Topical Bible: Trauma

Jump to: Topical • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Understanding:
Trauma, in a biblical context, refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that impacts an individual's mental, emotional, or spiritual well-being. It can result from various events, such as violence, loss, or natural disasters, and often leaves lasting effects on a person's life. The Bible, while not using the modern term "trauma," addresses the human experience of suffering and distress through numerous narratives and teachings.

Biblical Instances of Trauma:

1. Job's Suffering:
The Book of Job provides a profound exploration of trauma through the life of Job, a man who experiences immense loss and suffering. Job loses his wealth, children, and health, leading him to a state of deep anguish. Despite his friends' attempts to explain his suffering, Job's account highlights the complexity of trauma and the struggle to find meaning in pain. Job 3:25-26 reflects his distress: "For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me. I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come."

2. David's Lament:
King David, a central figure in the Bible, often expressed his emotional turmoil and trauma through the Psalms. In Psalm 22:1-2 , David cries out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest." This psalm captures the depth of David's despair and his search for God's presence amid suffering.

3. The Trauma of Exile:
The Babylonian exile was a traumatic event for the Israelites, as they were forcibly removed from their homeland and faced the destruction of Jerusalem. The Book of Lamentations vividly describes the sorrow and trauma experienced by the people. Lamentations 1:1-2 states, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow. The princess among the provinces has become a slave. She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks."

Responses to Trauma:

1. Seeking God in Distress:
The Bible encourages individuals to turn to God in times of trauma. Psalm 34:17-18 offers comfort: "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This passage reassures believers of God's presence and deliverance in times of distress.

2. Community and Support:
The early Christian community exemplified the importance of support and encouragement during difficult times. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This teaching emphasizes the role of community in helping individuals cope with trauma.

3. Hope and Restoration:
The Bible offers hope for healing and restoration after trauma. Revelation 21:4 promises a future without pain: "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 vision of a restored creation provides comfort and hope for those who have experienced trauma.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "trauma," it addresses the reality of human suffering and offers guidance for those seeking healing and restoration. Through accounts of individuals like Job and David, and teachings on community and hope, Scripture provides a framework for understanding and responding to trauma in a way that aligns with faith in God's presence and promises.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 11:20
For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
Topicalbible.org

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

5134. trauma -- a wound
... trauma. 5135 . a wound. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: trauma Phonetic
Spelling: (trow'-mah) Short Definition: a wound Definition: a wound. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5134.htm - 6k

5135. traumatizo -- to wound
... Word Origin from trauma Definition to wound NASB Word Usage wounded (2). wound.
From trauma; to inflict a wound -- wound. see GREEK trauma. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5135.htm - 6k

5147. tribos -- a beaten track, a path
... path. From tribo (to "rub"; akin to teiro, truo, and the base of tragos, trauma);
a rut or worn track -- path. ... see GREEK trauma. (tribous) -- 3 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5147.htm - 7k

5176. trogo -- to gnaw, munch, crunch
... Probably strengthened from a collateral form of the base of trauma and tribos through
the idea of corrosion or wear; or perhaps rather of a base of trugon and ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5176.htm - 6k

5168. trumalia -- a hole, eye (of a needle)
... eye. From a derivative of truo (to wear away; akin to the base of trauma, tribos
and trogo); an orifice, ie Needle's eye -- eye. ... see GREEK trauma. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5168.htm - 6k

Library

Pros Polukarpon Ignatios
... II. 1. Kalous mathetas ean philes, charis soi ouk estin; mallon tous loimoterous
en praoteti hupotasse. ou pan trauma te aute emplastro therapeuetai. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lake/the apostolic fathers/pros polukarpon ignatios.htm