In biblical literature, the term "shallows" is not directly mentioned; however, the concept can be inferred through various passages that discuss water, seas, and the nature of spiritual depth versus superficiality. The imagery of shallow waters can serve as a metaphor for superficial faith or understanding, contrasting with the depth of true spiritual insight and commitment.

Metaphorical Significance

The Bible often uses water as a symbol for life, cleansing, and spiritual truth. Shallow waters, by extension, can represent a lack of depth in one's spiritual life. In the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks of seeds that fall on rocky ground where the soil is shallow. These seeds sprout quickly but wither because they have no root (Matthew 13:5-6). This illustrates how a shallow reception of the Word can lead to a faith that is not enduring.

Spiritual Depth vs. Superficiality

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to move beyond the elementary teachings and to grow in spiritual maturity. In Hebrews 6:1 , he writes, "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity." This call to maturity implies moving from the shallows of basic understanding to the deeper waters of comprehensive faith and practice.

Symbolism in Biblical Narratives

In the narrative of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), the sea can be seen as a symbol of the challenges and depths of faith. Peter's initial success in walking towards Jesus, followed by his fear and sinking, can be interpreted as a movement from faith to doubt, from depth to shallowness. This account underscores the necessity of maintaining focus and trust in Christ to navigate the deeper waters of life.

Warnings Against Shallow Faith

The Bible warns against a superficial faith that lacks substance. In James 1:6-8 , believers are cautioned against being "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This imagery suggests instability and lack of depth, characteristics of a shallow faith that is easily swayed by external circumstances.

Encouragement to Seek Depth

Believers are encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with God, akin to moving from the shallows to the depths of the ocean. In Ephesians 3:17-19 , Paul prays that believers "may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ." This passage highlights the vastness and richness of God's love, inviting believers to explore and dwell in its depths.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "shallows," the concept is woven throughout Scripture as a metaphor for spiritual superficiality. Believers are called to move beyond the shallows of initial faith and understanding, diving into the deeper waters of spiritual maturity and a profound relationship with God.

Diamond and his Mother Sat Down Upon the Edge of the Rough Grass ...
... run run ever. singing in the shallows. dumb in the hollows. sleeping so deep. ... in
the hollows. or in the shallows. are the merriest swallows of all. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 13 diamond and his.htm

The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep...
... Sometimes he thought it must have been the twittering of the swallows"-over the
shallows, you, know; but it may have been the chirping of the dingy sparrows ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 16 the wind blew.htm

The Main Road --Experiences of Power and Privilege
... Your one concern is to keep out of the shallows and sucking side-eddies, away from
snag and rock, and in the current. The power's in the current. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/2 the main roadexperiences of.htm

The Fourth Word from the Cross
... for never does the truth impress us so profoundly as when we are made to feel that
all the length which we are able to go is only into the shallows of the shore ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvii the fourth word.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... which are banishing trade from England, and what with political convulsions, which
unhinge everything, the vessel of the state is drifting fast to the shallows ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... breed neglect. Prayers should be specific and urgent. Too many words, like
too much width, breeds shallows and sand-bars. A single ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

General Conclusion.
... Amid these reefs and inlets, amid these shallows and straits of idolatry, Faith,
her sails filled by the Spirit of God, navigates; safe if cautious, secure if ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xxiv general conclusion.htm

Rest, Rest
... alone discover. Its shallows are cool and refreshing for the lambs, but
in its depths are pearls for which we hope to dive. Our ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/rest rest.htm

Death or Deep Water.
... When the pilot was taken on board, he cried abruptly to the captain, "What do you
mean? You've let her drift off toward the Welsh coast, toward the shallows. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/death or deep water.htm

The Waves of Time
... in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune,' and neglected,
condemns the rest of a career to be hemmed in among creeks and shallows. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the waves of time.htm

Shallows (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shallows (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:17 After they had
hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. ...
/s/shallows.htm - 6k

Shallow (4 Occurrences)

/s/shallow.htm - 7k

Shallum (27 Occurrences)

/s/shallum.htm - 22k

Shallows: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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