Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "bandit" refers to individuals who engaged in robbery, theft, and violence, often operating in groups and preying upon travelers and isolated communities. The presence of bandits is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the dangers and lawlessness that existed in certain regions and periods.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where banditry is implied, though the term "bandit" itself may not be explicitly used. The lawlessness and violence associated with bandits are often condemned in the Mosaic Law, which prescribes severe penalties for theft and violence (Exodus 22:1-4). The account of the Good Samaritan, while found in the New Testament, reflects the dangers of traveling in ancient times, as the man who fell among thieves was stripped, beaten, and left for dead (Luke 10:30). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "bandit" is more directly referenced. The most notable mention is during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where He is crucified between two criminals. The Berean Standard Bible refers to these individuals as "criminals" or "robbers" (Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27). These men were likely bandits, as crucifixion was a common Roman punishment for such crimes. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) also highlights the threat posed by bandits. Jesus describes a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who is attacked by robbers, underscoring the perilous nature of travel during that era. Cultural and Historical Background Banditry was a significant issue in the ancient Near East due to the lack of centralized law enforcement and the rugged terrain that provided ample hiding places for outlaws. Roads were often unsafe, and travelers were vulnerable to attacks. The Roman Empire, during the time of the New Testament, implemented measures to curb banditry, such as stationing soldiers along major routes, but the problem persisted. Spiritual Implications From a spiritual perspective, banditry is symbolic of sin and lawlessness, representing the moral decay that can occur when individuals reject God's commandments. The Bible consistently calls for justice, mercy, and protection for the vulnerable, contrasting the actions of bandits with the righteous behavior expected of God's people. Key Verses · "Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left." (Matthew 27:38) · "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead." (Luke 10:30) The biblical portrayal of bandits serves as a reminder of the ever-present struggle between good and evil, lawfulness and lawlessness, and the need for divine justice and protection. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An outlaw; a brigand.Greek 3027. lestes -- a robber ... a robber. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: lestes Phonetic Spelling: (lace-tace') Short Definition: a robber, brigand, bandit Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3027.htm - 7k 5406. phoneus -- a murderer 4607. sikarios -- an assassin Library Introduction Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses. Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies. The Causes of Impatience, and their Correspondent Precepts. The Characters of Herod and Augustus were as Far Apart as their ... When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said ... Narrative Concerning John the Apostle. The Word, Since Death Alone could Stay the Plague, Took a Mortal ... The House of Zacharias. The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ... Thesaurus Bandit (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An outlaw; a brigand. Multi-Version Concordance Bandit (3 Occurrences). Ezra 8:31 Then we departed ... /b/bandit.htm - 7k Bandits (3 Occurrences) Elamites (2 Occurrences) Elam (24 Occurrences) Cyrus (20 Occurrences) Twelfth (20 Occurrences) Protected (11 Occurrences) Banding (1 Occurrence) Canal (6 Occurrences) Ahava (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about prostitution? Will God forgive a prostitute? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about work ethic? What is a Christian work ethic? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org Bandit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bandit (3 Occurrences)Ezra 8:31 Proverbs 6:11 Proverbs 24:34 Subtopics Related Terms |
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