Stab
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The act of stabbing, while not frequently mentioned explicitly in the Bible, is related to the broader themes of violence, murder, and betrayal, which are addressed throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings that reflect on the nature of violence and the moral implications of such actions.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the act of stabbing can be associated with murder and treachery. One of the earliest examples of violence is found in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:8). Although the method of murder is not specified as stabbing, the act of taking a life is condemned, setting a precedent for the sanctity of life.

The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, includes commandments that prohibit murder. Exodus 20:13 states, "You shall not murder," emphasizing the value God places on human life. The law further elaborates on the consequences of violent acts, including those that result in death, as seen in Numbers 35:16-21, which discusses the cities of refuge and the distinction between accidental and intentional killing.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of violence and betrayal is poignantly illustrated in the account of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. While the Gospels do not describe Jesus being stabbed during His arrest, they do recount the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, which led to His crucifixion. This act of betrayal is a form of spiritual "stabbing," as Judas' actions were a deep personal betrayal of trust and love.

The physical act of stabbing is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. John 19:34 records, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This piercing, while not a stabbing in the traditional sense, is a significant moment that fulfills Old Testament prophecy and symbolizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's death.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently teaches against violence and murder, advocating for peace and reconciliation. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount elevate the commandment against murder to include anger and hatred in one's heart (Matthew 5:21-22). This teaching underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, such as anger and malice, which can lead to acts like stabbing.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also emphasizes the call to live peaceably with others. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation reflects the Christian ethic of non-violence and the pursuit of harmony in relationships.

Symbolic and Spiritual Interpretations

In a symbolic sense, stabbing can represent betrayal and the breaking of trust. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a profound example of how spiritual "stabbing" can occur through deceit and disloyalty. Christians are called to be faithful and trustworthy, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

The Bible's teachings on violence, murder, and betrayal serve as a guide for believers to pursue righteousness, peace, and love in their lives, avoiding actions that harm others physically or spiritually.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.

2. (v. t.) Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.

3. (v. i.) To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.

4. (v. i.) To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.

5. (n.) The thrust of a pointed weapon.

6. (n.) A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab an assassin.

7. (n.) Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.

Greek
3572. nusso -- to pierce
... to pierce. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: nusso Phonetic Spelling:
(noos'-so) Short Definition: I prick, pierce, stab Definition: I prick, pierce. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3572.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
4094a. madqarah -- a piercing, stab, thrust
... 4094, 4094a. madqarah. 4094b . a piercing, stab, thrust. Transliteration:
madqarah Short Definition: thrusts. Word Origin from daqar ...
/hebrew/4094a.htm - 5k

4094. madqarah -- a piercing, stab, thrust
... 4093, 4094. madqarah. 4094a . a piercing, stab, thrust. Transliteration: madqarah
Phonetic Spelling: (mad-kaw-raw') Short Definition: piercing. piercing ...
/hebrew/4094.htm - 5k

2944. taan -- to pierce
... root Definition to pierce NASB Word Usage pierced (1). thrust through. A primitive
root; to stab -- thrust through. 2943, 2944. taan. 2945 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/2944.htm - 5k

6895. qabab -- to utter a curse against, curse
... curse. A primitive root; to scoop out, ie (figuratively) to malign or execrate
(ie Stab with words) -- X at all, curse. 6894, 6895. qabab. 6896 . ...
/hebrew/6895.htm - 6k

1857. Deqer -- Dekar
... Word Origin see Ben-deqer. Dekar From daqar; a stab; Deker, an Israelite -- Dekar.
see HEBREW daqar. 1856, 1857. Deqer. 1858 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1857.htm - 5k

1856. daqar -- to pierce, pierce through
... pierce, strike through, wound. A primitive root; to stab; by analogy, to starve;
figuratively, to revile -- pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound. ...
/hebrew/1856.htm - 6k

Library

The Third Word from the Cross
... Often perhaps had she wondered, in happy days, what this mysterious prediction might
mean. But now she knew, for the sword was smiting her, stab after stab. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvi the third word.htm

