In biblical literature, the term "gnawed" is not frequently encountered, but the concept of gnawing can be associated with themes of destruction, decay, and the relentless nature of certain forces. The imagery of gnawing is often used metaphorically to describe the effects of sin, judgment, or the consuming nature of certain trials and tribulations.

Biblical References and Context

While the specific term "gnawed" may not appear directly in many translations, the concept is present in various passages that describe the destructive power of sin and judgment. For example, in the context of divine judgment, the relentless nature of decay and destruction can be likened to the action of gnawing.

In the Old Testament, the imagery of gnawing can be seen in the descriptions of locusts and other pests that consume crops and land, symbolizing the judgment of God upon a disobedient people. Joel 1:4 states, "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten." This passage illustrates the relentless and consuming nature of judgment, akin to the action of gnawing.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of gnawing can be understood as a representation of the consequences of sin and the persistent nature of evil. Just as gnawing is a slow and continuous process, sin can gradually erode one's spiritual well-being if left unchecked. This serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, resisting the temptations and destructive forces that seek to consume them.

Furthermore, the imagery of gnawing can also be seen in the New Testament in the context of eternal judgment. In Mark 9:48 , Jesus speaks of hell as a place "where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." The reference to the undying worm can be interpreted as a form of gnawing, symbolizing the perpetual torment and decay experienced by those who are separated from God.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of gnawing serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to address sin promptly. Just as gnawing can lead to significant damage over time, unchecked sin can lead to spiritual decay and separation from God. Christians are encouraged to seek repentance and restoration through Christ, who offers forgiveness and renewal.

In summary, while the term "gnawed" may not be explicitly prevalent in biblical texts, its associated imagery and themes are significant in understanding the nature of sin, judgment, and the importance of maintaining a strong and faithful relationship with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Gnaw.3145. masaomai -- to chew
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to chew NASB Word Usage gnawed (1). gnaw.
From a primary masso (to handle or squeeze); to chew -- gnaw. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3145.htm - 6k

The Legend of La Brea {331A}
... So he thought; and in his hammock Gnawed his junk of sugar-cane, Toasted plantains
at the fire-stick, Gnawed, and dozed, and gnawed again. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the legend of la brea.htm

The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ...
... X. And she saw a woman hanging by her two ears, and all the beasts [3960] came out
of her mouth and gnawed her in pieces: and the highly favoured one asked the ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of the virgin/the apocalypse of the holy.htm

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
... That is, where their Consciences are always gnawed and tormented with the remembrance
of their former Sins, and the Fire of God's Wrath is continually burning ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon striving to enter.htm

The Locust-Swarms
... of the sun; the noise of their innumerable jaws like the noise of flame devouring
the stubble, as they settled upon every green thing, and gnawed away leaf and ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xx the locust-swarms.htm

The Fifth vial.
... The Fifth Vial. "And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the wild
beast; and his kingdom was darkened; and they gnawed their tongues through ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fifth vial.htm

The Agony, and the Consoler
... In the dark hours of the night, and the dreary silence of a city reduced to torpor
by paralysing fear, they cursed their insane folly, and gnawed their tongues ...
/.../chapter iii the agony and.htm

Letter iv to the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
... to wind and tempest. I am troubled, and I stagger like a drunken man, and
my whole conscience is gnawed with care. Pity me, then ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter iv to the prior.htm

Preface. Reason for a New Work
... abolished the nuptial bond? What Pontic mouse ever had such gnawing powers
as he who has gnawed the Gospels to pieces? Verily, O Euxine ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter i preface reason for a.htm

Ascension Day. This Same Jesus which is Taken up from You into ...
... As was promised us of old; Raise the members that have lain. Gnawed of death beneath
the mould,. Judge the evil world that deems. Thy sure words but empty dreams ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/ascension day this same jesus.htm

Third Sunday after Easter. And Ye Now have Sorrow; but I Will See ...
... When whate'er we asked is ours. Once a pain that would not cease. Gnawed my heart
without release,. Sorrow bowed me 'neath her yoke,. Then in sadness oft I:spoke ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/third sunday after easter and.htm

Gnawed (2 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Gnaw. Multi-Version Concordance Gnawed (2 Occurrences). ... They gnawed
their tongues because of the pain, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gnawed.htm - 7k

Gnaw (4 Occurrences)

/g/gnaw.htm - 8k

Vial (12 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast;
and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for ...
/v/vial.htm - 11k

Gnawing (4 Occurrences)

/g/gnawing.htm - 7k

Fifth (65 Occurrences)
... kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, (WEB
KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Revelation 21 ...
/f/fifth.htm - 28k

Darkened (28 Occurrences)
... beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of
the pain, (WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS). Exodus 10:15 For they ...
/d/darkened.htm - 15k

Mouse (2 Occurrences)
... accounts for the destruction of the army of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35) by saying
that in the night thousands of mice invaded the camp and gnawed through the ...
/m/mouse.htm - 10k

Plunged (6 Occurrences)
... the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because
of the pain, (See NIV). Judges 3:21 Ehud put forth his ...
/p/plunged.htm - 8k

Pour (137 Occurrences)
... kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, (Root
in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Revelation 16 ...
/p/pour.htm - 37k

Anguish (75 Occurrences)
... Wild Beast; and his kingdom became darkened. People gnawed their tongues
because of the pain, (See RSV). Genesis 42:21 And they said ...
/a/anguish.htm - 29k

Gnawed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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