Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "hits" can be understood in various ways, often relating to physical strikes, impacts, or metaphorical blows. The concept of hitting or striking is present in numerous biblical narratives, laws, and teachings, reflecting both literal and figurative meanings.Old Testament References 1. Physical Strikes: The Old Testament contains several instances where physical hitting or striking is mentioned. For example, in Exodus 21:18-19, the law addresses the consequences of a physical altercation: "If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff; however, he must pay the injured man for his loss of time and see that he is completely healed." 2. Divine Strikes: The concept of God striking individuals or nations as a form of judgment is also prevalent. In Exodus 12:29, during the final plague in Egypt, it is written, "Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock." 3. Metaphorical Blows: The prophets often used the imagery of being struck or hit to describe the spiritual condition of Israel. Isaiah 1:5-6 uses this metaphor: "Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? The whole head is injured, and the whole heart is sick. From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." New Testament References 1. Jesus and Non-Retaliation: In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about responding to physical violence with non-retaliation. In Matthew 5:39, He instructs, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This teaching emphasizes the Christian ethic of forgiveness and love over vengeance. 2. Paul's Sufferings: The Apostle Paul recounts his experiences of being physically struck for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-25, he writes, "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." 3. Spiritual Warfare: The New Testament also speaks of spiritual hits or attacks from the enemy. Ephesians 6:16 advises believers to take up "the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This passage highlights the spiritual nature of the battles Christians face and the protection offered through faith. Moral and Ethical Implications The Bible's references to hitting and striking often carry moral and ethical implications. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines to ensure justice and restitution in cases of physical harm. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles further develop these principles, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and spiritual resilience over physical retaliation. The biblical narrative consistently points to a higher standard of conduct, encouraging believers to respond to physical and spiritual hits with faith and integrity. Greek 5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat ... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to strike, smite, beat NASB Word Usage beat (3), beating (5), hits (1), strike (2), struck (1), wounding (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5180.htm - 7k 1194. dero -- to skin, to thrash Library Sacrifice Hits Advertisements Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. ) The Mildness of the Yellow Press Successful Methods of Public Speaking The World's Great Sermons, Volume I Earnest Expostulation [Transcriber's Notes] Original "Misspellings" Such as "Fulness" ... The Motive that Led Men to Adopt Darwinism. By Grenville Kleiser Thesaurus Hits (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Hits (6 Occurrences). Luke 6:29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him ... /h/hits.htm - 8k Shuthelahites (1 Occurrence) Shuthelah (4 Occurrences) Shuthalhites Zerahites (5 Occurrences) Zarhites (4 Occurrences) Korhites (4 Occurrences) Target (14 Occurrences) Puhites (1 Occurrence) Hitting (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Naomi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is Sunday sickness a real thing? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hits (6 Occurrences)Luke 6:29 2 Corinthians 11:20 Exodus 21:18 Exodus 21:26 Numbers 35:18 Numbers 35:21 Subtopics Related Terms |