Topical Encyclopedia The term "inflict" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of imposing something unpleasant or burdensome, such as punishment, suffering, or judgment, upon individuals or groups. This concept is frequently associated with God's righteous judgment and discipline, as well as the consequences of sin and disobedience.Divine Judgment and Discipline Throughout the Scriptures, God is depicted as a just and holy deity who inflicts punishment on those who transgress His laws. This is seen as a necessary aspect of His divine justice and holiness. In the Old Testament, the infliction of punishment is often portrayed in the context of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. For instance, in Leviticus 26:18, God warns the Israelites, "And if after all this you will not obey Me, I will proceed to punish you sevenfold for your sins." The infliction of divine judgment is not limited to the nation of Israel but extends to other nations as well. The prophets frequently speak of God's impending judgment on surrounding nations due to their wickedness and idolatry. For example, in Jeremiah 25:29, God declares, "For behold, I am beginning to inflict disaster on the city that bears My name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts." Consequences of Sin The Bible also presents the concept of infliction as a natural consequence of sin. Sin, by its very nature, brings about suffering and hardship. Proverbs 11:31 states, "If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!" This reflects the principle that sin leads to inevitable consequences, often described as God's infliction of punishment. Redemptive Purpose While the infliction of punishment is a theme in the Bible, it is important to note that it often serves a redemptive purpose. God's discipline is intended to lead individuals and nations to repentance and restoration. Hebrews 12:6 reminds believers, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This indicates that divine infliction is not merely punitive but is also an expression of God's love and desire for His people to return to Him. Infliction by Human Agents In some instances, God uses human agents to inflict judgment or discipline. This can be seen in the accounts of Israel's enemies being used as instruments of God's wrath. For example, in Isaiah 10:5-6, God refers to Assyria as "the rod of My anger" and sends them against a "godless nation" to inflict punishment. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of infliction is often associated with the final judgment and the consequences of rejecting the gospel. Jesus speaks of the eternal punishment that awaits those who do not believe in Him. In Matthew 25:46, He states, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." The apostle Paul also addresses the theme of infliction in the context of divine retribution. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6, he writes, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you." This reflects the belief that God will ultimately inflict justice upon those who persecute His people. In summary, the concept of infliction in the Bible encompasses divine judgment, the consequences of sin, and the redemptive purpose of God's discipline. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness, justice, and love, calling individuals to repentance and faithfulness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the penalty of death on a criminal.Greek 2018. epiphero -- to bring upon or against ... Transliteration: epiphero Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-fer'-o) Short Definition: I bring forward against Definition: I bring forward (against), impose, inflict. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2018.htm - 6k 2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss 5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat 2559. kakoo -- to ill-treat 2684. kataskopeo -- to view closely, spy out 1863. epago -- to bring upon 5135. traumatizo -- to wound 91. adikeo -- to do wrong, act wickedly 2190. echthros -- hostile 5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult Strong's Hebrew 5062. nagaph -- to strike, smite... A primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease) -- beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, X surely, put to ... /hebrew/5062.htm - 6k 5142. nezaq -- to suffer injury 5080. nadach -- to impel, thrust, banish 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 6064. anash -- to fine, mulct 6213a. asah -- do, make Library Fragment xxv. "To Inflict Vengeance from the Lord on Midian. ... Because of the Christians, My Opponents Say, the Gods Inflict Upon ... The Psalmist Bears Witness that Divine Justice Employs Certain ... Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience. I Will Address the Master in one of his Own Phrases. Why, after ... Unprofitable Servants. I Would Add, Moreover, that they Themselves... Fifth Proposition of Arminius Allegation 3 "The Predestination of the Stoics, and the Fatalism ... I Will not Teach You Profound Doctrines. Thesaurus Inflict (25 Occurrences)... cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to ... /i/inflict.htm - 14k Revenge (13 Occurrences) Mercy (467 Occurrences) Inflicted (20 Occurrences) Lice (4 Occurrences) Goal (7 Occurrences) Wrongdoer (16 Occurrences) Wreak (1 Occurrence) Impose (12 Occurrences) Inflated (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.orgThe stoning of Stephen - Why were the Jews allowed to stone Stephen but had to go through Pilate to kill Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Who or what is Abaddon/Apollyon? | GotQuestions.org Inflict: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Inflict (25 Occurrences)John 15:21 Romans 3:5 1 Corinthians 6:8 1 Corinthians 9:26 Revelation 9:19 Deuteronomy 7:15 Deuteronomy 28:53 Deuteronomy 28:55 Deuteronomy 28:57 Deuteronomy 30:7 Judges 20:31 Judges 20:39 Jeremiah 18:8 Jeremiah 36:3 Ezekiel 5:8 Ezekiel 5:10 Ezekiel 5:15 Ezekiel 6:10 Ezekiel 11:9 Ezekiel 16:41 Ezekiel 17:19 Ezekiel 28:22 Ezekiel 28:26 Ezekiel 30:14 Ezekiel 39:21 Subtopics Related Terms Self-inflicted (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) |