The term "staggered" in the biblical context often refers to a state of wavering, instability, or uncertainty, particularly in one's faith or trust in God. This concept is illustrated in various passages throughout the Bible, where physical staggering is used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral indecision.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the imagery of staggering is frequently associated with judgment and the consequences of disobedience. For instance, in Isaiah 29:9 , the prophet describes a spiritual stupor that has come upon the people: "Be delayed and wait, Blind yourselves and be blind; They become drunk, but not with wine, They stagger, but not with strong drink." Here, the staggering is not due to physical intoxication but rather a spiritual blindness and confusion resulting from turning away from God.

Similarly, in Psalm 107:27 , the psalmist uses the imagery of staggering to depict the plight of those caught in a storm at sea: "They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless." This verse highlights human helplessness and the need for divine intervention, as the sailors' expertise fails them, and they must rely on God's deliverance.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of staggering is often linked to faith and doubt. Romans 4:20 speaks of Abraham's unwavering faith: "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God." The Greek word translated as "waver" can also mean "stagger," indicating a lack of hesitation or doubt in Abraham's trust in God's promises.

James 1:6 further elaborates on this theme, warning believers against doubting when they ask God for wisdom: "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." The imagery of being tossed by the wind parallels the idea of staggering, suggesting instability and a lack of firm grounding in faith.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, staggering is often seen as a symptom of spiritual weakness or a lack of faith. It serves as a cautionary image, reminding believers of the importance of steadfastness and trust in God. The Bible encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, avoiding the spiritual instability that comes from doubt and disobedience.

The metaphor of staggering also underscores the need for divine guidance and strength. Human efforts alone are insufficient to maintain spiritual stability; it is through reliance on God's power and promises that believers can avoid the pitfalls of doubt and wavering.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical concept of staggering calls Christians to examine their own faith and trust in God. It challenges believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, grounded in His Word and promises. By doing so, they can avoid the spiritual instability that comes from relying on their own understanding or succumbing to the pressures of the world.

Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom and strength, as well as to support one another in their faith journeys. The community of faith plays a crucial role in helping individuals remain steadfast, providing encouragement and accountability to prevent spiritual staggering.(imp. & p. p.) of Stagger.5128. nua -- to quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter
... totter NASB Word Usage disturb (1), moving (1), reels (1), scatter (1), set trembling
(1), shake (4), shaken (4), shook (1), stagger (3), staggered (1), swing ...
/hebrew/5128.htm - 6k

The Crucifixion.
... I will keep quiet a little"perhaps my ears have deceived me." Jesus had fallen faint
and had staggered against the house of Ahasverus and was there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ix the crucifixion.htm

The Simple Explanation of My Own Opinion in Reference to the ...
... does not cease to be what he had been. But you may say, I am staggered
by what follows: "Let us men then cherish our wives, and ...
/.../29 the simple explanation of.htm

In the Desert
... and waited. While they stood thus, Deborah, exhausted and praying, staggered
into the inclosure. "Rachel!" she panted. "The serving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

Gethsemane
... strengthened. Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where
He had left His companions. ... moment. They staggered back. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 74 gethsemane.htm

The Treasure of Grace
... home at last. Whenever I think of the old covenant of grace, I am perfectly
amazed and staggered with the grace of it. I could not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the treasure of grace.htm

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
... While we bless God that sin is pardoned, we are staggered to think it should have
been such sin as it is, and the natural feeling resulting from our discovery ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/faiths dawn and its clouds.htm

Rom. Iv. 1, 2
... And, "the deadness of Sarah's womb." This is a third, aye and a fourth [1314] obstacle.
Ver.20. "But he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii rom iv 1.htm

Moravians and Methodists, 1735-1742.
... John Wesley was so staggered that he could not answer. "Do you know Jesus
Christ?" continued Spangenberg. ... At this Wesley was staggered. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ix moravians and methodists.htm

The Way to the Sea
... once or twice and lay still. The soldier staggered back from the second
servitor and fell. The Nubian, standing over him, swung ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... also,"though we may not ba able to define the emotion,"because we are compelled,
in our consciences, to admit the effect of sin, and we are staggered as we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Staggered (4 Occurrences)
...Staggered (4 Occurrences). Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through
unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV WBS). ...
/s/staggered.htm - 7k

Stagger (20 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong
in faith, giving glory to God; (Root in KJV WEY WBS YLT). ...
/s/stagger.htm - 13k

Staggereth (1 Occurrence)

/s/staggereth.htm - 6k

Haven't (87 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Amos 4:8 So two or three cities staggered to one city to drink water, and
were not satisfied: yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh. (WEB). ...
/h/haven't.htm - 32k

Staggered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus