Topical Encyclopedia The term "afflict" in the Bible is often associated with suffering, distress, or hardship, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is used to describe the experience of individuals or groups who undergo trials or are subjected to oppression. The concept of affliction is multifaceted, encompassing both the consequences of sin and the trials permitted by God for the purpose of growth and refinement.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "afflict" is "עָנָה" (anah), which can mean to humble, oppress, or cause to suffer. Affliction is frequently depicted as a tool used by God to discipline His people or to bring them to repentance. For example, in Leviticus 23:27, the Israelites are commanded to "afflict" themselves on the Day of Atonement, which involves fasting and humbling oneself before God: "On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD." The afflictions of the Israelites in Egypt are a prominent example of collective suffering. Exodus 3:7 records God's awareness of their plight: "The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.'" New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "θλίβω" (thlibo) is often used to describe affliction. The New Testament emphasizes the role of affliction in the life of a believer as a means of spiritual growth and perseverance. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own afflictions as part of his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, he writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." This perspective highlights the temporary nature of earthly suffering in contrast to the eternal rewards promised to believers. Affliction as Discipline and Refinement Affliction is sometimes portrayed as a form of divine discipline intended to refine and purify God's people. Hebrews 12:6-7 explains, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" The Book of Job provides a profound exploration of the theme of affliction. Job's suffering, though not a direct result of personal sin, serves as a test of his faith and integrity. Job 23:10 reflects his understanding of the refining purpose of his trials: "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Affliction and Compassion Scripture also calls believers to respond to the afflictions of others with compassion and support. Galatians 6:2 encourages, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The call to bear one another's burdens reflects the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are to support and uplift each other in times of distress. Conclusion The biblical concept of affliction encompasses a range of experiences and purposes, from divine discipline to the testing of faith. It serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of the world and the hope of redemption and restoration through Christ. Believers are encouraged to endure afflictions with faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To strike or cast down; to overthrow.2. (v. t.) To inflict some great injury or hurt upon, causing continued pain or mental distress; to trouble grievously; to torment. 3. (v. t.) To make low or humble. Greek 2346. thlibo -- to press, afflict ... to press, afflict. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thlibo Phonetic Spelling: (thlee'-bo) Short Definition: I make narrow, persecute, press hard Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2346.htm - 7k 1669. helkoo -- to wound, to ulcerate, pass. to suffer from sores 2559. kakoo -- to ill-treat 4912. sunecho -- to hold together, to hold fast, pass. to be ... 3960. patasso -- to beat (of the heart), to strike 4818. sullupeo -- to be moved to grief with (pass.) 5003. talaiporeo -- to suffer hardship or distress 3791. ochleo -- to disturb, trouble 4781. sugkampto -- to bend together Strong's Hebrew 7489. ra'a' -- to be evil, badra'a'. 7488, 7489. ra'a'. 7489a . to be evil, bad. Transliteration: ra'a' Phonetic Spelling: (raw-ah') Short Definition: afflict. afflict ... /hebrew/7489.htm - 6k 3905. lachats -- to squeeze, press, oppress 6031a. anah -- to be bowed down or afflicted 3513. kabad -- to be heavy, weighty, or burdensome 3013. yagah -- to suffer 8197c. sippach -- to cause a scab upon 6887. tsarar -- to bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or ... 7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling 6030. anah -- to answer, respond 6088. atsab -- to pain, grieve Library The Soul is not to Afflict it Self, nor Intermit Prayer, Because ... Having Thus Attained to the Highest Power, He Bent his Mind to ... How Important and Necessary it Is, to the Interiour Soul, to ... Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... Alexander. Of Holy Spiritual Prudence How God Has Shown his Omnipotence in his Birth in Time as Well as ... "And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ... That the Widow and Orphans Ought to be Protected. They who have Committed a "Sin unto Death" are not to be Abandoned ... Thesaurus Afflict (55 Occurrences)... 4. (pp & a.) Afflicted. Multi-Version Concordance Afflict (55 Occurrences). ... didst thou come hither, before the time, to afflict us?' (YLT). ... /a/afflict.htm - 23k Chittim (5 Occurrences) Subdue (26 Occurrences) Deny (48 Occurrences) Souls (114 Occurrences) Vex (20 Occurrences) Grievously (17 Occurrences) Eber (16 Occurrences) Permanent (19 Occurrences) Persecute (48 Occurrences) Resources Why did Satan think he could defeat God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org Who was Job in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Afflict: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Afflict (55 Occurrences)Matthew 8:29 Mark 5:7 Luke 8:28 Acts 12:1 Philippians 1:17 2 Thessalonians 1:6 James 4:9 Revelation 2:22 Genesis 15:13 Genesis 31:50 Exodus 1:11 Exodus 1:12 Exodus 22:22 Exodus 22:23 Leviticus 16:29 Leviticus 16:31 Leviticus 23:27 Leviticus 23:32 Leviticus 26:24 Numbers 24:24 Numbers 29:7 Numbers 30:13 Deuteronomy 8:2 Deuteronomy 8:16 Deuteronomy 26:6 Judges 16:5 Judges 16:6 Judges 16:19 2 Samuel 7:10 1 Kings 8:35 1 Kings 11:39 2 Chronicles 6:26 Ezra 8:21 Job 19:2 Job 37:23 Psalms 44:2 Psalms 55:19 Psalms 69:26 Psalms 89:22 Psalms 89:23 Psalms 94:5 Psalms 107:17 Psalms 143:12 Isaiah 3:17 Isaiah 9:1 Isaiah 51:23 Isaiah 58:5 Isaiah 64:12 Jeremiah 19:9 Jeremiah 31:28 Lamentations 3:33 Amos 5:12 Amos 6:14 Nahum 1:12 Zephaniah 3:19 Subtopics Related Terms |