The term "wallowed" appears in the Bible to describe a physical action often associated with animals or individuals in a state of distress or degradation. In the biblical context, it is used both literally and metaphorically to convey a sense of being immersed or indulging in a particular state or behavior.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Peter 2:22 : "Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" This verse uses the imagery of a sow wallowing in the mud to illustrate the folly of returning to sinful behaviors after having been cleansed. The metaphor highlights the tendency of individuals to revert to their former ways despite having experienced redemption or purification.

2. Ezekiel 16:6 : "Then I passed by and saw you wallowing in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood, I said to you, ‘Live!’" In this passage, the term "wallowing" is used to describe the pitiable state of Jerusalem, depicted as an abandoned infant left in its own blood. The imagery underscores the helplessness and dire condition of the city before God's intervention and mercy.

Theological Implications:

The use of "wallowed" in Scripture often serves as a powerful illustration of human sinfulness and the tendency to return to a state of moral or spiritual uncleanness. It reflects the biblical theme of the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, where individuals, despite knowing the truth, may find themselves entangled in sinful habits or lifestyles.

In the New Testament, the metaphor of wallowing is particularly poignant in the context of apostasy or backsliding. It serves as a warning against the dangers of turning away from the faith and the consequences of returning to a life of sin after having known the truth of the Gospel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wallowing was a common behavior observed in animals, particularly pigs, which were considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws (Leviticus 11:7). The act of wallowing in mud or filth was associated with impurity and uncleanness, making it a fitting metaphor for moral and spiritual degradation.

The imagery of wallowing would have resonated with the original audience of the biblical texts, as it vividly depicted the contrast between purity and impurity, cleanliness and defilement. It served as a stark reminder of the need for repentance and the transformative power of God's grace.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

The concept of wallowing in the Bible calls believers to examine their own lives and to be vigilant against the temptation to return to former sins. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the faith and the continual pursuit of holiness. The imagery serves as a reminder of the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice and the call to live a life that reflects the purity and righteousness of God.

In summary, the biblical use of "wallowed" provides a vivid depiction of the human condition apart from divine intervention and the ongoing struggle against sin. It underscores the necessity of remaining steadfast in the faith and the transformative impact of God's redemptive work in the lives of believers.(imp. & p. p.) of Wallow.

Strong Son of God
... Bring him unto me.". And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway
the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter ix strong son of.htm

These Vagaries Stimulated Some Profane Corruptions of Christianity ...
... Having during many ages wallowed about in one female shape and another, she became
the notorious Helen who was so ruinous to Priam, and afterwards to the eyes ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xxxiv these vagaries stimulated some.htm

The Demoniac Boy
... And they brought him unto Him: and when He saw him, straightway the spirit tare
him grievously; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 14-29 the demoniac boy.htm

Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
... terrible picture. He was smitten with a very delirium of idolatry, and
wallowed in any and every sort of false worship. No matter ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/manassehs sin and repentance.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... Chronicles 29:18-31. Ahaz, Hezekiah's father, had wallowed in idolatry,
worshipping any and every god but Jehovah. He had shut up ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

God Proclaiming his Own Name
... mob of abject cowards were bold enough to shake off their allegiance to God, and,
forgetful of all the past, plunged into idolatry, and wallowed in sensuous ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/god proclaiming his own name.htm

The Epileptic Boy.
... And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare
him grievously; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the epileptic boy.htm

And Thou Sentest Thine Hand from Above, and Drewest My Soul Out of ...
... For almost nine years passed, in which I wallowed in the mire of that deep pit,
and the darkness of falsehood, often assaying to rise, but dashed down the more ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xi and thou sentest.htm

A Tinner's Story
... Ives, but soon relapsed into his old sin, drunkenness, and wallowed in it for two
years, during which time he headed the mob who pulled down the preaching-house ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a tinners story.htm

For that Year were My Studies Intermitted: Whilst after My Return ...
... Behold with what companions I walked the streets of Babylon, and wallowed in the
mire thereof, as if in a bed of spices and precious ointments. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iii for that year.htm

Wallowed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Wallow. Multi-Version Concordance
Wallowed (1 Occurrence). Mark 9:20 And they brought him ...
/w/wallowed.htm - 6k

Wallow (5 Occurrences)

/w/wallow.htm - 8k

Wallowing (5 Occurrences)

/w/wallowing.htm - 8k

Grievously (17 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit
tare him grievously; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
/g/grievously.htm - 14k

Gulp (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The act of taking a large mouthful; a swallow, or as much as is wallowed
at once. 3. (n.) A disgorging. Multi-Version Concordance Gulp (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gulp.htm - 6k

Tare (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit
tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. (KJV ASV YLT). ...
/t/tare.htm - 8k

Ashes (44 Occurrences)
... The afflicted or penitent often sat in ashes (compare Job 2:8; Job 42:6: "I abhor
myself, and repent in dust and ashes"), or even wallowed in ashes, as ...
/a/ashes.htm - 24k

Straightway (96 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway
the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
/s/straightway.htm - 35k

Straight (196 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit
tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. ...
/s/straight.htm - 37k

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