The term "gazingstock" is used in the Bible to describe someone or something that becomes an object of public spectacle, often involving ridicule, scorn, or intense scrutiny. This concept is rooted in the idea of being put on display for others to observe, usually in a negative or humiliating context.

Biblical References:

1. Hebrews 10:33 : "Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated." In this passage, the term "gazingstock" is implied in the context of early Christians who faced public humiliation and persecution for their faith. The believers were made a spectacle, enduring both verbal and physical abuse, as they stood firm in their commitment to Christ.

2. Acts 19:29 : While the term "gazingstock" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is evident in the account of the uproar in Ephesus. "Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia." Here, the public display and the chaotic scene reflect the idea of being made a spectacle, as the crowd gathered to witness the commotion involving Paul's companions.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, public spectacles were common, often used as a means of punishment or humiliation. The Roman Empire, in particular, was known for its public displays, such as gladiatorial games and executions, which served both as entertainment and as a deterrent to crime. For early Christians, being made a gazingstock was a real and present danger, as their faith often put them at odds with societal norms and pagan practices.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, being made a gazingstock is seen as a form of suffering for righteousness' sake. It is a testament to the believer's identification with Christ, who Himself was subjected to public humiliation and scorn. The willingness to endure such treatment is viewed as a mark of true discipleship and faithfulness to the Gospel.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of being a gazingstock serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship. It challenges Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with ridicule or persecution. It also encourages solidarity with those who suffer for their beliefs, urging the Christian community to support and uphold one another in times of trial.

In summary, the notion of a gazingstock in the Bible highlights the trials faced by believers who are publicly ridiculed for their faith. It underscores the call to endure suffering with grace and to stand firm in the face of opposition, following the example of Christ and the early church.(n.) A person or thing gazed at with scorn or abhorrence; an object of curiosity or contempt.GAZING-STOCK

gaz'-ing-stok: This obsolete word occurs twice:

(1) in Nahum 3:6, as the translation of ro'i, "a sight" or "spectacle" (from ra'ah, "to look," "see," also "to look down upon," "despise,"); "I will. make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing-stock," as one set up to be gazed at, mocked and despised-a form of punishment in olden times; compare "mocking stock" (2 Maccabees 7:7), and "laughing-stock" still in use. The Hebrew word occurs only here and in Genesis 16:13 1 Samuel 16:12; Job 7:8; Job 33:21, in which places it does not have the same bad meaning; for a similar threatening compare Isaiah 14:16 Jeremiah 51:37.

(2) In Hebrews 10:33, it is the translation of theatrizo, "to bring upon the theater," "to be made a spectacle of," "made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions"; compare 1 Corinthians 4:9, theatron ginomai, where Paul says the apostles were "made a spectacle unto the world," the King James Version margin "(Greek) theater." The reference in both instances is to the custom of exhibiting criminals, and especially gladiators, men doomed to death, in theaters. "In the morning men are exposed to lions and bears; at mid-day to their spectators; those that kill are exposed to one another; the victor is detained for another slaughter; the conclusion of the fight is death" (Seneca, Ep. vii, quoted by Dr. A. Clarke on 1 Corinthians 4:9). We are apt to forget what the first preachers and professors of Christianity had to endure.

W. L. Walker

7210. roi -- looking, seeing, sight
... gazingstock, look to, that seeth. From ra'ah; sight, whether abstractly (vision)
or concretely (a spectacle) -- gazingstock, look to, (that) see(-th). ...
/hebrew/7210.htm - 6k

Nahum's Doom of Nineveh
... kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make
thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock. And it shall ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/xi nahums doom of nineveh.htm

Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)
...Gazingstock (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV ASV). Nahum 3:6 And I will cast abominable filth
upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock. (KJV RSV). ...
/g/gazingstock.htm - 9k

Gazing (11 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Nahum 3:6 And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile,
and will set thee as a gazingstock. (Root in KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/g/gazing.htm - 9k

Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)
Gazing-stock. Gazingstock, Gazing-stock. Gazite . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV WBS). Gazingstock, Gazing-stock. Gazite . Reference Bible.
/g/gazing-stock.htm - 9k

Whilst (21 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ...
/w/whilst.htm - 12k

Afflictions (24 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ...
/a/afflictions.htm - 14k

Spectacle (6 Occurrences)
... something presented to view as extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of special
notice; a remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show; a pageant; a gazingstock. ...
/s/spectacle.htm - 9k

Companions (58 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ...
/c/companions.htm - 23k

Stock (16 Occurrences)
... (Root in KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Nahum 3:6 And I will cast abominable filth upon
thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock. ...
/s/stock.htm - 16k

Affliction (120 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ...
/a/affliction.htm - 53k

Gazingstock: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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