Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "sufferer" refers to individuals who endure pain, hardship, or distress. The Bible addresses suffering extensively, offering both examples of sufferers and teachings on the nature and purpose of suffering. Old Testament Examples One of the most prominent sufferers in the Old Testament is Job. The Book of Job details his profound suffering, both physically and emotionally, as he loses his wealth, children, and health. Despite his friends' insistence that his suffering must be due to sin, Job maintains his innocence and seeks understanding from God. Job's account illustrates the complexity of suffering and the sovereignty of God. In Job 1:21 , Job declares, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." The Psalms also frequently address the theme of suffering. David, often considered the author of many psalms, expresses his anguish and seeks God's deliverance. Psalm 22, which begins with the cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), is a poignant example of a sufferer's plea for divine intervention. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a sufferer. His life and ministry were marked by suffering, culminating in His crucifixion. Isaiah 53:3 prophetically describes Him as "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Jesus' suffering was redemptive, serving as the means for humanity's salvation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39), demonstrating submission to God's will even in suffering. The Apostle Paul also experienced significant suffering, which he details in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 , Paul recounts his hardships, including beatings, shipwrecks, and persecution. Despite these trials, Paul views suffering as a means to participate in Christ's sufferings and to rely on God's strength. He writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Theological Insights The Bible provides several insights into the purpose and response to suffering. Suffering is often seen as a test of faith, a means of spiritual growth, and a way to develop perseverance and character. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Moreover, suffering is an opportunity for believers to comfort others with the comfort they have received from God. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." Eschatological Hope The Bible assures believers that suffering is temporary and will ultimately be eradicated. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eschatological hope provides comfort and encouragement to sufferers, reminding them of the future restoration and eternal joy in God's presence. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who suffers; one who endures or undergoes suffering; one who sustains inconvenience or loss; as, sufferers by poverty or sickness; men are sufferers by fire or by losses at sea.2. (n.) One who permits or allows. Strong's Hebrew 6001a. amel -- a laborer, sufferer... 6001, 6001a. amel. 6001b . a laborer, sufferer. Transliteration: amel Short Definition: suffers. Word Origin from amal Definition ... /hebrew/6001a.htm - 5k 6001. amel -- a laborer, sufferer Library The Shameful Sufferer LM *Gaskell. Christ the Sufferer. LM Bulfinch. Christ the Sufferer. Why Job was So Great a Sufferer. Eleous Pege, Uparchon 'Peragathe Jesus and the Blind Man. Whether the Pain of Christ's Passion was Greater than all Other ... Luke xxiii. 42, 43 On the Immeasurable Dignity of Temporal Suffering. The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ... Thesaurus Sufferer (1 Occurrence)... at sea. 2. (n.) One who permits or allows. Multi-Version Concordance Sufferer (1 Occurrence). John 5:7 "Sir," replied the sufferer... /s/sufferer.htm - 7k Crucifixion (4 Occurrences) Affliction (120 Occurrences) Lunatick (2 Occurrences) Tetter (1 Occurrence) Pilate (60 Occurrences) Pontius (4 Occurrences) Sufferers (1 Occurrence) Leg (24 Occurrences) Moved (316 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about PTSD? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian overcome social anxiety? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org Sufferer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sufferer (1 Occurrence)John 5:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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