Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "oppress" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of subjecting someone to harsh and authoritarian treatment, often involving the abuse of power or authority. It encompasses actions that cause suffering, injustice, or exploitation, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized groups in society. Old Testament References: The concept of oppression is frequently addressed in the Old Testament, where God expresses His concern for justice and His opposition to the oppression of the weak. In Exodus 3:9, God acknowledges the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt: "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them." This highlights God's awareness and response to the suffering of His people. The Law given to Israel includes specific commands against oppression. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This command underscores the importance of fair treatment and justice in economic dealings. The prophets also speak out against oppression. Isaiah 1:17 calls for justice: "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of God's people to actively oppose oppression and advocate for the vulnerable. New Testament References: In the New Testament, the theme of oppression is addressed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus' mission is described in Luke 4:18, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." Jesus' ministry is characterized by bringing relief and liberation to those who are oppressed. The apostle James warns against the oppression of the poor by the rich in James 2:6: "But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" This passage highlights the social injustices present in the early Christian communities and calls for equitable treatment of all individuals. Theological Implications: The biblical stance against oppression is rooted in the character of God, who is just and compassionate. God's concern for the oppressed is a recurring theme, and His people are called to reflect His character by acting justly and showing mercy. The Bible consistently advocates for the protection and fair treatment of the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to stand against oppression in all its forms, whether it be social, economic, or political. This involves advocating for justice, supporting those who are marginalized, and working towards systems that promote equity and fairness. Christians are called to be agents of change, reflecting God's love and justice in their communities and the world at large. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To impose excessive burdens upon; to overload; hence, to treat with unjust rigor or with cruelty.2. (v. t.) To ravish; to violate. 3. (v. t.) To put down; to crush out; to suppress. 4. (v. t.) To produce a sensation of weight in (some part of the body); as, my lungs are oppressed by the damp air; excess of food oppresses the stomach. Greek 2669. kataponeo -- to wear down ... kataponeo Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ap-on-eh'-o) Short Definition: I ill-treat Definition: I exhaust by labor or suffering, wear out, overpower, oppress. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2669.htm - 6k 2616. katadunasteuo -- to exercise power over 2616a. katadunasteuo -- to exercise power over 4781. sugkampto -- to bend together 2599. katabareo -- to weigh down 2702. kataphero -- to bring down 5467. chalepos -- hard (to do or bear) 2352. thrauo -- to break in pieces Strong's Hebrew 6231. ashaq -- to oppress, wrong, extort... 6230, 6231. ashaq. 6232 . to oppress, wrong, extort. Transliteration: ashaq Phonetic Spelling: (aw-shak') Short Definition: oppress. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/6231.htm - 6k 3238. yanah -- to oppress, maltreat, perhaps suppress 3905. lachats -- to squeeze, press, oppress 5065. nagas -- to press, drive, oppress, exact 1766. dachaq -- to thrust, crowd, oppress 598. anas -- to oppress 6693. tsuq -- to constrain, bring into straits, press upon 6206. arats -- to cause to tremble, tremble 7703. shadad -- to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin 7533. ratsats -- to crush Library James ii. 6, 7 Of the Men who Practise a False Vacancy Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ... Passion Week at the Foot of the Cross. Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... Abraham The Reign of Saul. Zacchaeus On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ... The Loftiness of Humility Thesaurus Oppress (57 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Oppress (57 Occurrences). ... And he said to them, Oppress no one, nor accuse falsely, and be satisfied with your pay. (DBY). ... /o/oppress.htm - 24k Sojourners (37 Occurrences) Hireling (17 Occurrences) Rob (27 Occurrences) Orphan (25 Occurrences) Strangers (95 Occurrences) Aliens (53 Occurrences) Fatherless (44 Occurrences) Grind (12 Occurrences) Reproveth (10 Occurrences) Resources How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is liberation theology? | GotQuestions.org Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.org Oppress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Oppress (57 Occurrences)Luke 3:14 Acts 12:1 James 2:6 Exodus 1:11 Exodus 3:9 Exodus 22:21 Exodus 23:9 Leviticus 19:13 Leviticus 19:33 Leviticus 25:14 Leviticus 25:17 Deuteronomy 23:16 Deuteronomy 24:14 Deuteronomy 28:53 Deuteronomy 28:55 Deuteronomy 28:57 Judges 10:8 Judges 10:12 2 Samuel 7:10 1 Chronicles 16:21 1 Chronicles 17:9 Job 10:3 Job 20:10 Job 37:23 Psalms 10:18 Psalms 17:9 Psalms 56:1 Psalms 74:8 Psalms 89:22 Psalms 94:5 Psalms 105:14 Psalms 106:42 Psalms 119:122 Psalms 143:12 Proverbs 22:16 Proverbs 22:22 Isaiah 3:5 Isaiah 3:12 Isaiah 49:26 Isaiah 58:3 Jeremiah 7:6 Jeremiah 22:3 Jeremiah 30:20 Ezekiel 18:7 Ezekiel 18:16 Ezekiel 22:29 Ezekiel 45:8 Ezekiel 46:18 Daniel 7:25 Hosea 12:7 Amos 4:1 Amos 5:12 Amos 6:14 Micah 2:2 Zechariah 7:10 Zechariah 11:6 Malachi 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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