In the Bible, the term "throat" is often used metaphorically to describe the inner being or the moral and spiritual state of a person. It is sometimes associated with speech, desire, and the expression of one's innermost thoughts and intentions. The throat, as a part of the body, is also linked to the consumption of food and drink, symbolizing appetite and desire.

Metaphorical Use:

1. Speech and Deceit:
The throat is frequently mentioned in the context of speech, particularly deceitful or harmful speech. In Psalm 5:9, the psalmist describes the wicked, saying, "For there is no truth in their mouths; their inmost being is destruction; their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they flatter." Here, the throat is likened to an "open grave," symbolizing the destructive nature of deceitful words.

2. Desire and Appetite:
The throat is also associated with desire and appetite. In Proverbs 23:2, the wise are advised, "and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite." This vivid imagery serves as a warning against gluttony and excessive indulgence, urging self-control and moderation.

3. Spiritual Condition:
The throat can symbolize the spiritual condition of a person. In Romans 3:13, Paul quotes the Psalms to describe the sinful nature of humanity: "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." This passage highlights the inherent sinfulness and moral corruption that can reside within a person, manifesting through their words and actions.

Physical and Literal Use:

1. Consumption and Sustenance:
The throat is naturally involved in the act of eating and drinking, which is essential for physical sustenance. While the Bible does not frequently focus on the anatomical function of the throat, it is implicit in discussions of food and drink, such as in the context of feasting or fasting.

2. Sacrificial Practices:
In the Old Testament, the throat is indirectly referenced in the context of sacrificial practices. The priests were instructed in the proper methods of slaughtering animals for sacrifice, which involved cutting the throat to drain the blood, as seen in Leviticus 1:5, "Then he shall slaughter the bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

Symbolic Implications:

The throat, as a symbol, serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of controlling one's desires. It underscores the biblical teaching that what comes out of a person, in terms of speech and actions, reflects the condition of the heart. As Jesus taught in Matthew 15:18, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man."

In summary, the biblical references to the throat emphasize the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life, highlighting the need for integrity, self-control, and purity in both speech and desire.

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... half filled with water, to behold a dozen lovely nymphs, almost immersed in the
crystal sea, combing their golden locks, while from their throats came forth ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

I Might Well Reply as I have done Even if it were a Question of a ...
... or are drinking water to cool their thirst, and wake up with their throats parched
and burning! You exact from me the fulfilment of a promise given in a dream. ...
/.../31 i might well reply.htm

Jesus and Pilate
... Encouraged by the hesitation of Pilate, they 'cried out all together.' One hears
the strident yells from a thousand throats shrieking out the self-revealing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/jesus and pilate.htm

Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556
... Writing after the death of Mary of Guise, Knox avers that she only waited her chance
"to cut the throats of all those in whom she suspected the knowledge of ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter vii knox in scotland .htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... lay still for the interval of two days, to tempt them to be secure; but on the third
night they watched their opportunity, and cut all their throats, some as ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ...
... for they [all], vile wretches as they were, cut the throats of the high priests,
that so no part of a religious regard to God might be preserved; they thence ...
/.../chapter 8 concerning masada and.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... Elul, the King of Babylon had to present a gazelle without blemish to Sin; he then
made an offering of his own choosing to Shamash, and cut the throats of his ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

"Pray Without Ceasing"
... that of Zion. It was never the design of the Lord Jesus that our throats,
lungs, and tongues should be for ever at work. Since we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/pray without ceasing.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... For offences which to-day are treated with great leniency, slave women were
then punished by having melted lead poured down their throats. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

But if any have Endured Much violence and the Strong Pressure of ...
... were thrown upon the ground, and hooks or pieces of iron put into their mouths to
keep them open, and then the tyrants poured wine down their throats, or threw ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xiv but if any.htm

Throats (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Throats (5 Occurrences). Romans 3:13 "Their throats
resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have ...
/t/throats.htm - 7k

Cut-throats (1 Occurrence)
Cut-throats. Cutteth, Cut-throats. Cutting . Multi-Version Concordance
Cut-throats (1 Occurrence). Acts 21:38 "Are you ...
/c/cut-throats.htm - 6k

Throat (13 Occurrences)

/t/throat.htm - 11k

Cutteth (37 Occurrences)

/c/cutteth.htm - 18k

Venom (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throats resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips ...
/v/venom.htm - 8k

Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... or "bonds" (moceroth in Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 5:5; Jeremiah 27:2; Jeremiah
30:8; 'aghuddoth in Isaiah 58:6, "bands"), fastened under the animals' throats. ...
/y/yoke.htm - 40k

Lies (208 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throats resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips ...
/l/lies.htm - 35k

Graves (37 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throats resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips ...
/g/graves.htm - 19k

Throb (1 Occurrence)

/t/throb.htm - 7k

Resemble (15 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throats resemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips ...
/r/resemble.htm - 11k

Why do Christians try to impose their values on others? | GotQuestions.org

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