Bible Encyclopedias
Fall

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fôl (vb.): The idea of falling is most frequently expressed in Hebrew by נפל , nāphal , but also by many other words; in Greek by πίπτω , pı́ptō , 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 , Genesis 4:6 ); the falling in battle (Genesis 14:10; Numbers 14:3 , etc.); the falling into trouble, etc. (Proverbs 24:16 , Proverbs 24:17 ); 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 (2 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; Psalm 64:8; 2 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 ).

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Fall'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​f/fall.html. 1915.