Topical Encyclopedia The term "annihilated" refers to the complete destruction or obliteration of something, leaving no trace behind. In a biblical context, annihilation often pertains to the total destruction of peoples, cities, or nations as a result of divine judgment or warfare. The concept of annihilation is significant in understanding the nature of God's judgment and the consequences of sin as depicted in the Scriptures.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the annihilation of certain peoples and cities is often described as a direct act of divine judgment. One of the most notable examples is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This event serves as a powerful illustration of God's wrath against sin and immorality. The concept of annihilation is also evident in the commands given to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 20:16-17 , God instructs the Israelites, "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you." This command underscores the idea of total destruction as a means of purging the land of idolatry and sin. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "annihilated," the concept is present in discussions of final judgment and the fate of the wicked. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9 , Paul writes, "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." This passage suggests a form of annihilation in the sense of eternal separation from God, which is the ultimate consequence of rejecting the gospel. The Book of Revelation also contains imagery of annihilation in its apocalyptic visions. Revelation 20:14-15 describes the final judgment: "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This imagery conveys the complete and final destruction of death and evil. Theological Implications The concept of annihilation in the Bible raises important theological questions about the nature of God's justice and mercy. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. Annihilation serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and living in opposition to His will. At the same time, it underscores the hope of redemption and salvation for those who repent and turn to God in faith. Throughout Scripture, the theme of annihilation is balanced by the promise of restoration and new creation. While certain entities may be annihilated as a result of judgment, God's ultimate plan is to bring about a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). This future hope offers assurance to believers that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and His justice will be perfectly fulfilled. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Annihilate.Strong's Hebrew 8046a. shemad -- to destroy... 8046, 8046a. shemad. 8046b . to destroy. Transliteration: shemad Short Definition: annihilated. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding ... /hebrew/8046a.htm - 5k 6. abad -- to perish 3615. kalah -- to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished ... 3582. kachad -- to hide Library Whether Anything is Annihilated? Whether the Substance of the Bread or Wine is Annihilated after ... Men Shall be Actually Raised: the World Shall not be Annihilated ... Of True and Perfect Annihilation. How Holy Love Returning into the Soul, Brings Back to Life all the ... Prayer and Sacrifice Explained by the Similitude of a Perfume ... Conclusion. Thy Plants are a Paradise of Pomegranates, with the Fruits of the ... Letter viii. --Our Dependence on God. Of Existence, and Knowledge of It, and the Love of Both. Thesaurus Annihilated (8 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Annihilate. Multi-Version Concordance Annihilated (8 Occurrences). ... He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and annihilated. (WEY). ... /a/annihilated.htm - 9k Annihilate (8 Occurrences) Annihilation (3 Occurrences) Vanish (21 Occurrences) Nabathaeans Nabataeans Importance (9 Occurrences) Followers (37 Occurrences) Professing (6 Occurrences) Ago (61 Occurrences) Resources Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | GotQuestions.org Why is the idea of eternal damnation so repulsive to many people? | GotQuestions.org Annihilated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Annihilated (8 Occurrences)Acts 5:36 2 Chronicles 32:21 Esther 7:4 Jeremiah 9:16 Lamentations 2:22 Daniel 7:26 Zechariah 11:8 Zechariah 11:9 Subtopics Related Terms |