The term "gloomy" in the biblical context often refers to a state of darkness, despair, or spiritual desolation. It is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to describe physical darkness, emotional distress, or spiritual judgment.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of gloom is frequently associated with the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and wrath. The prophet Joel describes this day as one of darkness and gloom: "A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness" (Joel 2:2). This imagery underscores the severity and dread of God's judgment upon the nations and serves as a call to repentance.

Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah warns of a day of wrath, "That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness" (Zephaniah 1:15). Here, gloom is part of a series of descriptors that convey the comprehensive nature of divine retribution.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the theme of gloom is often linked to spiritual darkness and separation from God. The Apostle Peter, in his second epistle, speaks of false teachers for whom "the gloom of darkness has been reserved" (2 Peter 2:17). This passage highlights the ultimate fate of those who lead others astray, emphasizing the seriousness of spiritual deception.

Jude also uses similar language to describe the fate of the ungodly: "for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever" (Jude 1:13). This eternal gloom signifies the final judgment and separation from the presence of God, reserved for those who reject His truth.

Symbolism and Themes

Gloom in the Bible often symbolizes the absence of God's light and presence. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the consequences of sin. The imagery of gloom and darkness contrasts with the light and hope found in God's salvation. Isaiah prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, stating, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who dispels spiritual gloom and brings hope and redemption.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical concept of gloom serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It calls for vigilance in spiritual matters and a commitment to walking in the light of Christ. The contrast between gloom and light in Scripture encourages Christians to seek God's presence and guidance, avoiding the spiritual darkness that leads to separation from Him.

In pastoral care, understanding the biblical perspective on gloom can provide comfort and hope to those experiencing emotional or spiritual darkness. The assurance of God's light and the promise of His presence offer solace and encouragement to those in despair, reminding them of the transformative power of faith in Christ.1. (superl.) Imperfectly illuminated; dismal through obscurity or darkness; dusky; dim; clouded; as, the cavern was gloomy.

2. (superl.) Affected with, or expressing, gloom; melancholy; dejected; as, a gloomy temper or countenance.

4659. skuthropos -- with a gloomy look
... with a gloomy look. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: skuthropos Phonetic
Spelling: (skoo-thro-pos') Short Definition: gloomy, sad-countenanced ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4659.htm - 6k

4768. stugnazo -- to have a gloomy appearance
... to have a gloomy appearance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: stugnazo Phonetic
Spelling: (stoog-nad'-zo) Short Definition: I am gloomy Definition: I am ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4768.htm - 6k

850. auchmeros -- to boast
... dark, gloomy From auchmos (probably from a base akin to that of aer) (dust, as dried
by wind); properly, dirty, ie (by implication) obscure -- dark. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/850.htm - 6k

651. aphel -- gloomy
... 650, 651. aphel. 652 . gloomy. Transliteration: aphel Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-fale') Short Definition: gloom. Word Origin from the ...
/hebrew/651.htm - 5k

6828. tsaphon -- north
... Word Origin from tsaphan Definition north NASB Word Usage North (8), north (125),
north side (7), northern (1), northward (11). northern side, dark, gloomy. ...
/hebrew/6828.htm - 6k

6205. araphel -- cloud, heavy cloud
... Word Origin from araph Definition cloud, heavy cloud NASB Word Usage deep darkness
(1), gloom (1), gloomy (1), thick cloud (3), thick darkness (7), thick gloom ...
/hebrew/6205.htm - 6k

What the Redbird Told Me
... I was gloomy and despondent. ... God will help you. When your feelings become gloomy,
say, "I will not be so," and force your mind into other channels. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk seventeen what the redbird.htm

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope
... A deep-seated wound does not hurt much. The question is not whether Christian thoughts
about a man's condition are gloomy or not, but whether they are true. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/a dark picture and a.htm

Blowing the Clouds Away
... TALK FORTY. BLOWING THE CLOUDS AWAY. I had been passing through a period of sore
conflict. For several days I had had gloomy and distressing feelings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty blowing the clouds.htm

Chapter xl
... humour. So he asked these eunuchs of Pharaoh which were with him in ward
in his master's house: Why are your faces so gloomy today? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

A Glance at Jerusalem.
... In some parts the light of the moon enabled them to grope their way in safety along
the dark and gloomy streets, but in other parts they were obliged to make ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter v a glance at.htm

Objections Considered.
... The foregoing scheme, it may be said, presents a gloomy view of the universe. ... This
may be merely a gloomy idea, and may never become a gloomy fact. ...
/.../chapter vii objections considered.htm

On Easter
... For in honour of Christ rising triumphant after His descent to the gloomy Tartarus,
the grove on every side with its leaves expresses approval, the plants with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/venantius/on easter/on easter.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... Thus my maimed Muses guide my pen, and gloomy songs make no feigned tears bedew
my face. Then could no fear so overcome to leave me companionless upon my way. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... simple illustration. You are a captive in a foreign land, and have long
been immured in a deep, damp, and gloomy dungeon. Sorrow ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... "O'ER THE GLOOMY HILLS OF DARKNESS.". Dros y brinian tywyl niwliog. ... O'er the
gloomy hills of darkness Look my soul! be still, and gaze! ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

Gloomy (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Imperfectly illuminated; dismal through obscurity or darkness; dusky;
dim; clouded; as, the cavern was gloomy. ...Gloomy (10 Occurrences). ...
/g/gloomy.htm - 9k

Gloom (29 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A shady, gloomy, or dark place or grove. ... 6. (vi) To become dark or dim; to
be or appear dismal, gloomy, or sad; to come to the evening twilight. ...
/g/gloom.htm - 15k

Zalmonah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZALMONAH. zal-mo'na (tsalmonah, "gloomy"): A desert
camp of the Israelites, the first after Mt. Hor (Numbers 33:41, 42). ...
/z/zalmonah.htm - 7k

Gloominess (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) State of being gloomy. Multi-Version Concordance
Gloominess (2 Occurrences). Joel 2:2 A day of darkness ...
/g/gloominess.htm - 7k

Blue (51 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Low in spirits; melancholy; as, to feel blue. 4. (superl.) Suited to
produce low spirits; gloomy in prospect; as, thongs looked blue. ...
/b/blue.htm - 26k

Black (52 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) In a less literal sense: Enveloped or shrouded in darkness; very dark
or gloomy; as, a black night; the heavens black with clouds. ...
/b/black.htm - 24k

Cloud (119 Occurrences)
... is clouded. 8. (vt) To darken or obscure, as if by hiding or enveloping
with a cloud; hence, to render gloomy or sullen. 9. (vt) To ...
/c/cloud.htm - 51k

Looks (76 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:16 "When any of you fast, never assume gloomy looks as the hypocrites
do; for they disfigure their faces in order that it may be evident to men that ...
/l/looks.htm - 28k

Look (1874 Occurrences)
... 15. (n.) Hence; Appearance; aspect; as, the house has a gloomy look; the affair
has a bad look. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LOOK. ...
/l/look.htm - 12k

Lower (72 Occurrences)
... 9. (vi) To be dark, gloomy, and threatening, as clouds; to be covered with dark
and threatening clouds, as the sky; to show threatening signs of approach, as a ...
/l/lower.htm - 30k

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