The term "afflicteth" is an archaic form of the verb "afflict," which means to cause pain or suffering, to trouble, or to distress. In the context of the Bible, affliction is often seen as a tool used by God to discipline, test, or purify His people, as well as a consequence of sin or the result of living in a fallen world. The concept of affliction is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the human experience of suffering and the divine purpose behind it.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Discipline and Testing: Affliction is sometimes portrayed as a means by which God disciplines His children, aiming to bring about repentance and spiritual growth. In Hebrews 12:6, it is written, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This reflects the idea that affliction can be a sign of God's love and concern for the spiritual well-being of His people.

2. Purification and Refinement: Affliction is also seen as a process of purification. In Isaiah 48:10, God says, "See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." Here, affliction is likened to a refining fire that purifies and strengthens the believer's faith.

3. Consequence of Sin: The Bible often links affliction with sin, portraying it as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28, a chapter detailing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, affliction is listed among the curses that will befall Israel if they turn away from God.

4. Human Experience and Lament: The Psalms frequently express the human experience of affliction, often in the form of lament. Psalm 119:67 states, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." This verse highlights the psalmist's recognition of affliction as a catalyst for returning to God's statutes.

5. Comfort and Deliverance: Despite the reality of affliction, the Bible assures believers of God's comfort and deliverance. In 2 Corinthians 1:4, Paul writes, "He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." This passage emphasizes the role of affliction in equipping believers to minister to others.

6. Eternal Perspective: The New Testament encourages believers to view affliction with an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul declares, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." This perspective helps believers endure suffering with hope, knowing that it contributes to their eternal reward.

Examples in Scripture

· Job: The account of Job is a profound exploration of affliction. Despite his righteousness, Job experiences intense suffering, prompting questions about the nature of affliction and God's justice. Ultimately, Job's account illustrates the mystery of God's sovereignty and the possibility of restoration after suffering.

· Joseph: Joseph's life, as recounted in Genesis, is marked by affliction, from being sold into slavery by his brothers to being unjustly imprisoned. Yet, through these trials, God positions Joseph to save many lives during a famine, demonstrating how affliction can serve a greater divine purpose.

· Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own afflictions in his epistles, viewing them as opportunities to share in Christ's sufferings and to demonstrate the power of God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes about his "thorn in the flesh," concluding that God's grace is sufficient and that power is perfected in weakness.

In summary, the concept of "afflicteth" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings and purposes, from divine discipline and purification to the consequences of sin and the human experience of suffering. Through affliction, believers are invited to trust in God's sovereignty, find comfort in His presence, and look forward to the eternal glory that awaits.

'Tis Patience must Support You. --Heb. x. 35-37.
... joy and gladness In God aye hop'd to find, Though He hath made it clear, He chastens
whom He loveth, And whom He much approveth, He much afflicteth here. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/tis patience must support you heb.htm

For Patience in Great Sorrow.
... How is it reason finds it hard, The truth so oft rejecteth, That Thou with
favour dost regard E'en while Thy hand afflicteth? How ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/for patience in great sorrow.htm

Psalm CXIV.
... 4. But Egypt, since it is said to mean affliction, or one who afflicteth, or one
who oppresseth, is often used for an emblem of this world; from which we must ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxiv.htm

Whether Hope and Memory Causes Pleasure?
... But hope causes affliction, according to Prov.13:12: "Hope that is deferred
afflicteth the soul." Therefore hope does not cause pleasure. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether hope and memory causes.htm

Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action?
... action, as stated above ([1361]Q[37], A[3]). But hope sometimes causes sorrow: for
it is written (Prov.13:12): "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether hope is a help.htm

Whether Patience is the Same as Longanimity? [*Longsuffering. It ...
... Secondly, because the very delay of the good we hope for, is of a nature to cause
sorrow, according to Prov.13:12, "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether patience is the same.htm

Of the Wound of Love.
... languish with love. [306] Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul. [307].
Now the painful wounds of love are of many sorts. 1. The ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii of the wound.htm

Whether Christ Went Down into the Hell of the Lost?
... The sorrows of hell encompassed me." Another sorrow comes of hoped-for glory being
deferred, according to Prov.13:12: "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ went down into.htm

The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts.
... to look stedfastly into the face of Jacob, or to speak to any of my brethren, because
of my reproach; and even until now my conscience afflicteth me by reason ...
/.../i the testament of reuben concerning.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... Quest. But how should a poor soul do to run? For this very thing is that which
afflicteth me sore (as you say), to think that I may run, and yet fall short. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

Afflicteth (3 Occurrences)
...Afflicteth (3 Occurrences). ... Job 30:11 Because His cord He loosed and afflicteth
me, And the bridle from before me, They have cast away. (YLT). ...
/a/afflicteth.htm - 7k

Afflicting (8 Occurrences)

/a/afflicting.htm - 9k

Kicketh (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:20 And Jehovah kicketh against all the seed of Israel, and afflicteth
them, and giveth them into the hand of spoilers, till that He hath cast them ...
/k/kicketh.htm - 8k

Exacteth (3 Occurrences)
... deserveth. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Psalms 89:22 An enemy exacteth not upon him,
And a son of perverseness afflicteth him not. (YLT). Proverbs ...
/e/exacteth.htm - 7k

Perverseness (46 Occurrences)
... in mine eyes, (YLT). Psalms 89:22 An enemy exacteth not upon him, And a
son of perverseness afflicteth him not. (YLT). Psalms 92:15 ...
/p/perverseness.htm - 18k

Afflictest (2 Occurrences)

/a/afflictest.htm - 7k

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