behind a lattice, Hannah cried
her farewells and fluttered her scarf. She was smiling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 20
... For children too are wont to gape after trifles and to be fluttered, but
of things very great they have not so much admiration. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm

John viii. 31, 32
... man.". Immediately their imagination dropped, and this happened from their
having been fluttered [1469] about worldly things. "If ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily liv john viii 31.htm

He Regarded not God Indeed under the Form of a Human Body, but as ...
... cry out against all my phantasms, and with this one blow I endeavoured to beat away
from the eye of my mind all that unclean crowd which fluttered around it. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter i he regarded not god.htm

One Seed and Diverse Soils
... of germinating, but as soon as the sower's back was turned to go up the next furrow,
down would come the flock of thievish birds that fluttered behind him, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/one seed and diverse soils.htm

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
... in my previous remarks. It was no official class on which, on the day of
Pentecost, the tongues of fire fluttered down. It was to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/full of the holy ghost.htm

Acts xix. 21, 23
... The soul which is at ease is (apt to be) fluttered, alarmed, unsettled: whereas
in this there is no vacuity, no running to waste: and the one is more manly ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlii acts xix 21.htm

The Tongue.
... of countenance, nay, even an emphatic silence, may do the work: and when the light
and trifling thing which has done the mischief has fluttered off, the venom ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

Fluttered (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fluttered (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 23:9 In reference
to the prophets: Broken hath been my heart in my midst ...
/f/fluttered.htm - 6k

Flutes (8 Occurrences)

/f/flutes.htm - 8k

Fluttereth (3 Occurrences)

/f/fluttereth.htm - 7k

Drunkard (15 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:9 In reference to the prophets: Broken hath been my heart in my midst,
Fluttered have all my bones, I have been as a man -- a drunkard, And as a ...
/d/drunkard.htm - 11k

Reference (23 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:9 In reference to the prophets: Broken hath been my heart in my midst,
Fluttered have all my bones, I have been as a man -- a drunkard, And as a ...
/r/reference.htm - 14k

Fluttered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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