Bible Dictionary: Tribulation

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Easton's Bible Dictionary

Trouble or affiction of any kind (Deuteronomy 4:30; Matthew 13:21; 2 Corinthians 7:4). In Romans 2:9 "tribulation and anguish" are the penal sufferings that shall overtake the wicked. In Matthew 24:21, 29, the word denotes the calamities that were to attend the destruction of Jerusalem.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(n.) That which occasions distress, trouble, or vexation; severe affliction.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

TRIBULATION

trib-u-la'-shun (tsar, tsar, "staid," "narrow," "pent up"; compare Numbers 22:26):

1. In the Old Testament:

Closely pressed, as of seals (Job 41:15 (7)); of streams pent up (Isaiah 59:9 margin); of strength limited (Proverbs 24:10, "small"). Hence, figuratively, of straitened circumstances; variously rendered "affliction," "tribulation," "distress" (Deuteronomy 4:30 Job 15:24; Job 30:12 Psalm 4:2; Psalm 18:7; Psalm 32:7; 44:11, etc.; Psalm 78:42; Psalm 102:3; 106:44:00; 119:143 Isaiah 26:16; Isaiah 30:20 Hosea 5:15 Ezekiel 30:16). Frequently, the feminine form (tsarah) is similarly rendered "tribulation" (Judges 10:14 the King James Version; 1 Samuel 10:19 the King James Version; 1 Samuel 26:24); in other places "distress," "affliction" (Genesis 42:21 Psalm 120:1 Proverbs 11:8 2 Chronicles 20:9 Isaiah 63:9 Jeremiah 15:11 Jonah 2:2 Nahum 1:9 Zechariah 10:11).

2. In the New Testament:

The Greek is thlipsis, a "pressing together" (as of grapes), squeezing or pinching (from verb thlibo); used figuratively for "distress," "tribulation"; Septuagint for tsar and tsarah; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) tribulatio pressura (from tribulum, "a threshing sledge"). The verb form is rendered "suffer tribulation" (1 Thessalonians 3:4 the King James Version, "suffer affliction" the Revised Version (British and American)); "trouble" (2 Thessalonians 1:6 the King James Version, "afflict" the Revised Version (British and American); compare 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:5 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 11:37). The noun form is rendered in the King James Version variously as "tribulation," "affliction," "persecution," though more uniformly "tribulation" in the Revised Version (British and American). The word is used generally of the hardships which Christ's followers would suffer (Matthew 13:21; Matthew 24:9, 21, 29 Mark 4:17; Mark 13:19, 24 John 16:33 1 Corinthians 7:28); or which they are now passing through (Romans 5:3; Romans 12:12 2 Corinthians 4:17 Philippians 4:14); or through which they have already come (Acts 11:19 2 Corinthians 2:4 Revelation 7:14).

Edward Bagby Pollard

Greek

2347. thlipsis -- tribulation
... tribulation. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: thlipsis Phonetic Spelling:
(thlip'-sis) Short Definition: persecution, affliction, distress ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2347.htm - 7k

2346. thlibo -- to press, afflict
... afflict, suffer tribulation, trouble. Akin to the base of tribos; to crowd (literally
or figuratively) -- afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2346.htm - 7k

4973. sphragis -- a seal, a signet
... "Seal" is often used metaphorically (Ro 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2; 2 Tim 2:19; Rev 9:4). For
more discussion see 4972 (), and the at "the Great Tribulation.". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4973.htm - 7k

1062. gamos -- a wedding
... This eschatological celebration is described in Mt 22:2-10 and Rev 19:7-9 -- "and
apparently occurs at the final day of the seven-year Tribulation" (G. Archer ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1062.htm - 7k

3354. metreo -- to measure, measure out
... See 3355 (). (Rev 11:1,2) This relates to the holy places in the "which symbolizes
the " who come " the Tribulation" (, cf. also Ezek 40:5, 42:20; Zech 2:1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3354.htm - 7k

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Topicalbible.org

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Topicalbible.org

Daniel 12:1
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:29
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Topicalbible.org

Revelation 13:7
And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Topicalbible.org

Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined on your people and on your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew

6869. tsarah -- straits, distress
... Short Definition: adversary. adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish,
distress, tribulation, trouble Feminine of tsar; tightness ...
/hebrew/6869.htm - 5k

6862. tsar -- narrow, tight
... an opponent (as crowding) -- adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress,
enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. ...
/hebrew/6862.htm - 6k

Library

Of Tribulation
... AS TRANSLATED BY RICHARD MISYN IN 1434 FROM DE EMENDATIONE VITAE' BY RICHARD ROLLE
OF HAMPOLE: AND NOW DONE INTO MODERN ENGLISH CHAPTER V OF TRIBULATION. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter v of tribulation.htm

November the Sixth Peace in Tribulation
... NOVEMBER The Sixth PEACE IN TRIBULATION. JOHN xvi.25-33. ... I am to enjoy the gift
of peace, and yet I am to be smarting under tribulation! ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/november the sixth peace in.htm

In Great Tribulation.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CLXXII. In great Tribulation. 7.7.7.7.7.7 James
Montgomery. In great Tribulation. God! be merciful to me,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn clxxii in great tribulation.htm

Vision Fourth. Concerning the Trial and Tribulation that are to ...
... The Pastor: Book First."Visions. Vision Fourth. Concerning the Trial and
Tribulation that are to Come Upon Men. Chap. I. Twenty ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision fourth concerning the trial.htm

