Falter
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Definition and Usage:
The term "falter" generally refers to a moment of hesitation, weakness, or loss of strength. In a biblical context, it often describes a lapse in faith, courage, or determination. The concept of faltering is frequently associated with spiritual struggles, moments of doubt, or moral failings.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 40:30-31 :
"Even youths grow faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."
· This passage contrasts human frailty with divine strength. While people may falter, those who rely on the Lord are promised renewed strength and endurance.

2. Matthew 14:30-31 :
"But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'"
· Peter's faltering on the water illustrates a moment of doubt and fear. His cry for help and Jesus' immediate response highlight the importance of faith and reliance on Christ.

3. 1 Kings 18:21 :
"Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word."
· Elijah challenges the Israelites' faltering commitment to God, urging them to make a decisive choice between the Lord and false gods.

4. Psalm 73:2-3 :
"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
· The psalmist admits to a moment of spiritual faltering, where envy and doubt nearly led him astray. This passage reflects the internal struggle believers may face when confronted with the apparent success of the ungodly.

Theological Implications:

· Faith and Doubt: Faltering often arises from a lack of faith or trust in God. The Bible encourages believers to strengthen their faith through prayer, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

· Divine Support: Scripture reassures that God is a source of strength and support for those who falter. Believers are encouraged to seek God's help in times of weakness.

· Moral and Spiritual Vigilance: The Bible warns against spiritual complacency and encourages vigilance to prevent faltering. Regular self-examination and repentance are vital for maintaining a strong relationship with God.

· Community and Encouragement: The Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting those who falter. Believers are called to encourage and restore one another gently, as seen in Galatians 6:1.

Practical Application:

· Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture can fortify believers against moments of doubt and weakness.

· Accountability: Engaging with a community of faith provides accountability and support, helping individuals to remain steadfast in their walk with God.

· Focus on Christ: Keeping one's eyes fixed on Jesus, as exemplified by Peter's experience, is essential for overcoming fear and doubt.

In summary, while faltering is a common human experience, the Bible offers guidance and assurance for overcoming it through faith, reliance on God, and support from the Christian community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To thrash in the chaff; also, to cleanse or sift, as barley.

2. (v. & n.) To hesitate; to speak brokenly or weakly; to stammer; as, his tongue falters.

3. (v. & n.) To tremble; to totter; to be unsteady.

4. (v. & n.) To hesitate in purpose or action.

5. (v. & n.) To fail in distinctness or regularity of exercise; -- said of the mind or of thought.

6. (v. t.) To utter with hesitation, or in a broken, trembling, or weak manner.

7. (v. i.) Hesitation; trembling; feebleness; an uncertain or broken sound; as, a slight falter in her voice.

Strong's Hebrew
3782. kashal -- to stumble, stagger, totter
... A primitive root; to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the
ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall -- bereave (from ...
/hebrew/3782.htm - 6k

4131. mot -- to totter, shake, slip
... root Definition to totter, shake, slip NASB Word Usage bring down (1), fall (1),
falter (1), gives way (1), immovable* (1), moved (8), shake (1), shaken (11 ...
/hebrew/4131.htm - 6k

Library

Wondrous Love that Cannot Falter
... No.56 Wondrous love that cannot falter. THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Wondrous love that
cannot falter. (Hymn of the Association of Perpetual Adoration) Tr. Rt. ...
/.../no 56 wondrous love that cannot.htm

It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature ...
... with much forethought specified the time when these things were done""under Pontius
Pilate,""lest in any respect the tradition should falter, as though ...
/.../17 it is with no.htm

In Time of War.
... 3 O, never falter, ye who strive to bring In men the heavenly birth; For still the
angel hosts unfaltering sing, "Peace to the weary earth!". 4 O, never falter! ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/420 10 & 6s m.htm

Peter on the Waves
... the gale was any more violent, not because the uneven pavement was any more yielding,
but because he was frightened, and his faith began to falter at the close ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/peter on the waves.htm

The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book
... No. 54 Jesus, Food of Angels. No. 55 O Jesus Christ, remember. No.56 Wondrous
love that cannot falter. No. 57 O Food to Pilgrims Given. No. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/

The Inwardness of Prayer
... That is its punishment"spiritual dumbness, or at least aphasia, and starvation.
We do not take our spiritual food, and so we falter, dwindle, and die. ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter i the inwardness of.htm

Rights
... On the mission field it is not the enduring of hardships, the lack of comforts,
and the roughness of the life that make the missionary cringe and falter. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 1 rights.htm

Enduring to the End
... If the minister should fall, my brethren; if, set upon a pinnacle, he should be
cast down; if, standing in slippery places, he should falter; if the standard ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

The Ministry of Intercession
... high and grand, Who seldom pass the portals, And never boldly stand Before the golden
altar On the crimson-stained floor, Who wait afar and falter, And dare ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/the ministry of intercession.htm

A New Song
... The knights of the King in His beauty,. Our banner Thy glorious Name. Weak, weary,
our footsteps may falter,. Our praises imperfect may be,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter lv a new song.htm

Thesaurus
Falter (2 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) Hesitation; trembling; feebleness; an uncertain or broken sound; as, a slight
falter in her voice. Multi-Version Concordance Falter (2 Occurrences). ...
/f/falter.htm - 7k

Faltering (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Falter. 2. (a.) Hesitating; trembling. 3. (n.) Falter; halting;
hesitation. Multi-Version Concordance Faltering (3 Occurrences). ...
/f/faltering.htm - 7k

Falsifying (2 Occurrences)

/f/falsifying.htm - 7k

Faltered (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Falter. Multi-Version Concordance Faltered
(1 Occurrence). Psalms 105:37 He brought them forth with silver and gold. ...
/f/faltered.htm - 6k

Hesitate (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To stammer; to falter in speaking. 3. (vt) To utter with hesitation or
to intimate by a reluctant manner. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/hesitate.htm - 7k

Resources
What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org

Falter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Falter (2 Occurrences)

Leviticus 25:35
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
(See NAS)

Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Falter

Related Terms

Faltering (3 Occurrences)

Falter (2 Occurrences)

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)

Bible

Falsifying
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