Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "overflowing" in the Bible often signifies abundance, excess, or a state of being filled beyond capacity. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe physical, spiritual, and emotional states. The concept of overflowing is frequently associated with God's blessings, grace, and provision, as well as with judgment and wrath. Biblical References: 1. Abundance and Blessing: The imagery of overflowing is commonly used to depict God's abundant blessings and provision for His people. In Malachi 3:10 , God promises, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This passage illustrates the idea of blessings being so abundant that they overflow, emphasizing God's generosity and faithfulness. 2. Spiritual Fullness: Overflowing is also used to describe the spiritual fullness and joy that believers experience through their relationship with God. In Romans 15:13 , Paul writes, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Here, the overflowing of hope is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life, highlighting the transformative power of faith. 3. Love and Good Works: The concept of overflowing is applied to the believer's love and good works. In 1 Thessalonians 3:12 , Paul prays, "And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows." This passage encourages believers to let their love for others be abundant and ever-increasing, reflecting the love of Christ. 4. Judgment and Wrath: While often associated with positive connotations, overflowing can also describe God's judgment and wrath. In Isaiah 28:17-18 , it is written, "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it." Here, the overflowing waters symbolize the inescapable and overwhelming nature of divine judgment. 5. Metaphorical Use: Overflowing is used metaphorically to describe the heart's condition. In Luke 6:45 , Jesus teaches, "The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." This passage underscores the idea that what fills a person's heart will naturally overflow into their words and actions. Theological Implications: The concept of overflowing in the Bible underscores the nature of God's interaction with humanity. It highlights His desire to bless abundantly, the transformative power of His Spirit, and the call for believers to reflect His love and goodness. At the same time, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. The imagery of overflowing invites believers to live in a state of spiritual abundance, continually filled and renewed by God's presence and grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overflow.2. (n.) An overflow; that which overflows; exuberance; copiousness. Greek 5249. huperperissos -- beyond measure, exceedingly ... 5249 (from 5228 , "beyond" and 4057 , "exceeding, abundant") -- properly, (literally, "going expected measure)"; , "overflowing" (used only in Mk 7:37). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5249.htm - 7k 5248. huperperisseuo -- to abound more exceedingly 4052. perisseuo -- to be over and above, to abound 5396. phluareo -- to talk nonsense Strong's Hebrew 7858. sheteph -- a flood... Word Origin from shataph Definition a flood NASB Word Usage flood (5), outburst (1), overflowing (1). flood, outrageous, overflowing. ... /hebrew/7858.htm - 6k 2230. zerem -- a flood of rain, rainstorm, downpour 1065. beki -- a weeping 7732. Shobal -- "flowing," an Edomite, also two Israelites 4390. male -- to be full, to fill 7857. shataph -- to overflow, rinse or wash off 5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on 5921. al -- upon, above, over Library His Eyes are Like a Dove's by the Rivers of Waters, Washed with ... Cups Running Over Isaiah's Discourse Letter X . --To Libanius. February 1. "A Well of Water Springing Up" (John iv. 14). On the Worthy Praise of the Pure Queen of Heaven. The Highway of Holiness Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity On the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle The Full Measure Thesaurus Overflowing (54 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overflow. 2. (n.) An overflow; that which overflows; exuberance; copiousness. Multi-Version Concordance Overflowing (54 Occurrences). ... /o/overflowing.htm - 23k Flooding (4 Occurrences) Shower (22 Occurrences) Waters (386 Occurrences) Ice-drops (7 Occurrences) Torrents (17 Occurrences) Storm-wind (19 Occurrences) Hailstones (10 Occurrences) Overflow (43 Occurrences) Rushing (61 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that my cup runneth over? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Anna the prophetess in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How can I become a more cheerful giver? | GotQuestions.org Overflowing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Overflowing (54 Occurrences)Matthew 24:38 Luke 17:27 Romans 5:17 2 Corinthians 7:4 2 Corinthians 8:2 2 Corinthians 9:12 Philippians 4:17 Colossians 2:7 1 Timothy 1:14 James 1:21 2 Peter 3:6 Joshua 3:15 Joshua 4:18 1 Chronicles 12:15 Job 14:19 Job 28:11 Job 33:3 Job 38:25 Job 40:11 Job 40:23 Psalms 23:5 Psalms 32:6 Psalms 42:4 Psalms 75:8 Psalms 78:20 Psalms 140:11 Proverbs 3:10 Proverbs 27:4 Isaiah 8:7 Isaiah 8:8 Isaiah 10:22 Isaiah 17:11 Isaiah 28:2 Isaiah 28:15 Isaiah 28:18 Isaiah 30:28 Isaiah 54:8 Isaiah 66:11 Isaiah 66:12 Jeremiah 13:17 Jeremiah 47:2 Ezekiel 13:11 Ezekiel 13:13 Ezekiel 38:22 Daniel 9:26 Daniel 11:10 Daniel 11:22 Daniel 11:40 Joel 2:24 Joel 3:13 Amos 8:8 Amos 9:5 Nahum 1:8 Habakkuk 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |