The term "swallowest" is an archaic form of the verb "swallow," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is used to describe the act of consuming or engulfing, often with a connotation of destruction or judgment. In the Berean Standard Bible , the term is translated in a way that reflects its original Hebrew or Greek meaning, often using more contemporary language.

Biblical Usage:

1. Divine Judgment and Destruction:
The concept of swallowing is frequently associated with divine judgment and the destruction of the wicked. In the Old Testament, the imagery of the earth or other forces swallowing individuals or groups is a powerful symbol of God's righteous judgment. For example, in Numbers 16:32, the earth opens its mouth and swallows Korah and his followers as a direct act of divine retribution for their rebellion against Moses: "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions."

2. Metaphorical Usage:
The term is also used metaphorically to describe the overwhelming nature of certain experiences or emotions. In the poetic and prophetic books, swallowing can symbolize being consumed by fear, sorrow, or other intense feelings. For instance, in Lamentations 2:16, the enemies of Jerusalem are described as gloating over the city's downfall: "All your enemies open their mouths against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, 'We have swallowed her up. Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have lived to see it.'"

3. Protection and Deliverance:
Conversely, the imagery of swallowing can also be used in a positive sense, where God protects or delivers His people by swallowing up their enemies or obstacles. In Exodus 15:12, during the Song of Moses, the Lord's power is celebrated: "You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them." This refers to the destruction of the Egyptian forces in the Red Sea, highlighting God's deliverance of Israel.

4. Eschatological Significance:
In eschatological contexts, the act of swallowing is used to describe the ultimate victory of God over death and evil. Isaiah 25:8 proclaims a future hope: "He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken." This passage is echoed in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul refers to the defeat of death in 1 Corinthians 15:54: "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'"

Theological Implications:

The use of "swallowest" and its related imagery in the Bible underscores the themes of divine justice, protection, and ultimate redemption. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring about both judgment and salvation. The act of swallowing, whether in judgment or deliverance, points to the comprehensive nature of God's power and His ultimate plan for humanity.

Lo! the Evil one Reproached Death
... S., Thou penitent who strainest out gnats, and swallowest the just: the
chaste shall rend thee, who cry, from within thy belly."16. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lv lo the evil.htm

Psalm XXXV.
... swallowed us up"? Had passed into their own body. For that thou swallowest
up, which thou passest into thy own body. The world would ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxv.htm

Swallowest (1 Occurrence)
...Swallowest (1 Occurrence). Job 10:8 Thy hands have taken pains about me, And they
make me together round about, And Thou swallowest me up! (YLT). ...
/s/swallowest.htm - 6k

Swalloweth (10 Occurrences)

/s/swalloweth.htm - 9k

Swallowed (43 Occurrences)

/s/swallowed.htm - 20k

Pains (59 Occurrences)
... (See JPS BBE NAS). Job 10:8 Thy hands have taken pains about me, And they make
me together round about, And Thou swallowest me up! (YLT). ...
/p/pains.htm - 23k

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