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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Shifting</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/shifting.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ephesians/4-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/shifting.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Shifting</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/shifteth.htm" title="Shifteth">◄</a> Shifting <a href="/topical/s/shiftless.htm" title="Shiftless">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Context</b> <br>In a biblical context, "shifting" often refers to a change or movement, whether physical, spiritual, or metaphorical. It can denote a transition in circumstances, beliefs, or divine plans. The concept of shifting is seen throughout Scripture as God moves His people, changes their hearts, or alters their circumstances to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b>Biblical Examples</b><br><br>1. <b>Shifting in Faith and Belief</b> <br> The Bible frequently addresses the idea of shifting in terms of faith and belief. <a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a> warns against being double-minded, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This passage highlights the instability that comes with a lack of firm faith, illustrating the dangers of spiritual shifting.<br><br>2. <b>Shifting Circumstances</b> <br> The account of Joseph in Genesis is a prime example of shifting circumstances. Joseph's life was marked by dramatic changes—from being sold into slavery by his brothers to rising to power in Egypt. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> reflects on this shift: "As for you, you intended evil against me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This demonstrates how God can use shifting circumstances to bring about His divine plan.<br><br>3. <b>Shifting Nations and Kingdoms</b> <br> The Bible also speaks of the shifting of nations and kingdoms. <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> states, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This verse underscores God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of earthly powers, indicating that such shifts are under His control and part of His divine orchestration.<br><br>4. <b>Shifting in Spiritual Warfare</b> <br> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-12</a> advises believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage suggests that spiritual warfare involves a constant shifting of tactics and strategies, requiring believers to remain vigilant and steadfast.<br><br>5. <b>Shifting in Personal Transformation</b> <br> The process of personal transformation in the life of a believer can also be seen as a form of shifting. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> encourages, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a shift from worldly patterns to a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the ongoing nature of spiritual growth and renewal.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The concept of shifting in the Bible often points to God's sovereignty and the dynamic nature of His interaction with the world. It serves as a reminder that while human circumstances may change, God's purposes remain steadfast. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, even amidst the uncertainties and shifts of life. The biblical narrative consistently shows that God uses shifts to refine, teach, and guide His people, ultimately leading them closer to Him and His eternal purposes.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>p. pr. & vb. n.</I>) of Shift.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle; as, shifting winds; shifting opinions or principles.<p>3. (<I>a.</I>) Adapted or used for shifting anything.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/1365.htm"><span class="l">1365. distazo -- twenty thousand</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 1365 (from 1364 , "two, double" and 4714 , "stance, standing") -- properly, going<br> two ways, <b>shifting</b> between positions; choosing "a double-stance" and hence <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/5157.htm"><span class="l">5157. trope -- a turning</span></a> <br><b>...</b> turning, change, mutation. Word Origin from trepo (to turn) Definition<br> a turning NASB Word Usage <b>shifting</b> (1). turning. From an <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5157.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_iv_the_discourse_of.htm"><span class="l">The Discourse of the Old Man on the State of the Soul and Its <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And so the nous, ie, the mind, is defined as aeikinetos kai polukinetos, ie, ever<br> <b>shifting</b> and very <b>shifting</b>: as it is thus described in the so called wisdom <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv the discourse of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/two_books_of_soliloquies/book_i.htm"><span class="l">Book I.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> been said by me, Thou the only God, do Thou come to my help, the one true and eternal<br> substance, where is no discord, no confusion, no <b>shifting</b>, no indigence <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/two books of soliloquies/book i.htm</font><p><a href="/library/herrick/frank_h_nelson_of_cincinnati/reclaiming_a_church_to_meet.htm"><span class="l">Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The population, as in many another American city, was <b>shifting</b> from the downtown<br> district, and many believed that the parish had seen its best days. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm</font><p><a href="/library/plotinus/the_six_enneads/sixth_tractate_the_impassivity_of.htm"><span class="l">Sixth Tractate. The Impassivity of the Unembodied.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and yet likings and dislikings, the Soul enjoying, grieving, angry, grudging, envying,<br> desiring, never at peace but stirring and <b>shifting</b> with everything that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate the impassivity of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_iv_the_procession_of.htm"><span class="l">The Procession of Amen</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He forgot the mission that urged him to the temple and, permitting the <b>shifting</b>,<br> restless crowd to surround him, he lingered, thinking. