The concept of "undermine" in the Bible often relates to actions or attitudes that weaken, subvert, or erode the foundation of something, whether it be faith, authority, or moral integrity. While the term "undermine" itself may not appear frequently in the biblical text, the idea is present in various narratives and teachings.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. Undermining Authority: Throughout Scripture, there are instances where individuals or groups attempt to undermine God-given authority. One notable example is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16. They challenged the leadership appointed by God, seeking to subvert the established order. This act of rebellion was met with severe consequences, as God affirmed Moses' leadership and punished the rebels.

2. Undermining Faith: The New Testament warns against false teachings and doctrines that can undermine the faith of believers. In 2 Timothy 2:17-18, Paul speaks of Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose false teachings were spreading like gangrene and leading some away from the truth. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine to prevent the erosion of faith.

3. Undermining Moral Integrity: The Bible also addresses the undermining of moral integrity through deceit and temptation. In Genesis 3, the serpent's temptation of Eve represents an undermining of God's command and the integrity of Adam and Eve's relationship with God. The serpent's cunning words led to the fall, illustrating how subtle undermining can have profound consequences.

4. Undermining Community: The early church faced challenges of division and discord, which threatened to undermine the unity of believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to be united and avoid divisions, emphasizing that such discord undermines the body of Christ.

Scriptural Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible provides numerous exhortations to guard against being undermined by external and internal forces. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in their faith. Ephesians 6:11-13 urges Christians to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, highlighting the spiritual battle against forces that seek to undermine one's faith and commitment to God.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, offers insights into the consequences of undermining behavior. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them." This verse underscores the destructive nature of deceit and treachery, which can undermine personal integrity and relationships.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not frequently use the term "undermine," the concept is woven throughout its teachings, warning against actions and attitudes that weaken faith, authority, and moral integrity. Believers are called to uphold truth, maintain unity, and resist the forces that seek to erode their spiritual foundations.1. (v. t.) To excavate the earth beneath; to subvert by indirect, secret, or underhanded means; to form a mine under; to sap; as, to undermine a wall.

2. (v. t.) Fig.: To remove the foundation or support of by clandestine means; to ruin in an underhand way; as, to undermine reputation; to undermine the constitution of the state.

2679. kataskapto -- to dig down
... Transliteration: kataskapto Phonetic Spelling: (kat-as-kap'-to) Short Definition:
I dig down under, demolish Definition: I dig down under, demolish, undermine. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2679.htm - 6k

Conclusion.
... hostility to Christianity, perished with his work, "leaving no wreck behind."[97]
97 The same may be applied to all the recent attempts to undermine the faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/conclusion.htm

The Reign of David.
... harem. The degrading influence of polygamy with its luxury, pleasure seeking
and jealousies was soon to undermine his character. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

On Singing and Music.
... may be fully maintained by all who claim that name; and that they may be watchful
against the introduction of practices which will undermine the support of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/on singing and music/on singing and music.htm

The Horns of the Altar
... molestation. But very soon he began plotting again, and sought to undermine
Solomon now that their venerable father was dead. It ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

The Heart of the Gospel
... There be many that trouble us with their philosophies and novel interpretations,
whereby they deny the doctrines they profess to teach, and undermine the faith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the heart of the gospel.htm

The Great Schism
... the protection of our laws" were found to increase so rapidly that the movement
away from the Saybrook Platform threatened to undermine the ecclesiastical ...
/.../chapter x the great schism.htm

Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills
... The proselytizing movement had also created a suspicion that it was hypocritical,
and that it was masking a deliberate attempt to undermine the Establishment. ...
/.../chapter xiii certificate laws and.htm

The Indestructibility of the Bible is a Proof that Its Author is ...
... Every possible effort has been made to undermine faith in the inspiration and authority
of the Bible and innumerable enterprises have been undertaken with the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter eleven the indestructibility of.htm

The Travelers
... to the Sicarii. Titus is my friend, unless he suspects me as coming to
undermine his better friend, the pretty Herod. I shall help ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

Spiritual Power.
... But the hindrances that are always acting to undermine or destroy any such spiritual
power in us are manifold, and seldom far away from our life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xviii spiritual power.htm

Undermine (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To excavate the earth beneath; to subvert by indirect, secret, or underhanded
means; to form a mine under; to sap; as, to undermine a wall. ...
/u/undermine.htm - 7k

Underneath (19 Occurrences)

/u/underneath.htm - 12k

Underlings (2 Occurrences)

/u/underlings.htm - 7k

Mine (2991 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To dig away, or otherwise remove, the substratum or foundation of; to lay
a mine under; to sap; to undermine; hence, to ruin or destroy by slow degrees ...
/m/mine.htm - 10k

Sap (6 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A simpleton; a saphead; a milksop. 4. (vt) To subvert by digging or wearing
away; to mine; to undermine; to destroy the foundation of. ...
/s/sap.htm - 8k

Supplant (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) To overthrow, undermine, or force away, in order to get a substitute
in place of. Multi-Version Concordance Supplant (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/supplant.htm - 7k

Samaria (123 Occurrences)
... utterly. His turning of the water into trenches to undermine the foundations
could only refer to the suburbs under the hill. From ...
/s/samaria.htm - 63k

Evolution
... It is unscientific to array any of these against the other in the effort to undermine
the generic theory of evolution, or to take their differences as ...
/e/evolution.htm - 39k

City
... utterly. His turning of the water into trenches to undermine the foundations
could only refer to the suburbs under the hill. From ...
/c/city.htm - 43k

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Undermine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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