Topical Encyclopedia The term "annihilate" refers to the complete destruction or obliteration of something, reducing it to nothingness. In a biblical context, annihilation often pertains to the total destruction of peoples, cities, or nations as a form of divine judgment or as a consequence of sin. The concept is closely associated with God's justice and sovereignty, demonstrating His power over creation and His intolerance of sin.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of annihilation is frequently encountered in the narratives of divine judgment against nations and peoples who oppose God's will or engage in idolatry and wickedness. One of the most notable examples is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." The annihilation of the Canaanite nations is another significant instance. God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy these nations as they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 20:16-17 instructs, "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you." Prophetic Literature The prophetic books often speak of annihilation in the context of future judgment. The prophets warned of the impending destruction of nations that defied God. For example, the book of Nahum prophesies the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Nahum 1:8-9 declares, "But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh; He will pursue His foes into darkness. Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of annihilation is less about physical destruction and more about spiritual consequences. The ultimate annihilation is often associated with the final judgment and the fate of the wicked. Jesus speaks of the destruction of the soul in hell, emphasizing the eternal consequences of rejecting God. Matthew 10:28 warns, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." The book of Revelation also describes the final annihilation of evil. Revelation 20:14-15 states, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Theological Implications The concept of annihilation in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the ultimate victory of God's righteousness over evil. Annihilation is not merely punitive but also purifying, as it removes sin and rebellion from God's creation, paving the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To destroy completely; to reduce to nothing or nonexistence; to destroy the existence of; to cause to cease to be.2. (v. t.) To destroy the form or peculiar distinctive properties of, so that the specific thing no longer exists; as, to annihilate a forest by cutting down the trees. 3. (v. t.) To destroy or eradicate, as a property or attribute of a thing; to make of no effect; to destroy the force, etc., of; as, to annihilate an argument, law, rights, goodness. Greek 355. analisko -- to expend, consume ... to expend, consume. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: analisko Phonetic Spelling: (an-al-is'-ko) Short Definition: I destroy, annihilate Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/355.htm - 6k 1842. exolethreuo -- to destroy utterly Strong's Hebrew 4277. machaq -- to utterly destroy, annihilate... machaq. 4278 . to utterly destroy, annihilate. Transliteration: machaq Phonetic Spelling: (maw-khak') Short Definition: smashed. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/4277.htm - 5k 8338. shasha -- probably to lead on 6. abad -- to perish 3615. kalah -- to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished ... 2763a. charam -- to ban, devote, exterminate 1110. balaq -- to waste, lay waste Library Whether God Can Annihilate Anything? The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law. Christians Charged with an Obstinate Contempt of Death Instances ... Few Will Believe the Soul to be Infinite: yet Infinite* is the ... The Answer to a Sixth Letter, Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent Book Seven the Conversion to Neoplatonism. ... Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ... The Saint's Heritage and Watchword Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem. Thesaurus Annihilate (8 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To destroy the form or peculiar distinctive properties of, so that the specific thing no longer exists; as, to annihilate a forest by cutting down the ... /a/annihilate.htm - 10k Annihilated (8 Occurrences) Exterminate (8 Occurrences) Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences) Destroy (379 Occurrences) Devour (118 Occurrences) Misfortune (24 Occurrences) Annethothite (2 Occurrences) Discomfiture (6 Occurrences) Anger (387 Occurrences) Resources Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is nihilism? | GotQuestions.org What did it mean to be devoted to destruction? | GotQuestions.org Annihilate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Annihilate (8 Occurrences)Exodus 32:12 Deuteronomy 9:3 2 Samuel 21:2 2 Chronicles 20:23 Esther 3:13 Esther 8:11 Ezekiel 20:13 Daniel 11:44 Subtopics Related Terms |
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