Topical Encyclopedia The term "pernicious" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible , but the concept is present throughout Scripture, often associated with destructive, harmful, or evil influences that lead individuals away from the truth and righteousness of God. In a biblical context, pernicious elements are those that subtly or overtly corrupt, deceive, or lead to spiritual ruin.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, pernicious influences are frequently depicted through the actions of individuals or nations that lead Israel away from the worship of Yahweh. The Israelites are repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, which are described as a snare and a trap (Exodus 23:33, Deuteronomy 7:16). These practices are pernicious in that they corrupt the purity of Israel's devotion to God and lead to moral and spiritual decay. The Book of Proverbs often addresses the pernicious nature of wickedness and folly. Proverbs 6:12-15 describes a "worthless person" as one who "plots evil with deceit in his heart" and whose actions lead to calamity. Such individuals embody the pernicious influence that can disrupt communities and lead others astray. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of perniciousness is closely tied to false teachings and heresies that threaten the early Christian community. The Apostle Peter warns against false prophets and teachers who "will secretly introduce destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1). These heresies are pernicious because they distort the truth of the Gospel and lead believers away from the path of salvation. The Apostle Paul also addresses the pernicious nature of false teachings in his letters. In Galatians 1:6-7, he expresses astonishment that the Galatians are "turning to a different gospel," which is a distortion of the true Gospel of Christ. Paul emphasizes the danger of such teachings, as they can lead to spiritual confusion and division within the church. Moral and Spiritual Implications Pernicious influences are not limited to external threats but can also arise from within the human heart. Jesus teaches that evil thoughts, murder, adultery, and other sins originate from within and defile a person (Mark 7:20-23). This internal corruption is pernicious because it separates individuals from God and leads to spiritual death. The Bible calls believers to be vigilant against pernicious influences by adhering to sound doctrine and living lives of holiness. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul urges believers to mature in their faith so they are no longer "tossed by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming" . This maturity in faith acts as a safeguard against pernicious doctrines and practices. Conclusion While the term "pernicious" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the concept is woven throughout Scripture as a warning against influences that corrupt, deceive, and lead to spiritual destruction. Believers are called to discernment and steadfastness in the truth to guard against such harmful influences. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Having the quality of injuring or killing; destructive; very mischievous; baleful; malicious; wicked.Greek 684. apoleia -- destruction, loss ... derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal) -- damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/684.htm - 7k 255. alusiteles -- unprofitable Library Whether There Can be Anything Pernicious in the Worship of the ... That Flattery is Pernicious. Let us Cleave to the Righteous: Your Strife is Pernicious. Let us Cleave to the Righteous: Your Strife is Pernicious. But When, Overcome, we Agree that There are These Things... Of Mortification of Fear and Scrupulosity, which is the Most ... One who was not his Friend Would Probably Say to Him: Either ... How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things ... Maintain Union with the Bishop. Of Lies are Many Sorts, which Indeed All... Thesaurus Pernicious (3 Occurrences)...Pernicious (3 Occurrences). ... (WEY). 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (KJV WBS) ... /p/pernicious.htm - 7k Noxious (1 Occurrence) Worst (8 Occurrences) Blast (28 Occurrences) Nero Nettle (2 Occurrences) Unwise (16 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) Wicked (476 Occurrences) Invasion (1 Occurrence) Resources What is spiritual manipulation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are all of our righteous acts considered filthy rags? | GotQuestions.org Pernicious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pernicious (3 Occurrences)1 Timothy 6:9 2 Peter 2:2 Job 30:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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