The term "broodeth" is an archaic form of the verb "brood," which is used in the Bible to describe a hovering or protective action, often associated with the Spirit of God. This term is most notably found in the context of creation, where it conveys a sense of divine care, attention, and nurturing over the nascent world.

Biblical Context

The primary reference to "broodeth" is found in the creation narrative of Genesis. In Genesis 1:2 , the text states: "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." The word "hovering" in this verse is often translated from the Hebrew word "rachaph," which can also mean "brooding" or "fluttering." This imagery suggests a protective and life-giving presence, akin to a bird brooding over its eggs to bring forth life.

Theological Significance

The use of "broodeth" in the creation account underscores the active involvement of the Spirit of God in the formation and sustenance of the universe. It highlights the intimate and caring nature of God's interaction with His creation. This nurturing aspect is consistent with other biblical themes where God is depicted as a protector and sustainer, ensuring the well-being and order of the world.

In a broader theological context, the concept of "brooding" can be seen as a metaphor for God's ongoing relationship with His creation. Just as a bird watches over its young, God is continually present, guiding and sustaining the world. This imagery is echoed in other parts of Scripture, where God is described as a refuge and a source of life.

Related Biblical Imagery

The imagery of brooding is not limited to the creation account. In Deuteronomy 32:11 , God is likened to an eagle that "stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions." This verse reinforces the idea of God's protective and nurturing nature, similar to the Spirit's action in Genesis.

Additionally, Jesus uses similar imagery in the New Testament when He laments over Jerusalem, saying in Matthew 23:37 , "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling." Here, the protective and gathering nature of God is expressed through the metaphor of a hen brooding over her chicks.

Conclusion

The term "broodeth," though archaic, carries rich theological implications within the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful image of God's creative and sustaining power, His protective care, and His intimate involvement with His creation. Through this imagery, believers are reminded of the ever-present and nurturing nature of God, who hovers over His creation with love and purpose.

Thy Kingdom Come, O God
... Revive our longing eyes,. Which languish for thy sight. O'er heathen lands afar.
Thick darkness broodeth yet: Arise, O Morning Star,. Arise, and never set. Amen ...
/.../sundays after epiphany 105 thy.htm

Shall we Go?
... peace, he cometh late. They set me brooding o'er the desert drear, Where
broodeth darkness as the deepest night. From many a mosque ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/shall we go.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... "To me, he did. I know not what he said to the Pharaoh. But the Goddess Ma broodeth
on the lips of Kenkenes.". Rameses nodded, and clapped his hands. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning.
... This is proved by a reference to Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God is said to
brood over the face of the waters, just as a dove broodeth over her young ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the baptism of.htm

The Water of Life;
... For the Spirit, as I may so say, sitteth and broodeth upon the powers of the soul,
as the hen doth on cold eggs, till they wax warm and receive life. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Broodeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Broodeth (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 17:11 As the
partridge that sitteth on eggs which she hath not laid, so ...
/b/broodeth.htm - 6k

Brood (19 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 17:11 As the partridge that broodeth over young which she hath not brought
forth, so is he that getteth riches, and not by right; in the midst of his ...
/b/brood.htm - 13k

Brook (75 Occurrences)

/b/brook.htm - 45k

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