Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "outcast" refers to individuals or groups who are marginalized, rejected, or excluded from the community or society. The concept of being an outcast is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting God's compassion and redemptive plan for those who are marginalized.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "outcast" is "נִדָּח" (nidach), which conveys the idea of being driven away or banished. The plight of the outcast is frequently addressed in the prophetic literature, where God promises restoration and inclusion for those who have been cast out. For instance, in Isaiah 56:8, the Lord declares, "The Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel, declares, 'I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.'" This passage reflects God's intention to bring back the outcasts of Israel and integrate them into His covenant community. The Mosaic Law also contains provisions for the care of the marginalized, including the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners, who were often considered outcasts in ancient Israelite society. Leviticus 19:34 instructs, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by His outreach to the outcasts of society, including tax collectors, sinners, lepers, and Samaritans. His actions and teachings consistently demonstrate God's love and acceptance of those whom society has rejected. In Luke 19:10, Jesus states, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This mission underscores His commitment to restoring those who are spiritually and socially marginalized. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7 further illustrates this theme. Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, symbolizing God's relentless pursuit of the outcast. The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents highlights the value and worth of every individual, regardless of their status in society. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of the outcast is significant in understanding God's character and His kingdom. God's concern for the outcast reflects His justice, mercy, and grace. The inclusion of outcasts into the community of faith serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which breaks down barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this unity in Christ in Galatians 3:28, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, which transcends social, ethnic, and gender divisions, offering a place for all, including the outcast, in the body of Christ. Practical Implications For believers, the biblical teaching on outcasts calls for a compassionate response to those who are marginalized in society. Christians are encouraged to follow Christ's example by reaching out to the outcasts, advocating for justice, and demonstrating love and acceptance. James 1:27 reminds believers of the importance of caring for those in need: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." In summary, the biblical narrative consistently portrays God's heart for the outcast, offering hope and restoration through His redemptive work. The call to embrace and uplift the marginalized remains a central tenet of the Christian faith, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who is cast out or expelled; an exile; one driven from home, society, or country; hence, often, a degraded person; a vagabond.2. (n.) A quarrel; a contention. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OUTCASTout'-kast: Represents some form of dachah, or nadhach, both meaning "thrust out." In Jeremiah 30:17 "outcast" means "thrust out of society," "degraded person"; elsewhere it means "exile" (Psalm 147:2 Isaiah 16:3 Jeremiah 49:36). Greek 3014. lepra -- leprosy ... To contract this ailment meant the leper was reduced to a social outcast -- barred from all the activities at the Temple. See 3015 (). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3014.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1760. dachah -- to push, thrust... chase, drive away on, overthrow, outcast, sore, thrust, totter. Or dachach {Jer. 23:12) {daw-khakh'}; a primitive root; to push down ... /hebrew/1760.htm - 6k 5080. nadach -- to impel, thrust, banish 4788. marud -- restlessness, straying 6849. tsephiah -- perhaps offshoot Library The Outcast David the Outcast. Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. Growing Faith. The Murderous Rejection. Christ's Touch Melted by Kindness Jesus and the Blind Man. Thou Spreadest Before Me a Table in the Presence of Mine Enemies. The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion Thesaurus Outcast (6 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A quarrel; a contention. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OUTCAST. out ... Multi-Version Concordance Outcast (6 Occurrences). Deuteronomy ... /o/outcast.htm - 9k Devices (43 Occurrences) Devised (35 Occurrences) Outbursts (5 Occurrences) Outcasts (13 Occurrences) Accept (106 Occurrences) Running (135 Occurrences) Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences) Luke (4 Occurrences) Ishmaelite (3 Occurrences) Resources What is a pariah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org Why do the four Gospels seem to present a different message of salvation than the rest of the New Testament? | GotQuestions.org Outcast: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Outcast (6 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 30:4 2 Samuel 14:13 2 Samuel 14:14 Nehemiah 1:9 Jeremiah 30:17 Zephaniah 3:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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