In the Bible, the act of kicking is often used metaphorically to describe rebellion, resistance, or opposition against authority, particularly divine authority. The imagery of kicking is employed to illustrate the futility and self-destructive nature of resisting God's will.

One of the most notable references to kicking is found in the New Testament, in the account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In Acts 26:14 , Jesus speaks to Saul, saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." This phrase, "kick against the goads," is a metaphor derived from agriculture, where a goad is a pointed stick used to drive oxen. When an ox kicks against the goad, it only causes itself more pain. In this context, Jesus is highlighting the futility of Saul's persecution of Christians, as it is ultimately an act of resistance against God's divine plan.

The Old Testament also contains imagery related to kicking, often in the context of rebellion against God. In Deuteronomy 32:15 , the song of Moses describes Israel's rebellion: "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, thick, and sleek. Then he abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation." Here, "kicking" symbolizes Israel's ingratitude and defiance after experiencing prosperity and blessing from God. The nation, personified as Jeshurun, becomes self-sufficient and turns away from the Lord, demonstrating the dangers of pride and self-reliance.

The act of kicking, therefore, serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture, illustrating the consequences of resisting divine authority. It underscores the principle that rebellion against God leads to self-inflicted harm and spiritual downfall. The biblical narrative consistently warns against the folly of such resistance, urging believers to submit to God's will and embrace His guidance.

In a broader theological context, the metaphor of kicking against the goads can be applied to the human condition, where individuals often resist God's call or guidance in their lives. This resistance can manifest in various forms, such as disobedience, pride, or a refusal to accept divine truth. The Bible encourages believers to recognize the futility of such actions and to seek alignment with God's purposes, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Kick.1247. diakoneo -- to serve, minister
... serve (generally). Cognate: 1247 (from 1249 ) -- serve -- literally,
"kicking up dust" because "on the move." See 1249 (). 1247 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1247.htm - 9k

4952. susparasso -- to convulse completely
... 4952 (from 4862 , "together " and 4682 , "convulse") -- properly, "convulse "
(J. Thayer), ie with kicking, screaming, etc. Jesus ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4952.htm - 7k

His Conversion
... CHAPTER III HIS CONVERSION. Paragraphs 37-50. 37, 38. Severity of the Persecution.
39-42. Kicking against the Goad. 43, 44. The Vision of Christ. 45-48. ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iii his conversion.htm

Slum Novelists and the Slums
... There is nothing, for instance, particularly undemocratic about kicking your
butler downstairs. It may be wrong, but it is not unfraternal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xix slum novelists and the.htm

Jacob and Esau
... What is the use of kicking against facts? It is only kicking against the
pricks with naked feet, and you hurt yourself and not them. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm

The Maniac
... human acts may loosely be called causeless, they are the minor acts of a healthy
man; whistling as he walks; slashing the grass with a stick; kicking his heels ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/ii the maniac.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... I am afraid I know some kicking saints as well as kicking sinners; and I am more
afraid of these kicking professors than of the outwardly wicked. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

Addition to Acts of Philip.
... And when the tyrant heard these words, he seized her by the hair of the head, and
dragged her along, kicking her, and saying: It would be better for thee to be ...
/.../unknown/the acts of philip/addition to acts of philip.htm

Mysterious visits.
... and in the brokenness of my heart I cried, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
I felt that I had been rebelling against the Lord, kicking against the pricks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/mysterious visits.htm

On the Unutterable Heart-Rending Grief of the Pure Queen of Heaven ...
... foot of the cross, I had endured many a great unspeakable anguish of heart, especially
at the spot where I first caught sight of the beating, kicking, and ill ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xvii on the unutterable.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... to kick against the pricks" (Acts 26:14), where Saul's conduct in persecuting Christ's
disciples is represented under the form of an ox kicking against the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Of the Hidden and Holy People of the Almighty Christ, the Living ...
... of the holy prophets would rise together upon the people who should impose a check
upon them whom the obscene horses have slaughtered with kicking heel; nor ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xlii of the hidden and holy.htm

Kicking (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Kick. Multi-Version Concordance
Kicking (4 Occurrences). Isaiah 30:12 Therefore, thus ...
/k/kicking.htm - 7k

Kid (42 Occurrences)

/k/kid.htm - 20k

Kicketh (6 Occurrences)

/k/kicketh.htm - 8k

Goal (7 Occurrences)
... or bound used in various games; in football, a line between two posts across which
the ball must pass in order to score; also, the act of kicking the ball over ...
/g/goal.htm - 8k

Relied (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:12 Therefore, thus said the Holy One of Israel, Because of your kicking
against this word, And ye trust in oppression, And perverseness, and rely on ...
/r/relied.htm - 9k

Boot (1 Occurrence)
... 12. (vt) To put boots on, esp. for riding. 13. (vt) To punish by kicking with a
booted foot. 14. (vi) To boot one's self; to put on one's boots. 15. ...
/b/boot.htm - 8k

Ball (2 Occurrences)
... of snow. 2. (n.) A spherical body of any substance or size used to play
with, as by throwing, knocking, kicking, etc. 3. (n.) A ...
/b/ball.htm - 9k

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Kicking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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