In biblical literature, the term "shallow" is not directly used in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of shallowness can be inferred through various passages and teachings that address superficiality, lack of depth, or insubstantiality in spiritual matters, relationships, or understanding.

Spiritual Shallowness

The Bible often contrasts deep, genuine faith with superficial belief. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes different types of soil that represent the hearts of those who hear the Word of God. The rocky ground, where the soil is shallow, symbolizes those who receive the Word with joy but have no root. When trouble or persecution arises, they quickly fall away. Jesus explains, "But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away" (Mark 4:17). This parable highlights the danger of a shallow faith that lacks depth and resilience.

Superficial Relationships

The Bible also addresses the concept of shallow relationships, particularly in the context of love and community. In 1 John 3:18, believers are encouraged to love "not with words or speech but with actions and in truth" . This exhortation underscores the importance of genuine, deep relationships that go beyond mere words or superficial expressions of care.

Lack of Depth in Understanding

The Scriptures warn against a shallow understanding of God's Word and the importance of seeking wisdom and discernment. In Hebrews 5:12-14, the author rebukes the audience for their lack of maturity, stating, "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!" . This passage emphasizes the need for believers to grow in their understanding and not remain in a state of spiritual infancy.

Worldly Superficiality

The Bible often contrasts the temporary, shallow nature of worldly pursuits with the eternal, profound nature of spiritual pursuits. In 1 John 2:15-17, believers are warned not to love the world or anything in it, as "the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God remains forever" . This passage encourages Christians to seek depth in their spiritual lives rather than being consumed by the fleeting, shallow attractions of the world.

Conclusion

While the term "shallow" may not appear explicitly in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, warning against superficiality in faith, relationships, understanding, and worldly pursuits. Believers are called to pursue depth and authenticity in their walk with God, ensuring that their lives are rooted in the truth and love of Christ.1. (superl.) Not deep; having little depth; shoal.

2. (superl.) Not deep in tone.

3. (superl.) Not intellectually deep; not profound; not penetrating deeply; simple; not wise or knowing; ignorant; superficial; as, a shallow mind; shallow learning.

4. (n.) A place in a body of water where the water is not deep; a shoal; a flat; a shelf.

5. (n.) The rudd.

6. (v. t.) To make shallow.

7. (v. i.) To become shallow, as water.

5357. phiale -- a (shallow) bowl
... a (shallow) bowl. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: phiale Phonetic
Spelling: (fee-al'-ay) Short Definition: a shallow and flat bowl Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5357.htm - 6k

Glad Confession and Sad Warning
... Their words are permeated throughout with allusions to the previous promises and
sayings of our Lord, and the very allusions show how shallow was their ...
/.../glad confession and sad warning.htm

Appendix. An Ordination Charge.
... worth? It is worth nothing. If the inner life get thin and shallow, the outer
life must become a perfunctory discharge of duties. Our ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/appendix an ordination charge.htm

Firm to the End.
... And when we find shallow young men and women, who have just mastered enough subjects
to be able to pass an examination, sneering at the Bible, and calling ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon liii firm to the.htm

Almost a Disciple
... He had but a shallow notion of what was 'good,' as is indicated by his careless
ascription of goodness to one of whom he knew so little as he did of Jesus, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/almost a disciple.htm

The Sower
... In so doing He protested in advance against fatalistic abuses of the parable, as
if we were already doomed to be hard, or shallow, or thorny, or fruitful soil. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 3-9 14-20 the sower.htm

Worthy-Not Worthy
... narrative itself. I. And, first, we have here the shallow plea of worthiness.
These elders did not think loftily of Jesus Christ. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/worthy-not worthy.htm

The Prairie Pasture
... Some of the "wallows," or "ponds," were rather deep, and were treacherous because
of sudden "drop-offs"; but they were usually shallow, and it was generally ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter i the prairie pasture.htm

Ancient Civilisation {5} {6}
... We are all tempted, and the easier and more prosperous we are, the more we are
tempted, to fall into that sordid and shallow frame of mind. ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/ancient civilisation 5 6.htm

Ancient Civilisation.
... We are all tempted, and the easier and more prosperous we are, the more we are
tempted, to fall into that sordid and shallow frame of mind. ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture v ancient civilisation.htm

The Silence of Faith.
... Only the shallow and the conceited are unaware of their presence. Only
the shallow and the conceited pretend to explain them, and ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxv the silence of.htm

Shallow (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Not intellectually deep; not profound; not penetrating deeply; simple;
not wise or knowing; ignorant; superficial; as, a shallow mind; shallow...
/s/shallow.htm - 7k

Shoal (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Having little depth; shallow; as, shoal water. 4. (n.) A place where the
water of a sea, lake, river, pond, etc., is shallow; a shallow. ...
/s/shoal.htm - 7k

Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... Nets are used in three ways: (a) A circular net, with small meshes and leaded around
the edge, is cast from the shore into the shallow water in such a manner ...
/f/fishing.htm - 13k

Superficial (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Pertaining to the surface; shallow; not deep; as, a superficial color; a
superficial covering; superficial measure or contents; superficial tillage. ...
/s/superficial.htm - 7k

Siddim (3 Occurrences)
... Near the north end the depth descends to 1,300 ft., whereas for many miles out from
the south end it is very shallow, so that at low water a ford exists, and ...
/s/siddim.htm - 14k

Vale (20 Occurrences)
... Near the north end the depth descends to 1,300 ft., whereas for many miles out from
the south end it is very shallow, so that at low water a ford exists, and ...
/v/vale.htm - 29k

Vial (12 Occurrences)
... etc., "vial" translates phiale. The phiale was a flat, shallow bowl (Latin,
patera), shaped much like a saucer. Hence, the Revised ...
/v/vial.htm - 11k

Zoar (12 Occurrences)
... several miles long and 2 or 3 wide, which is probably but a remnant of a fertile
plain once extending out over a considerable portion of the shallow south end ...
/z/zoar.htm - 14k

Zither (3 Occurrences)
... It has from thirty to forty wires strung across a shallow sounding-board, which
lies horizontally on a table before the performer, who uses both hands in ...
/z/zither.htm - 7k

Lampstand (38 Occurrences)
... The lamp of the wicked shall be put out" (Job 21:17 Proverbs 13:9; and perhaps Job
18:6). The early Canaanite or Amorite lamp was a shallow, saucer-like bowl ...
/l/lampstand.htm - 24k

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