Definition and Context
Swaying, in a biblical context, often refers to the act of being influenced or moved from a position of stability, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. It can denote a lack of steadfastness or firmness in one's beliefs or actions. The concept of swaying is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the instability of human nature and the need for a firm foundation in God.

Biblical References
While the term "swaying" itself may not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept is illustrated through various passages that speak to the idea of being moved or influenced away from truth and righteousness.

1. James 1:6 : "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This verse highlights the instability of a person who lacks faith, comparing them to a wave swayed by the wind. It underscores the importance of unwavering faith in God.

2. Ephesians 4:14 : "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming." Here, the Apostle Paul warns against being swayed by false teachings and emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and discernment.

3. Psalm 1:3-4 : "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind." The righteous are compared to a stable tree, while the wicked are likened to chaff, easily swayed and carried away by the wind.

Theological Implications
Swaying, as a metaphor for spiritual instability, serves as a caution against the dangers of being easily influenced by external forces, such as false doctrines, societal pressures, or personal doubts. The Bible consistently calls believers to stand firm in their faith, rooted in the truth of God's Word.

1. Firm Foundation: The Scriptures encourage believers to build their lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and His teachings. In Matthew 7:24-25 , Jesus says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock."

2. Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual growth and maturity are essential to avoid being swayed. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This maturity helps believers discern truth from error.

3. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers and helping them remain steadfast. John 16:13 assures, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth."

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and grounded in their faith to avoid being swayed by the ever-changing tides of culture and ideology. Regular study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are vital practices that help maintain spiritual stability. By anchoring their lives in Christ, Christians can withstand the pressures and temptations that seek to sway them from their commitment to God.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sway.

2. (n.) An injury caused by violent strains or by overloading; -- said of the backs of horses.

4657. miphlas -- a swaying, poising
... 4656, 4657. miphlas. 4658 . a swaying, poising. Transliteration: miphlas
Phonetic Spelling: (mif-lawce') Short Definition: layers. ...
/hebrew/4657.htm - 6k

Missed Ends
... flung themselves on the ground and knocked their heads against it, and then, rising
to a sitting posture, they held on to one another, swaying backwards and ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vi missed ends.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... As God, he was in heaven, even when his body was in the tomb; as God, he was swaying
the sceptre of all worlds even when the mock sceptre of reed was in his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

The Call of Moses
... He might have been commander of the Egyptian army, he might have been on the throne,
swaying the sceptre over the whole world, if he hadn't identified himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/ii the call of moses.htm

The Law of Change, or Mutation, Universal.
... So, too, the sea has an ill repute for honesty; while at one time, the breezes equably
swaying it, tranquillity gives it the semblance of probity, calm gives ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter ii the law of change.htm

The Allies of the Tempter.
... But it is a more solemn task to compute the influences that proceed from us, and
to discover how, unknown to ourselves, we are swaying the circles of other ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vi the allies of.htm

The Child Samuel.
... and child saw the blossoms cover the twisted branches of the olive trees and fade
again; three times the valley was filled with golden wheat swaying in the wind ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... dark black scaffold bathed in light, and the squares of infantry and cavalry ranged
around it; they saw the eager, excited throng, surging and swaying in the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

The Next Night Diamond was Seated by his Open Window...
... Her hair and her garments went floating away behind her over the tree,
whose top was swaying about while the others were still. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 37 the next night.htm

Reflection.
... The starry worlds above us, the verdant hills, the swaying forests, the waving grain,
the fleeting cloud, the blooming flower, dimly shadow forth the glory ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/reflection.htm

Pope Gregory the Seventh
... PART II. Hildebrand became a monk of the strictest kind, and soon showed
a wonderful power of swaying the minds of other men. Thus ...
/.../chapter viii pope gregory the.htm

Swaying (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Sway. 2. (n.) An injury caused by violent strains or by overloading; -- said
of the backs of horses. Multi-Version Concordance Swaying (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/swaying.htm - 7k

Swing (3 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) Swaying motion from one side or direction to the other; as, some men walk
with a swing. ... 12. (n.) Influence of power of a body put in swaying motion. ...
/s/swing.htm - 9k

Sway (7 Occurrences)
... influence. 8. (vi) To bear sway; to rule; to govern. 9. (n.) The act of swaying;
a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon. 10. ...
/s/sway.htm - 9k

Poor (276 Occurrences)
... 1. The Terms Employed: The words for "poor" are chiefly 'ebhyon, "desirous," "needy,"
"poor" (Exodus 23:6, etc.); dal, "moving," "swaying," hence, weak, poor ...
/p/poor.htm - 60k

Affection (30 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Bent of mind; a feeling or natural impulse or natural impulse acting upon
and swaying the mind; any emotion; as, the benevolent affections, esteem ...
/a/affection.htm - 20k

Swayeth (1 Occurrence)

/s/swayeth.htm - 6k

Sways (4 Occurrences)

/s/sways.htm - 7k

Peter (181 Occurrences)
... He is now no more the unreliable, changeful, self-confident man, ever swaying between
rash courage and weak timidity, but the stead-fast, trusted guide and ...
/p/peter.htm - 101k

Anem (1 Occurrence)
... it affords of the controlling working of a Divine Ruler who is faithful to His promises,
loving righteousness and hating iniquity, and swaying the destinies of ...
/a/anem.htm - 101k

Joshua (211 Occurrences)
... it affords of the controlling working of a Divine Ruler who is faithful to His promises,
loving righteousness and hating iniquity, and swaying the destinies of ...
/j/joshua.htm - 101k

What does it mean to be double-minded? | GotQuestions.org

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Swaying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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