In the context of the Bible, the term "aggressor" refers to an individual or group that initiates conflict, violence, or hostility against others. The concept of aggression is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of such behavior.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of aggressors, often in the context of warfare and personal conflict. One of the earliest instances is found in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain becomes the aggressor by murdering his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger (Genesis 4:8). This act of aggression is condemned by God, who declares, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10).

The narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan also involves aggression, though it is portrayed as divinely sanctioned. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, are commanded by God to take possession of the land, which involves acts of aggression against the Canaanite inhabitants (Joshua 6-12). This is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a judgment against the Canaanites' iniquity.

In the prophetic literature, aggressors are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment. For example, the Assyrians and Babylonians are described as aggressors used by God to discipline Israel and Judah for their unfaithfulness (Isaiah 10:5-6; Habakkuk 1:6-11). However, these aggressors are also held accountable for their own pride and cruelty, as seen in God's eventual judgment against them (Isaiah 10:12-19; Habakkuk 2:6-20).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize a departure from aggression and a call to peace and reconciliation. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount includes the exhortation to "turn the other cheek" and to love one's enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44). This teaching challenges the natural human inclination toward retaliation and aggression.

The apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Romans 12:17-21, Paul instructs believers not to repay evil for evil but to overcome evil with good. He writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). This call to peace is rooted in the understanding that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are to trust in His justice.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible consistently portrays aggression as contrary to God's character and purposes. Aggressors are often depicted as acting out of pride, anger, or a desire for power, all of which are condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" , highlighting the destructive nature of aggressive behavior.

Believers are called to emulate Christ, who, despite being the victim of aggression, responded with love and forgiveness. The apostle Peter writes, "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). This example serves as a model for Christians to follow, emphasizing the importance of humility, patience, and trust in God's ultimate justice.

In summary, the Bible addresses the issue of aggression by highlighting its destructive consequences and calling believers to a higher standard of peace and reconciliation. Through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Christians are encouraged to reject aggression and to pursue a life marked by love, forgiveness, and trust in God's righteous judgment.(n.) The person who first attacks or makes an aggression; he who begins hostility or a quarrel; an assailant.5197. hubristes -- a violent, insolent man
... See 5195 (). Word Origin from hubrizo Definition a violent, insolent man NASB Word
Usage insolent (1), violent aggressor (1). violent, injurious. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5197.htm - 7k

Whether Endurance is the Chief Act of Fortitude?
... Secondly, because he that endures already feels the presence of danger, whereas
the aggressor looks upon danger as something to come; and it is more difficult ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether endurance is the chief.htm

Division and Argument
... He first shows Clodius to be the aggressor, and then, by a superabundance of right,
adds that tho he might not be the aggressor, it was brave and glorious in ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/division and argument.htm

Ephesians iv. 31, 32
... Therefore it was said, "eye for eye," to bind the hands of the aggressor, not to
let thine loose against him; not to ward off the hurt from thine eyes only ...
/.../homily xvi ephesians iv 31.htm

The Oracles.
... Still, the enterprise of invading Persia was a vast undertaking, and the
responsibility great of being the aggressor in the contest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

A Prayer for Pardon and Its Plea
... the offended and the offender feel that there is no barrier to the free, unchecked
flow of love from the heart of the aggrieved to the heart of the aggressor. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a prayer for pardon and.htm

Matt. v. 38, 39, 40
... one," signifying that on his motion men dare so to act; and in this way relaxing
and secretly removing most of our anger against the aggressor, by transferring ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xviii matt v 38.htm

The Arian Controversy Before Nic??a, 319-325.
... both (see below, Sec. 3 (2) a). According to some authorities Arius was
the aggressor. He challenged some theological statements ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 2 the arian controversy.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Kill a Man in Self-Defense?
... 3]; [2905]FS, Q[12], A[1]). Accordingly the act of self-defense may have two effects,
one is the saving of one's life, the other is the slaying of the aggressor ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 10.htm

Fighting Holiness
... Then this idea of Fighting Holiness implies that the sanctified Soldier of Christ
is an aggressor in the struggle for his Lord's supremacy. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xv fighting holiness.htm

Letter Xlvi. (AD 398. )
... XII. If a Christian is on the point of being killed by a barbarian or a
Roman, ought he to kill the aggressor to save his own life? ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xlvi a d 398.htm

Aggressor (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aggressor (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 1:13 although
I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. ...
/a/aggressor.htm - 7k

Aghast (2 Occurrences)

/a/aghast.htm - 7k

Aggressive (2 Occurrences)

/a/aggressive.htm - 7k

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