Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "subdue" in the Bible is primarily associated with the idea of bringing something under control or dominion. It is a term that appears in various contexts, from the creation mandate given to humanity to the spiritual battles faced by believers.Creation Mandate The first mention of "subdue" is found in the creation narrative in Genesis. God commands humanity to exercise dominion over the earth: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" (Genesis 1:28) Here, "subdue" is part of the divine mandate given to Adam and Eve, indicating humanity's responsibility to manage and steward the earth's resources. This command reflects the authority granted by God to humans to govern creation responsibly, ensuring that it flourishes under their care. Conquest and Warfare In the Old Testament, "subdue" often relates to military conquest and the subjugation of nations. For example, during the conquest of Canaan, God promises to subdue the enemies of Israel: "The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be able to destroy them all at once; otherwise, the wild animals will multiply around you. But the LORD your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. He will hand their kings over to you, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will destroy them." (Deuteronomy 7:22-24) This passage illustrates the divine assistance provided to Israel in subduing their enemies, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Spiritual Application In the New Testament, the concept of subduing takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers are called to subdue sinful desires and live under the lordship of Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in his letters: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13) This verse highlights the believer's responsibility to subdue the sinful nature through the power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting a life transformed by the gospel. Eschatological Fulfillment The ultimate subduing of all things is seen in the eschatological vision where Christ reigns supreme. Paul writes about the final subjugation of all powers under Christ's authority: "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:25-26) This passage points to the future fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where Christ will subdue all opposition, culminating in the complete restoration of creation under His rule. In summary, the biblical concept of "subdue" encompasses humanity's role in creation, the historical conquests of Israel, the spiritual battle against sin, and the ultimate victory of Christ over all powers. It underscores the themes of authority, responsibility, and divine sovereignty throughout Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.2. (v. t.) To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush. 3. (v. t.) To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever. 4. (v. t.) To render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn child; to subdue the temper or passions. 5. (v. t.) To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties. 6. (v. t.) To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears. 7. (v. t.) To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds. 8. (v. t.) To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors. Greek 1396. doulagogeo -- to enslave, fig. subdue ... subdue. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: doulagogeo Phonetic Spelling: (doo-lag-ogue-eh'-o) Short Definition: I enslave Definition: I bring into subjection ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1396.htm - 7k 1150. damazo -- to tame 2610. katagonizomai -- to struggle against 2289. thanatoo -- to put to death 163. aichmalotizo -- to take or lead captive 3528. nikao -- to conquer, prevail 3499. nekroo -- to put to death 5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye 5293. hupotasso -- to place or rank under, to subject, mid. to ... 4717. stauroo -- to fence with stakes, to crucify Strong's Hebrew 3533. kabash -- to subdue, bring into bondage... 3532, 3533. kabash. 3534 . to subdue, bring into bondage. Transliteration: kabash Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-bash') Short Definition: subdued. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/3533.htm - 6k 7286. radad -- to beat out, beat down, subdue 3711. kaphah -- to subdue 3665. kana -- to be humble 8214. shephel -- to be low 2827. chashal -- to shatter 1696. dabar -- to speak 3766. kara -- to bow down 3238. yanah -- to oppress, maltreat, perhaps suppress 4272. machats -- to smite through, wound severely, shatter Library Thus did God Subdue all those who Persecuted his Name... Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ... Here Beginneth the Story of Judith Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity. For Our Conversation is in ... For those who First, when the Persecution Waxed Warm... The Blessed Hope and Its Power Exhortations. Noxious Animals Worshipped by the Egyptians; Man by Arts an Evil ... The Truth of God Blessed be He that Ordained Baptism, for the Atonement of the Sons ... Thesaurus Subdue (26 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush. 3. (vt) To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever. ... /s/subdue.htm - 15k Maid-servants (25 Occurrences) Overpower (11 Occurrences) Judith (1 Occurrence) Girdedst (3 Occurrences) Charm (5 Occurrences) Conquer (12 Occurrences) Men-servants (22 Occurrences) Parthians (1 Occurrence) Subdued (41 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God gave humanity dominion over the animals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian dominionism? | GotQuestions.org What is mortification of sin / the flesh? | GotQuestions.org Subdue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Subdue (26 Occurrences)Mark 5:4 1 Corinthians 9:27 Philippians 3:21 Hebrews 11:33 James 3:8 Genesis 1:28 Numbers 24:24 Deuteronomy 9:3 Judges 16:5 Judges 16:6 Judges 16:19 2 Samuel 22:40 1 Chronicles 17:10 2 Chronicles 28:10 Nehemiah 9:24 Esther 7:8 Psalms 18:39 Psalms 47:3 Psalms 74:8 Psalms 81:14 Isaiah 45:1 Jeremiah 34:11 Jeremiah 34:16 Daniel 7:24 Micah 7:19 Zechariah 9:15 Subtopics Related Terms |