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_ephesians_peter/an_apostolic_testimony_and_exhortation.htm"><span class="l">An Apostolic Testimony and Exhortation</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If you talk so to a man who has his foot upon <b>shifting</b> sands or slippery clay; the<br> more he tries the deeper will he sink into the one, or slide the further <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../an apostolic testimony and exhortation.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_desire_of_ages/chapter_39_give_ye_them.htm"><span class="l">"Give Ye them to Eat"</span></a> <br><b>...</b> responsibility. He is in danger of <b>shifting</b> his burden upon organizations, instead<br> of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sayce/early_israel_and_the_surrounding_nations/introduction.htm"><span class="l">Introduction</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Oriental history. Its occupation by Babylonians or Egyptians marks the <b>shifting</b><br> of the balance of power between Asia and Africa. The <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_34_1888/to_the_saddest_of_the.htm"><span class="l">To the Saddest of the Sad</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Unless, indeed, like chameleons, they have a natural aptitude to change colour,<br> they must have a worrying time of it, and a horrible amount of <b>shifting</b> to get <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/at_last/chapter_ii_down_the_islands.htm"><span class="l">Down the Islands</span></a> <br><b>...</b> For hundreds of miles, day after day, the steamer carried us past a <b>shifting</b> diorama<br> of scenery, which may be likened to Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/shifting.htm"><span class="l"><b>Shifting</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (a.) Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle; as,<br><b>shifting</b> winds; <b>shifting</b> opinions or principles. <b>...</b><b>Shifting</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shifting.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/unscrupulous.htm"><span class="l">Unscrupulous (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's<br> cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <b>shifting</b> device to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/unscrupulous.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/goats'.htm"><span class="l">Goats'</span></a><br><b>...</b> Samuel 19:13, 16). Goats' hair cloth is admirab1y suited to stand the hard<br> usage of a frequently <b>shifting</b> encampment. The children of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/goats'.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/waves.htm"><span class="l">Waves (43 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's<br> cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <b>shifting</b> device to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/waves.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/firmly.htm"><span class="l">Firmly (47 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,<br> without ever <b>shifting</b> from your hope that rests on the Good News that you <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/firmly.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/resemble.htm"><span class="l">Resemble (15 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's<br> cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <b>shifting</b> device to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/resemble.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rests.htm"><span class="l">Rests (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,<br> without ever <b>shifting</b> from your hope that rests on the Good News that you <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rests.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/established.htm"><span class="l">Established (200 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Colossians 1:23 if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation,<br> without ever <b>shifting</b> from your hope that rests on the Good News that you <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/established.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/device.htm"><span class="l">Device (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's<br> cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <b>shifting</b> device to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/device.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mariners.htm"><span class="l">Mariners (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's<br> cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <b>shifting</b> device to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mariners.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-true-north.html">What does it mean for Jesus to be your true north? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-damnation.html">Why is the idea of eternal damnation so repulsive to many people? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/John-Calvin.html">Who was John Calvin? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/shifting.htm">Shifting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Shifting (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a></span><br />So we shall no longer be babes nor shall we resemble mariners tossed on the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine according to men's cleverness and unscrupulous cunning, making use of every <span class="boldtext">shifting</span> device to mislead.<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a></span><br />if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation, without ever <span class="boldtext">shifting</span> from your hope that rests on the Good News that you have heard, which has been proclaimed in the whole creation under Heaven, and in which I Paul have been appointed to serve.<br /><span class="source">(WEY RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/shifting.htm">Shifting</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shack.htm">Shack (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shifting.htm">Shifting (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shifts.htm">Shifts (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/shifteth.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Shifteth"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Shifteth" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/shiftless.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Shiftless"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Shiftless" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>