Definition and Context
Wallowing, in a biblical context, refers to the act of rolling around or indulging excessively in something, often with a negative connotation. The term is used both literally and metaphorically in Scripture to describe behaviors or conditions that are undesirable or indicative of moral or spiritual decline.

Biblical References
The concept of wallowing appears in several passages throughout the Bible, often illustrating a state of degradation or stubbornness in sin.

1. Proverbs 26:11 : "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." This proverb uses the imagery of a dog wallowing in its own vomit to depict the foolishness of returning to sinful or foolish behavior. It highlights the repetitive nature of sin and the lack of wisdom in failing to learn from past mistakes.

2. 2 Peter 2:22 : "Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.'" Here, the apostle Peter uses the metaphor of a sow wallowing in the mud to describe those who, after knowing the way of righteousness, turn back to their sinful ways. This passage underscores the danger of apostasy and the tendency of some to revert to their former sinful lifestyles despite having received the knowledge of the truth.

3. Mark 9:20 : "So they brought the boy to Him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth." In this account, the term "rolled around" is used to describe the physical manifestation of demonic possession. The boy's wallowing on the ground is indicative of the torment and chaos caused by the unclean spirit, contrasting with the peace and order that Jesus brings.

Theological Implications
Wallowing, as depicted in Scripture, often symbolizes a return to sin or a state of spiritual impurity. It serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of reverting to old, sinful habits. The imagery of wallowing in filth or vomit is intentionally vivid, meant to evoke a sense of disgust and urgency in the believer to pursue holiness and avoid the pitfalls of sin.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons
The biblical use of wallowing teaches several key lessons:

· Repentance and Renewal: Believers are called to genuine repentance, turning away from sin and not returning to it. The repetitive nature of wallowing serves as a caution against superficial repentance that lacks true transformation.

· Vigilance Against Sin: The imagery warns of the ease with which one can slip back into sinful patterns. It encourages vigilance and reliance on God's grace to maintain a life of righteousness.

· The Power of Deliverance: In the account of the demon-possessed boy, Jesus' intervention brings deliverance and healing, illustrating the power of Christ to free individuals from the bondage of sin and spiritual oppression.

Practical Application
Christians are encouraged to examine their lives for areas where they may be "wallowing" in sin or complacency. Through prayer, accountability, and the study of Scripture, believers can seek to break free from these patterns and live in the freedom and purity that Christ offers.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wallow.2946. kulismos -- a rolling
... a rolling. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: kulismos Phonetic Spelling:
(koo'-lis-mah) Short Definition: rolling, wallowing Definition: a place of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2946.htm - 6k1556. galal -- to roll, roll away
... root Definition to roll, roll away NASB Word Usage commit (3), lay wallowing (1),
roll (5), roll you down (1), roll down (1), rolled (3), rolled away (1 ...
/hebrew/1556.htm - 6k

How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which ...
... For hence it is written, The dog is returned to his own vomit again, and the sow
that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:22). ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxx how those are.htm

Arius is Charged with the First of the Above-Mentioned Errors...
... John, who lay on Christ's bosom, or Arius, wallowing amid the outgush of his very
bowels?"so wallowing that we might understand how Arius in his teaching ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix arius is charged.htm

Ministry
... the ground in convulsions of agony. He lay wallowing and foaming, rending
the air with unearthly shrieks. Again the Prince of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to
his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... and good, "of whom are all things, and by whom are all things, and for whom are
all things," [3839] they invest [3840] with divine honours men wallowing in an ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... eyes. Now was my soul free from the gnawing cares of seeking and getting,
of wallowing in the mire and scratching the itch of lust. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book nine the end of.htm

Arria and Her Mother Sat with the Emperor. ...
... he went on: "Some time ago it came to my ear that he thought me a tyrant
wallowing in vulgar and ill-gotten luxury.". There was a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 5 arria and her.htm

Because Some are Wise, Nothing Prevents Others from Being So ...
... to hopes of good? For even though wallowing in the mire with harlots,
they can obtain their proper good. But if discipline, and ...
/.../alexander/of the manichaeans/chapter xvi because some are wise.htm

The Plight of Man after the Fall
... 27. This, then, was the situation: the whole mass of the human race stood condemned,
lying ruined and wallowing in evil, being plunged from evil into evil and ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter viii the plight of.htm

Three Names High on the Muster-Roll
... that it will happen unto them according to the true proverb, "The dog is turned
to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three names high on the.htm

Wallowing (5 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wallow. Multi-Version Concordance Wallowing (5 Occurrences). ...
2 Samuel 20:12 Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the midst of the highway. ...
/w/wallowing.htm - 8k

Kicking (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:6 When I passed by you, and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to
you, Though you are in your blood, live; yes, I said to you, Though you are ...
/k/kicking.htm - 7k

Squirming (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:6 When I passed by you, and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to
you, Though you are in your blood, live; yes, I said to you, Though you are ...
/s/squirming.htm - 7k

Vomit (12 Occurrences)
... Peter 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns
to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the ...
/v/vomit.htm - 10k

Wallow (5 Occurrences)
... Peter 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns
to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the ...
/w/wallow.htm - 8k

Wallowed (1 Occurrence)

/w/wallowed.htm - 6k

Foaming (7 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit
convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. ...
/f/foaming.htm - 8k

Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 and they brought him unto him, and he having seen him, immediately the
spirit tare him, and he, having fallen upon the earth, was wallowing -- foaming ...
/f/fallen.htm - 38k

Turns (80 Occurrences)
... Peter 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns
to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the ...
/t/turns.htm - 28k

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