Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:Gloom, in a biblical context, often refers to a state of darkness, despair, or spiritual desolation. It is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to describe physical darkness, emotional distress, and spiritual separation from God. Old Testament References: The concept of gloom is frequently associated with the judgment and wrath of God. In the prophetic literature, gloom is often depicted as a consequence of sin and rebellion against God. For instance, in Isaiah 8:22 , the prophet speaks of those who reject God: "Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness." The imagery of gloom is also present in the context of the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment. Joel 2:2 describes it as "a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness." This portrayal serves as a warning to the people of Israel to repent and return to God. New Testament References: In the New Testament, gloom is often associated with spiritual darkness and the absence of the light of Christ. Jude 1:13 uses the term to describe the fate of false teachers: "They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever." The theme of light versus darkness is prevalent in the teachings of Jesus. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." Here, gloom is contrasted with the light that Christ brings, emphasizing the hope and salvation found in Him. Theological Implications: Gloom, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of sin and the absence of God's presence. It underscores the need for repentance and the transformative power of God's light. The recurring theme of gloom in the context of judgment highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the resultant spiritual desolation. Practical Application: Believers are called to walk in the light of Christ, avoiding the spiritual gloom that comes from sin and separation from God. Ephesians 5:8 exhorts Christians: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This call to live in the light involves embracing the teachings of Christ, seeking His guidance, and reflecting His love and truth in a world often characterized by spiritual darkness. Conclusion: While the Bible presents gloom as a reality of judgment and spiritual desolation, it also offers the hope of redemption and light through Jesus Christ. By turning to Him, believers can overcome the darkness and live in the fullness of God's presence and grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Partial or total darkness; thick shade; obscurity; as, the gloom of a forest, or of midnight.2. (n.) A shady, gloomy, or dark place or grove. 3. (n.) Cloudiness or heaviness of mind; melancholy; aspect of sorrow; low spirits; dullness. 4. (n.) In gunpowder manufacture, the drying oven. 5. (v. i.) To shine or appear obscurely or imperfectly; to glimmer. 6. (v. i.) To become dark or dim; to be or appear dismal, gloomy, or sad; to come to the evening twilight. 7. (v. t.) To render gloomy or dark; to obscure; to darken. 8. (v. t.) To fill with gloom; to make sad, dismal, or sullen. Greek 2217. zophos -- deep gloom ... deep gloom. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: zophos Phonetic Spelling: (dzof'-os) Short Definition: darkness, murkiness Definition: darkness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2217.htm - 7k 1105. gnophos -- darkness, gloom 2726. katepheia -- dejection Strong's Hebrew 4155. muaph -- gloom... gloom. Transliteration: muaph Phonetic Spelling: (moo-awf') Short Definition: gloom. Word Origin from uph Definition gloom NASB Word Usage gloom (1). dimness. ... /hebrew/4155.htm - 6k 4588. mauph -- gloom 652. ophel -- darkness, gloom 6940. qadruth -- darkness, gloom 8591b. teuphah -- gloom 6205. araphel -- cloud, heavy cloud 651. aphel -- gloomy 653. aphelah -- darkness, gloominess, calamity 5890. ephah -- darkness 6150. arab -- to become evening, grow dark Library Glory Shone Within the Gloom, Thou Didst Seek the Gloom, What is the Divine Gloom? Lead, Kindly Light, Amid the Encircling Gloom He was Transfigured The Joy-Bringer Putting Clouds Over the Sun Light after Darkness The Realization of Selfless Love The Gethsemane Prayer Thesaurus Gloom (29 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Partial or total darkness; thick shade; obscurity; as, the gloom of a forest, or of midnight. ...Gloom (29 Occurrences). ... /g/gloom.htm - 15k Blackness (13 Occurrences) Shadow (72 Occurrences) Gloomy (10 Occurrences) Gross (12 Occurrences) Thick (129 Occurrences) Anguish (75 Occurrences) Kedron (1 Occurrence) Outspread (2 Occurrences) Laughter (14 Occurrences) Resources What is Tisha B'Av? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org What is Tartarus? | GotQuestions.org Gloom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Gloom (29 Occurrences)Hebrews 12:18 James 4:9 2 Peter 2:4 2 Peter 2:17 Jude 1:6 Jude 1:13 Deuteronomy 4:11 Job 3:5 Job 3:6 Job 10:21 Job 10:22 Job 23:17 Job 28:3 Job 30:3 Job 34:22 Psalms 107:10 Psalms 107:14 Isaiah 8:22 Isaiah 9:1 Isaiah 24:11 Isaiah 29:18 Isaiah 58:10 Isaiah 59:9 Jeremiah 13:16 Jeremiah 23:12 Ezekiel 31:15 Joel 2:2 Amos 5:20 Zephaniah 1:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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