The meaning of Fall in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
fol (vb.): The idea of falling is most frequently expressed in Hebrew by naphal, but also by many other words; in Greek by pipto, and its compounds. The uses of the word in Scripture are very varied. There is the literal falling by descent; the falling of the countenance in sorrow, shame, anger, etc. (Genesis 4:5-6); the falling in battle (Genesis 14:10; Numbers 14:3, etc.); the falling into trouble, etc. (Proverbs 24:16-17); prostration in supplication and reverence (Genesis 17:3; Numbers 14:5, etc.); falling of the Spirit of Yahweh (Ezekiel 11:5; compare Ezekiel 3:24; Ezekiel 8:1); of apostasy (II Thessalonians 2:3; Hebrews 6:6; Judges 1:24), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) frequently changes "fall" of the King James Version into other words or phrases, as "stumble" (Leviticus 26:37; Psalms 64:8; II Peter 1:10, etc.), "fade" (Isaiah 33:4), etc.; in Acts 27, the Revised Version (British and American) reads "be cast ashore on rocky ground" for "have fallen upon rocks" (Acts 27:29), "perish" for "fall" (Acts 27:34), "lighting upon" for "falling into" (Acts 27:41).
W. L. Walker
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