Taking it for Granted.
... "Of course. His own interest prompts him to do right here; but when an
opportunity to stab me in the dark offers, he embraces it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/taking it for granted.htm

The Betrayal
... This was a stab indeed! ... "This was the most unkindest cut of all; For when the noble
Caesar saw him stab,. Ingratitude, more strong than traitor's arms,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the betrayal.htm

Human Inability
... illustration. You see a mother with her babe in her arms. You put a knife into
her hand, and tell her to stab that babe to the heart. She ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human inability.htm

Charity and Rebuke.
... He did not go and mutter behind Peter's back and stab him in the dark". ...
but he will not be afraid to stab a man behind his back. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter iv charity and rebuke.htm

The Entrance to the Life of Full Obedience
... When the ambassadors have delivered their message, he calls one of his soldiers
to stab himself. At once he does it. A second is called; he too obeys at once. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the school of obedience/v the entrance to the.htm

Striking Similes
... A giant galleon overhead, looked like some misty monster of the deep. A glacial
pang of pain like the stab of a dagger of ice frozen from a poisoned well. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Why Christ must Depart
... The spell is broken. A terrible revulsion of feeling comes over Him"as if a stab
in the dark had struck into His heart. He cannot go on now. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/why christ must depart.htm

Degrees of Sin
... enhances men's sins. These sins make deep wounds in the soul; other sins
fetch blood; they are a stab at the heart. How many ways ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 2 degrees of sin.htm

Two Safe
... He was a loving boy. Could it have been easy to stab his mother's heart? When
the household woke that morning he was on his way to us. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxx two safe.htm

Thesaurus
Stab (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed
instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab...
/s/stab.htm - 7k

Wound (58 Occurrences)
... caused by violence; specifically, a breach of the skin and flesh of an animal, or
in the substance of any creature or living thing; a cut, stab, rent, or the ...
/w/wound.htm - 24k

Thrust (92 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To stab; to pierce; -- usually with through. 5. (vi) To make a push; to
attack with a pointed weapon; as, a fencer thrusts at his antagonist. ...
/t/thrust.htm - 35k

Stabbed (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Stab. Multi-Version Concordance
Stabbed (6 Occurrences). Numbers 35:20 If he thrust him ...
/s/stabbed.htm - 8k

Stick (47 Occurrences)
... It is usually a frame of metal, but for posters, handbills, etc., one made of wood
is used. 6. (n.) A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab. ...
/s/stick.htm - 23k

Job (60 Occurrences)
... matters.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A sudden thrust or stab; a jab.
2 ... job. 6. (vt) To strike or stab with a pointed instrument. 7 ...
/j/job.htm - 62k

Knife (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A sword or dagger. 3. (vt) To prune with the knife. 4. (vt) To cut or
stab with a knife. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KNIFE. ...
/k/knife.htm - 13k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) A stab of iron welded to the side of a forging, as a shaft, near the end,
and afterward drawn down, by hammering, so as to lengthen the forging. 10. ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Gore (9 Occurrences)
... fesse point. 6. (vt) To pierce or wound, as with a horn; to penetrate with
a pointed instrument, as a spear; to stab. 7. (vt) To ...
/g/gore.htm - 11k

Dagger (6 Occurrences)
... It is the second in order when more than one reference occurs on a page; --
called also obelisk. 3. (vt) To pierce with a dagger; to stab. ...
/d/dagger.htm - 8k

Resources
Stab: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Stab (1 Occurrence)

Zechariah 13:3
It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then his father and his mother who bore him will tell him,'You must die, because you speak lies in the name of Yahweh;' and his father and his mother who bore him will stab him when he prophesies.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Backstabber

Stab

Related Terms

Stability (6 Occurrences)

Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences)

Ishbosheth (13 Occurrences)

Assassins (2 Occurrences)

Stab (1 Occurrence)

Maccabaeus

Maccabees

Squirming
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