Topical Encyclopedia Outrage, in the biblical context, refers to acts of extreme anger, violence, or indignation that violate moral or divine law. It is often associated with actions that provoke intense emotional responses and are considered offensive or unjust. The Bible addresses the concept of outrage in various forms, highlighting both human reactions to perceived injustices and divine responses to human sinfulness.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, outrage is frequently depicted in narratives involving violence and injustice. One notable example is the outrage committed by the men of Gibeah against the Levite's concubine in Judges 19. This horrific act of violence led to a civil war within Israel, illustrating the severe consequences of unchecked outrage and immorality. The text states, "But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go" (Judges 19:25). The prophets also speak against acts of outrage, often in the context of social injustice and oppression. The prophet Amos condemns those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted" (Amos 2:7). Such actions are seen as an outrage against God's covenant and His call for justice and righteousness. New Testament References In the New Testament, outrage is addressed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself experienced outrage from the religious leaders of His time, who were indignant at His teachings and actions. In Luke 4:28-29, the people of Nazareth were filled with wrath at Jesus' words and attempted to throw Him off a cliff: "On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him off the cliff" . The apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of outrage in the context of Christian conduct. In Ephesians 4:31, he exhorts believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" . This instruction underscores the importance of self-control and forgiveness, contrasting the destructive nature of outrage with the peace and unity that should characterize the Christian community. Divine Outrage The Bible also describes instances of divine outrage, where God's righteous anger is kindled against sin and rebellion. This is evident in the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32, where God's wrath burns against the Israelites for their idolatry. Moses intercedes on behalf of the people, appealing to God's mercy and covenant promises. The text records, "So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people" (Exodus 32:14). Divine outrage is not capricious but is rooted in God's holiness and justice. It serves as a warning against sin and a call to repentance. The ultimate expression of divine outrage and mercy is found in the cross of Christ, where God's wrath against sin is satisfied through the sacrificial death of His Son, offering redemption and reconciliation to humanity. Moral and Ethical Implications The biblical treatment of outrage calls for a response that aligns with God's character and commands. Believers are encouraged to respond to personal and societal injustices with righteous indignation that leads to constructive action, rather than destructive anger. The call to "be angry, yet do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26) emphasizes the need for discernment and self-control in addressing issues that provoke outrage. In summary, the concept of outrage in the Bible encompasses both human and divine responses to sin and injustice. It serves as a reminder of the need for justice, mercy, and humility in the face of wrongdoing, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A grossly offensive or violent act.2. (n.) Injurious violence or wanton wrong done to persons or things; a gross violation of right or decency; excessive abuse; wanton mischief; gross injury. 3. (n.) Excess; luxury. 4. (n.) To commit outrage upon; to subject to outrage; to treat with violence or excessive abuse. 5. (n.) Specifically, to violate; to commit an indecent assault upon (a female). 6. (v. t.) To be guilty of an outrage; to act outrageously. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OUTRAGE; OUTRAGEOUSout'-raj, out-ra'-jus: The noun (from the French outre plus age, "that which goes beyond") only in the heading to Psalm 10 the King James Version; the adjective in Proverbs 27:4, the King James Version and the English Revised Version, for sheTeph, "flood." "Anger is overwhelming" (American Standard Revised Version), is much better. Greek 3075. lumainomai -- to outrage, to corrupt ... to outrage, to corrupt. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: lumainomai Phonetic Spelling: (loo-mah'-ee-nom-ahee) Short Definition: I ravage, harry, devastate ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3075.htm - 6k 5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult 1796. enubrizo -- to insult 5196. hubris -- wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence 1282. diaprio -- to saw asunder, cut to the heart Library The Jews Commit Another Outrage Upon the Christians and are ... Of Lucretia, who Put an End to Her Life Because of the Outrage ... On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 30, "I and the Father are One. ... Letter Xlvi. To a Fallen virgin. Man Would be More Unfavourably Situated than the Beasts if There ... The Agony Cont. The Church Spiritual. By what Judgment of God the Enemy was Permitted to Indulge his ... Acts iii. 12 The Demoniac Thesaurus Outrage (3 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) To commit outrage upon; to subject to outrage; to treat with violence or excessive abuse. ... 6. (vt) To be guilty of an outrage; to act outrageously. Int. ... /o/outrage.htm - 8k Gibeah (52 Occurrences) Violation (6 Occurrences) Violate (14 Occurrences) Violence (98 Occurrences) Opposition (22 Occurrences) Outpourings (1 Occurrence) Outraged (3 Occurrences) Outrageous (1 Occurrence) Trophimus (3 Occurrences) Resources What is rape culture? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sexism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.org Outrage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Outrage (3 Occurrences)1 Thessalonians 2:2 1 Timothy 1:13 Proverbs 30:9 Subtopics Related Terms |