Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Severity, in a biblical context, refers to the strictness, sternness, or harshness of God's judgment or actions. It is often contrasted with God's kindness and mercy, highlighting the dual aspects of His nature. The concept of severity is integral to understanding the balance of justice and grace in the biblical narrative. Biblical References: 1. Romans 11:22 · "Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." This verse illustrates the dual nature of God's dealings with humanity. It serves as a warning to remain in God's favor by continuing in His kindness, while also acknowledging the consequences of falling away. 2. Hebrews 10:31 · "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." This passage underscores the seriousness and severity of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the reverence and awe due to God, who is both loving and just. 3. 2 Samuel 6:7 · "And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God." This incident reflects the severity of God's holiness and the importance of reverence in worship. Uzzah's death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disregarding God's commands. 4. Acts 5:1-11 · The account of Ananias and Sapphira demonstrates the severity of God's judgment in the early church. Their deceit regarding the sale of their property and the subsequent punishment highlight the seriousness with which God views sin and the importance of integrity among believers. Theological Implications: · Justice and Holiness: God's severity is a reflection of His justice and holiness. It serves to uphold the moral order and demonstrate the seriousness of sin. The severity of God ensures that His standards are maintained and that sin is not taken lightly. · Discipline and Correction: Severity can also be seen as a form of divine discipline. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." God's severity in discipline is an expression of His love, aimed at correcting and guiding His people back to righteousness. · Contrast with Mercy: The severity of God is often juxtaposed with His mercy, providing a fuller picture of His character. While God is severe in His judgment, He is also abundant in mercy, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who repent. Practical Application: Believers are called to recognize and respect the severity of God as part of their spiritual walk. This recognition should lead to a healthy fear of the Lord, encouraging obedience and reverence. It also serves as a motivation to remain in God's kindness, as highlighted in Romans 11:22, by living a life that reflects His holiness and righteousness. Understanding God's severity helps believers appreciate the depth of His mercy and the significance of His grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being severe.2. (n.) Gravity or austerity; extreme strictness; rigor; harshness; as, the severity of a reprimand or a reproof; severity of discipline or government; severity of penalties. 3. (n.) The quality or power of distressing or paining; extreme degree; extremity; intensity; inclemency; as, the severity of pain or anguish; the severity of cold or heat; the severity of the winter. 4. (n.) Harshness; cruel treatment; sharpness of punishment; as, severity practiced on prisoners of war. 5. (n.) Exactness; rigorousness; strictness; as, the severity of a test. Greek 663. apotomia -- sharpness, steepness ... steepness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apotomia Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ot-om-ee'-ah) Short Definition: harshness, severity Definition: (lit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/663.htm - 6k 857. apheidia -- unsparing treatment 664. apotomos -- abruptly, curtly Strong's Hebrew 6531. perek -- harshness, severity... 6530, 6531. perek. 6532 . harshness, severity. Transliteration: perek Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-rek) Short Definition: severity. ... /hebrew/6531.htm - 6k Library To the Severity of God There Belong Accessory Qualities ... The Severity of God Compatible with Reason and Justice when ... The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ... The Instructor Characterized by the Severity and Benignity of ... Every Severity, Therefore, and Apparent Cruelty, Either in Word or ... To those who Murmur at the Free Grace of Election and the Just ... Rule for Interpreting Phrases which Seem to Ascribe Severity to ... That Gentleness must be Added to Severity, as is Shown in the Case ... Of the Connection of the Wars which with Great Severity and ... On the Predestination of the Means to the End Thesaurus Severity (7 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Gravity or austerity; extreme strictness; rigor; harshness; as, the severity of a reprimand or a reproof; severity of discipline or government ... /s/severity.htm - 9k Rigor (8 Occurrences) Notice (44 Occurrences) Tyrannize (1 Occurrence) Respond (21 Occurrences) Provided (68 Occurrences) Bitter (203 Occurrences) Cease (138 Occurrences) Scourge (24 Occurrences) Sternness (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about Christian fathers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about human rights? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Numbers - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Severity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Severity (7 Occurrences)Matthew 24:51 Romans 11:22 2 Corinthians 13:10 Colossians 2:23 Leviticus 25:43 Leviticus 25:46 Leviticus 25:53 Subtopics Related Terms |