Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of accusation is significant both in human interactions and in the spiritual realm. The act of accusing involves charging someone with a fault, offense, or crime. The Bible addresses accusation in various contexts, highlighting its implications and the attitudes believers should adopt.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, accusations often appear in legal settings. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for handling accusations to ensure justice and fairness. For instance, Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This principle underscores the importance of corroborating evidence before accepting an accusation as valid. The account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39 illustrates a false accusation. Joseph, a man of integrity, was wrongfully accused of attempting to assault Potiphar's wife, leading to his imprisonment. This narrative highlights the potential for misuse of accusations and the suffering of the innocent. New Testament Context In the New Testament, accusations take on a broader spiritual dimension. Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser," is depicted as the accuser of believers. Revelation 12:10 describes him as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God." This portrayal emphasizes the spiritual battle believers face and the need for divine protection and advocacy. Jesus Himself faced false accusations during His earthly ministry. In Mark 14:56-59, false witnesses accused Him of blasphemy, leading to His crucifixion. Despite these accusations, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth." Guidance for Believers The Bible provides guidance for believers on how to handle accusations. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing private confrontation and reconciliation before involving others. This approach seeks to resolve issues without unnecessary public exposure. Believers are also warned against making false accusations. Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," highlighting the moral imperative to speak truthfully. James 4:11 cautions, "Brothers, do not slander one another," urging believers to avoid harmful speech that can lead to unjust accusations. Role of Jesus as Advocate In contrast to Satan's role as accuser, Jesus is portrayed as the advocate for believers. 1 John 2:1 states, "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." This advocacy provides believers with assurance of forgiveness and righteousness through faith in Christ. Conclusion The biblical treatment of accusation underscores the importance of truth, justice, and integrity. Believers are called to be cautious in making accusations, to seek reconciliation, and to rely on Christ as their advocate against the accuser. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To charge with, or declare to have committed, a crime or offense.2. (v. t.) to charge with an offense, judicially or by a public process; -- with of; as, to accuse one of a high crime or misdemeanor. 3. (v. t.) To charge with a fault; to blame; to censure. 4. (v. t.) To betray; to show. [L.] Greek 4811. sukophanteo -- to accuse falsely ... to accuse falsely. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sukophanteo Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kof-an-teh'-o) Short Definition: I accuse falsely, defraud ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4811.htm - 7k 4256. proaitiaomai -- to accuse beforehand 2723. kategoreo -- to make accusation 1225. diaballo -- to bring charges (usually with hostile intent) 1458. egkaleo -- to call in (as a debt or demand), ie bring to ... 1908. epereazo -- to revile 335. anaideia -- shamelessness 1228. diabolos -- slanderous, accusing falsely 2018. epiphero -- to bring upon or against Strong's Hebrew 7853. satan -- to be or act as adversary... Word Origin denominative verb from satan Definition to be or act as adversary NASB Word Usage accuse (1), accusers (2), act as my accusers (1), adversaries (1 ... /hebrew/7853.htm - 6k 7170. qerats -- a piece 399. akal -- to eat, devour 3960. lashan -- to use the tongue, slander 6030a. anah -- to answer, respond Library Whether a Man is Bound to Accuse? Inconsistency of those who Accuse the Christians. The Pharisees Accuse Christ of Sabbath-Breaking and Blasphemy. ... "Accuse not Thyself Overmuch, Deeming that Thy Tribulation and Thy ... Why the Pelagians Falsely Accuse Catholics of Maintaining Fate ... Hence Neither is it Lawful to Accuse those who have Left All... The Resurrection of Christ did not Convert the Jews but through ... In the Next Place, Forgetting that his Object is to Accuse Both ... Phasaelus is Too Hard for Felix; Herod Also Overcomes Antigonus in ... The Synod not Having Come to the Emperor, the Partisans of ... Thesaurus Accuse (34 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) to charge with an offense, judicially or by a public process; -- with of; as, to accuse one of a high crime or misdemeanor. ...Accuse (34 Occurrences). ... /a/accuse.htm - 16k Whereof (94 Occurrences) Cesar (20 Occurrences) Charges (58 Occurrences) Accusing (13 Occurrences) Nation (192 Occurrences) Caesar (25 Occurrences) Appeal (30 Occurrences) Persons (156 Occurrences) Implead (1 Occurrence) Resources Is God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Spider-Man fallacy? | GotQuestions.org How can we express our doubt to God without offending Him (Malachi 2:17; 3:14-15)? | GotQuestions.org Accuse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Accuse (34 Occurrences)Matthew 12:10 Mark 3:2 Mark 15:3 Mark 15:4 Luke 3:14 Luke 6:7 Luke 11:54 Luke 23:1 Luke 23:2 Luke 23:14 John 5:45 John 8:6 John 10:36 Acts 19:38 Acts 24:2 Acts 24:8 Acts 24:13 Acts 24:19 Acts 25:5 Acts 25:11 Acts 28:19 Romans 2:15 1 Peter 2:12 1 Peter 3:16 Deuteronomy 19:16 1 Samuel 22:15 2 Samuel 3:8 Psalms 38:20 Psalms 50:21 Psalms 103:9 Psalms 109:4 Proverbs 30:10 Hosea 4:4 Zechariah 3:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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