In the context of the Bible, the term "abused" can refer to various forms of mistreatment, oppression, or exploitation of individuals. The Scriptures address the issue of abuse in different contexts, emphasizing God's concern for justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Old Testament References

1. Oppression and Exploitation: The Old Testament frequently addresses the abuse of power and the exploitation of the weak. In Exodus 22:21-22 , God commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan." This passage highlights God's concern for those who are often marginalized and vulnerable to abuse.

2. Prophetic Condemnation: The prophets often spoke out against the abuse and mistreatment of the poor and needy. In Isaiah 10:1-2 , the prophet declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."

3. Abuse of Servants: The Law also provided guidelines to prevent the abuse of servants. In Deuteronomy 24:14-15 , it is written, "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in your land or in your gates. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them; otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin."

New Testament References

1. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus emphasized love, compassion, and the fair treatment of others. In Matthew 7:12 , He taught, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." This principle underscores the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, countering any form of abuse.

2. Paul's Instructions: The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of abuse in relationships, particularly within the household. In Ephesians 6:4 , he instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This admonition reflects a concern for the well-being of children and a warning against abusive parenting.

3. Condemnation of Exploitative Practices: In 1 Thessalonians 4:6 , Paul warns against exploiting others, stating, "In this matter, no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you." This passage highlights the seriousness of exploiting or abusing others.

General Principles

The Bible consistently upholds the dignity and worth of every individual, condemning any form of abuse or mistreatment. It calls for justice, mercy, and the protection of those who are vulnerable. Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character by advocating for the oppressed and standing against all forms of abuse.(imp. & p. p.) of Abuse.5953a. alal -- to act severely
... root Definition to act severely NASB Word Usage abuse (2), abused (1), bring pain
(1), deal (1), dealt (2), made a mockery (2), make sport (1), practice deeds ...
/hebrew/5953a.htm - 5k

Of those who Abused his Extreme Benevolence for Avarice and ...
... Book IV. Chapter LIV."Of those who abused His Extreme Benevolence for Avarice
and Hypocrisy. In like manner his mental [3353] qualities ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter liv of those who abused.htm

He Desired no Other Riches for his Friends but those which Cannot ...
... THE FOURTH CENTURY 35 He desired no other riches for his friends but those
which cannot be abused. He desired no other riches for ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/35 he desired no other.htm

Manner and Object of Teaching Luther's Catechism
... And yet how sadly neglected and abused, even by those who bear its author's name! ...
Not only is this Catechism neglected, but it is and has been much abused. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xi manner and object.htm

Eutyches is Indignant
... Yet, as is so often the lot of the men to whose shining virtues the vicious pay
the tribute of implacable hatred, Chrysostom was blamed and abused on every side ...
/.../chapter xxix eutyches is indignant.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... its natural tendency. The legitimate tendency of a thing or doctrine may
be good, and yet it may be abused and perverted. This is ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Appendix iii in the Hampton Court Conference.
... But such evidence was of no value in the eyes of the objectors: even allowing that
it had been in use, it had been abused, and that of itself was sufficient ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix iii in the hampton.htm

Moreover, --To Touch Briefly Some of the More Recondite Topics ...
... to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the might of the enemy." The
Cross of Christ, then, brought those who had wrongfully abused the authority ...
/.../15 moreoverto touch briefly some.htm

Shall we Abandon Our Religion?
... There is nothing that is not abused. Civil government has been wonderfully
abused; in this respect it has fared no better than religion. ...
/.../shall we abandon our religion.htm

Faith an Assurance and a Proof.
... Such a doctrine was liable to abuse, and has been abused to the utter subversion
of morality on the one hand and to the extinction of all unselfish greatness ...
/.../chapter x faith an assurance.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... day, in the triumph of sinners and exultations of scoffers; and the story brought
down to us, "on whom the ends of the world are come" is still abused to keep ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

Abused (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abused (4 Occurrences). Acts 13:45 Seeing the crowds,
the Jews, filled with angry jealousy, opposed Paul's statements and abused him. ...
/a/abused.htm - 7k

Abuse (17 Occurrences)

/a/abuse.htm - 13k

Opposed (23 Occurrences)
... faith. (DBY NIV). Acts 13:45 Seeing the crowds, the Jews, filled with angry
jealousy, opposed Paul's statements and abused him. (WEY). ...
/o/opposed.htm - 13k

License (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The document granting such permission. 3. (n.) Excess of liberty; freedom
abused, or used in contempt of law or decorum; disregard of law or propriety. ...
/l/license.htm - 8k

Gera (9 Occurrences)
... (2.) The father of Ehud the judge (Judges 3:15). (3.) The father of Shimei,
who so grossly abused David (2 Samuel 16:5; 19:16, 18). Int. ...
/g/gera.htm - 10k

Wealthy (22 Occurrences)
... The parable of Dives and Lazarus gives us the sad picture of a selfish rich man
who had abused his trust, who had failed to make friends with his money, and who ...
/w/wealthy.htm - 17k

Wealth (340 Occurrences)
... The parable of Dives and Lazarus gives us the sad picture of a selfish rich man
who had abused his trust, who had failed to make friends with his money, and who ...
/w/wealth.htm - 40k

Fast (157 Occurrences)
... In the lapse of time the practice of fasting was lamentably abused (Isaiah 58:4;
Jeremiah 14:12; Zechariah 7:5). Our Lord rebuked the Pharisees for their ...
/f/fast.htm - 49k

Feareth (36 Occurrences)
... 10:4 and Saul saith unto the bearer of his weapons, 'Draw thy sword, and pierce
me with it, lest these uncircumcised come -- and have abused me.' And the ...
/f/feareth.htm - 17k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... the subject peoples. This privilege was not granted absolutely, but was
permitted only so long as it was not abused. It might be ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

I am a victim of abuse. Why do I feel guilty? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about child sexual abuse? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about child abuse? | GotQuestions.org

Abused: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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