Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "churl" is used to describe a person who is miserly, rude, or surly. The word is often associated with negative character traits such as greed, selfishness, and a lack of generosity or hospitality. The concept of a churl is primarily found in the Old Testament, where it is used to depict individuals who act in a manner contrary to the virtues of kindness and benevolence that are encouraged throughout Scripture.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 32:5-7 : "No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected. For a fool speaks folly; his mind is busy with iniquity. He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD; he deprives the hungry of food and withholds drink from the thirsty. The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just." In this passage, the term "scoundrel" is often translated as "churl" in older versions of the Bible. The churl is depicted as someone who is deceitful and unjust, particularly towards the poor and needy. This aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of those who exploit or neglect the vulnerable. 2. 1 Samuel 25:3 : "The man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was harsh and evil in his dealings—he was a Calebite." Nabal is a quintessential example of a churl in the Bible. His name itself means "fool," and his behavior towards David and his men exemplifies the characteristics of a churl. Nabal's refusal to provide hospitality and his harsh demeanor ultimately lead to his downfall, highlighting the biblical principle that such behavior is not only morally wrong but also self-destructive. Character Traits of a Churl: · Miserliness: A churl is often characterized by a reluctance to share resources or provide for others, even when they have the means to do so. This is in direct opposition to the biblical call for generosity and care for one's neighbor (Proverbs 11:24-25). · Rudeness and Harshness: The churl is frequently described as harsh in their dealings with others, lacking the kindness and compassion that are hallmarks of a godly character (Ephesians 4:32). · Deceitfulness: As seen in Isaiah 32, the churl is associated with deceit and the spreading of falsehoods, particularly to harm those who are less fortunate. Theological Implications: The depiction of the churl in Scripture serves as a warning against the dangers of selfishness and a lack of compassion. The Bible consistently calls believers to emulate the character of God, who is generous, loving, and just. The churl, by contrast, embodies the antithesis of these divine attributes. The negative portrayal of the churl underscores the importance of cultivating virtues such as generosity, kindness, and integrity, which are pleasing to God and beneficial to the community. In summary, the biblical concept of a churl is a cautionary illustration of the consequences of living a life marked by greed, harshness, and deceit. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, believers are encouraged to reject such behaviors and instead pursue a life that reflects the love and righteousness of God. Easton's Bible Dictionary In Isaiah 32:5 (R.V. marg., "crafty"), means a deceiver. In 1 Samuel 25:3, the word churlish denotes a man that is coarse and ill-natured, or, as the word literally means, "hard." The same Greek word as used by the LXX. here is found in Matthew 25:24, and there is rendered "hard." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A rustic; a countryman or laborer.2. (n.) A rough, surly, ill-bred man; a boor. 3. (n.) A selfish miser; an illiberal person; a miser. 4. (a.) Churlish; rough; selfish. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHURLchurl (kilay or kelay): The Hebrew word occurs only in Isaiah 32:5, 7, in the latter verse in a form slightly modified so as to produce a pleasing assonance with the word immediately following. The word probably means "crafty" or "miserly," both ideas being suitable to the context, though "miserly" accords with the setting in Isaiah somewhat better. Strong's Hebrew 3596. kilay -- a rascal... churl. Or kelay {kay-lah'-ee}; from kuwl in the sense of withholding; stingy -- churl. see HEBREW kuwl. 3595, 3596. kilay or kelay. 3597 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/3596.htm - 6k Library Daily Blessings for God's People The Starting Point. The Teaching of Contemplative Life in Praying, Meditating, Fasting ... Grace Abounding First Impressions Epiphanius Intervenes The Fan-Bearer's Quest Starting a Newspaper. An Experience of Mr. John Jones. The Son of the Murket Miscellaneous. Thesaurus Churl (6 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) Churlish; rough; selfish. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHURL. ... John Richard Sampey. Multi-Version Concordance Churl (6 Occurrences). ... /c/churl.htm - 9k Churlish (1 Occurrence) Churches (39 Occurrences) Deviseth (12 Occurrences) Meek (23 Occurrences) Bountiful (6 Occurrences) Stingy (2 Occurrences) Liberal (11 Occurrences) Vile (59 Occurrences) Becoming (75 Occurrences) Resources Churl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Churl (6 Occurrences)2 Samuel 3:33 Proverbs 17:7 Proverbs 17:21 Proverbs 30:22 Isaiah 32:5 Isaiah 32:7 Subtopics Related Terms |