How when Tribulation Cometh we must Call Upon and Bless God
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XXIX How when tribulation
cometh we must call upon and bless God. Blessed be thy name ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxix how when tribulation.htm

Yet He Added, "But Such Shall have Tribulation of the Flesh...
... Section 16. Yet he added, "But such shall have tribulation of the flesh�
16. Yet he added, "But such shall have tribulation of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 16 yet he added.htm

"Accuse not Thyself Overmuch, Deeming that Thy Tribulation and Thy ...
... THE SIXTEENTH REVELATION CHAPTER LXXVII "Accuse not thyself overmuch, deeming that
thy tribulation and thy woe is all thy fault." "All thy living is penance ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxxvii accuse not thyself.htm

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... Chapter Nine The Worldward Results of the Redeemer's Return 3. God's dealings
with the earth during the Tribulation period. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm

But when the Living Father Perceived that the Soul was in ...
... 8 But when the living Father perceived that the soul was in tribulation
in the body� But when the living Father perceived that ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/8 but when the living.htm

Because for the Believer There is "No Judgment" and all Upon Earth ...
... Seven The Beneficiaries of the Redeemer's Return 5. Because for the believer there
is "no judgment" and all upon earth during the Tribulation period are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 because for the believer.htm

Thesaurus

Tribulation (43 Occurrences)
... Trouble or affiction of any kind (Deuteronomy 4:30; Matthew 13:21; 2 Corinthians
7:4). In Romans 2:9 "tribulation and anguish" are the penal sufferings that ...
/t/tribulation.htm - 24k

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:4 who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may be able
to encourage those who are in any tribulation whatever, through the ...
/e/encouragement.htm - 14k

Distress (169 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:9 tribulation and distress, on every soul of man that works evil,
both of Jew first, and of Greek; (DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/distress.htm - 36k

Tribulations (11 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/t/tribulations.htm - 9k

Affliction (120 Occurrences)
... thought of affliction as a discipline or form of Divine teaching is found in Job,
especially in the speeches of Elihu, who insists that tribulation is intended ...
/a/affliction.htm - 53k

Overflowing (54 Occurrences)
... my freedom of speech unto you, great my glory on your behalf; I have been filled
with the comfort, I overabound with the joy on all our tribulation, (See NAS). ...
/o/overflowing.htm - 23k

Worketh (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Romans 2:9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that
worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; (ASV). ...
/w/worketh.htm - 19k

Temporary (13 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:21 and he hath not root in himself, but is temporary, and persecution
or tribulation having happened because of the word, immediately he is stumbled ...
/t/temporary.htm - 10k

Encouraged (37 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 2 Corinthians 1:4 who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may
be able to encourage those who are in any tribulation whatever, through the ...
/e/encouraged.htm - 17k

Encourage (34 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:4 who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may be able
to encourage those who are in any tribulation whatever, through the ...
/e/encourage.htm - 16k

Bible Concordance

Tribulation (43 Occurrences)

Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name's sake.
(ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Mark 4:17 and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.
(ASV DBY YLT RSV)

Mark 13:19 For those days shall be tribulation, such as there hath not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never shall be.
(ASV YLT NAS RSV)

Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
(KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Acts 7:11 And there came a dearth upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers were not finding sustenance,
(YLT)

Acts 11:19 They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.
(ASV DBY YLT)

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
(Root in KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 7:28 But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
(ASV DBY YLT)

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT)

2 Corinthians 1:6 But whether we are in tribulation, it is for your encouragement and salvation, wrought in the endurance of the same sufferings which we also suffer,
(DBY YLT)

2 Corinthians 1:8 For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, as to our tribulation which happened to us in Asia, that we were excessively pressed beyond our power, so as to despair even of living.
(DBY YLT)

2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you.
(DBY YLT)

2 Corinthians 4:8 on every side being in tribulation, but not straitened; perplexed, but not in despair;
(YLT)

2 Corinthians 4:17 for the momentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us --
(YLT)

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
(KJV WBS YLT)

2 Corinthians 7:5 for also we, having come to Macedonia, no relaxation hath our flesh had, but on every side we are in tribulation, without 'are' fightings, within -- fears;
(YLT)

2 Corinthians 8:2 because in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, did abound to the riches of their liberality;
(YLT)

Philippians 1:17 but those out of contention, announce the Christ, not purely, supposing to arouse tribulation for my bonds.
(DBY)

Philippians 4:14 but ye did well, having communicated with my tribulation;
(YLT)

1 Thessalonians 1:6 and ye became our imitators, and of the Lord, having accepted the word in much tribulation with joy of the Holy Spirit,
(DBY YLT NAS)

1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT)

1 Thessalonians 3:7 for this reason we have been comforted in you, brethren, in all our distress and tribulation, through your faith,
(DBY YLT)

2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
(KJV DBY WBS)

1 Timothy 5:10 in good works being testified to: if she brought up children, if she entertained strangers, if saints' feet she washed, if those in tribulation she relieved, if every good work she followed after;
(YLT)

James 1:27 religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation -- unspotted to keep himself from the world.
(YLT)

Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Revelation 7:14 I told him, "My lord, you know." He said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
(KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Judges 10:14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
(KJV WBS)

1 Samuel 26:24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Job 36:15 He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression.
(See JPS)

Lamentations 3:5 He has built against me, and surrounded me with gall and travail.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Tribulation

Tribulation: General Scriptures Concerning

Related Terms

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)

Distress (169 Occurrences)

Tribulations (11 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Overflowing (54 Occurrences)

Worketh (49 Occurrences)