Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Blame, in a biblical context, refers to the act of holding someone responsible for a fault or wrong. It involves attributing guilt or fault to an individual or group. The concept of blame is intricately connected with themes of sin, responsibility, and accountability as presented in the Scriptures. Biblical Instances of Blame The Bible provides numerous instances where blame is assigned, often highlighting human tendencies to deflect responsibility. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of the Fall in Genesis. After Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree, Adam blames Eve, and indirectly God, for his disobedience: "The woman You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it" (Genesis 3:12). Eve, in turn, blames the serpent: "The serpent deceived me, and I ate" (Genesis 3:13). In the New Testament, the Pharisees and religious leaders often sought to blame Jesus for various infractions of the law, attempting to undermine His authority and mission. For example, they accused Him of breaking the Sabbath (Matthew 12:10-14) and blasphemy (John 10:33). Blame and Human Nature The tendency to blame others is a reflection of human nature's inclination to avoid personal responsibility. This is evident in the account of King Saul, who, when confronted by the prophet Samuel for not fully obeying God's command, shifts the blame to the people: "The troops brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but the rest we destroyed" (1 Samuel 15:15). Blame and Justice While blame can be misused to deflect personal responsibility, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of justly assigning blame where it is due. The law given to Israel includes provisions for determining guilt and administering justice (Deuteronomy 19:15-21). The prophets often called out the people of Israel for their sins, assigning blame to them for their idolatry and injustice (Isaiah 1:4, Jeremiah 2:35). Blame and Forgiveness The New Testament introduces a transformative approach to blame through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation over blame. In the Lord's Prayer, believers are taught to seek forgiveness for their own trespasses as they forgive others (Matthew 6:12). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, urging believers to "bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). Blame and Personal Responsibility Scripture encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions rather than shifting blame. In Galatians 6:5, Paul writes, "For each one should carry his own load" , emphasizing personal accountability. James also advises believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for each other (James 5:16), fostering a community of responsibility and support. Conclusion The biblical perspective on blame underscores the importance of acknowledging one's own faults while also recognizing the need for justice and forgiveness. Through the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to move beyond blame, embracing personal responsibility and the grace offered through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To censure; to express disapprobation of; to find fault with; to reproach.2. (v. t.) To bring reproach upon; to blemish. 3. (n.) An expression of disapprobation fir something deemed to be wrong; imputation of fault; censure. 4. (v.) That which is deserving of censure or disapprobation; culpability; fault; crime; sin. Greek 2607. kataginosko -- to blame ... to blame. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kataginosko Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ag-in-o'-sko) Short Definition: I condemn, blame Definition: I condemn, blame ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2607.htm - 7k 3201. memphomai -- to blame, find fault 3437. momphe -- blame 3470. momos -- blame, disgrace, blemish 3469. momaomai -- to find fault with 298. amometos -- blameless 299. amomos -- amomum (a fragrant plant of India) 361. anamartetos -- unerring, faultless 273. amemptos -- blameless 274. amemptos -- blamelessly Strong's Hebrew 2398. chata -- to miss, go wrong, sin... root Definition to miss, go wrong, sin NASB Word Usage bear the blame (2), bewildered (1), bore the loss (1), bring sin (1), cleanse (5), cleansed (1 ... /hebrew/2398.htm - 6k 8604. tiphlah -- unsavoriness, unseemliness 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 5771. avon -- iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity Library Casting Blame. Whether a Human Action Deserves Praise or Blame, by Reason of Its ... Who Should Blame and Condemn Other Men's Defaults. "The Blame of Our Sin Continually Hangeth Upon Us. " "In the Sight ... This Preterition is Without Blame: for God Bestowed on Man the ... God not Deserving of Blame in Permitting the Existence of the ... The Blame of Our Misdeeds not to be Cast Upon God the one Power ... Wherefore Also the virgins of God Without Blame Indeed... "He is the Head, and we be his Members. " "Therefore Our Father ... The Fifth Passage Selected by Him for Blame is the Most Important ... Thesaurus Blame (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Blame (14 Occurrences). ... "Do not blame her," He said, "allow her to have kept it for the time of my preparation for burial. (WEY). ... /b/blame.htm - 10k Reproach (124 Occurrences) Lack (86 Occurrences) Guilty (131 Occurrences) Fault (42 Occurrences) Reproof (29 Occurrences) Censure (3 Occurrences) Collateral (11 Occurrences) Surety (21 Occurrences) Forever (426 Occurrences) Resources Is it wrong to blame God? Is blaming God a sin? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to stop blaming others for my problems? | GotQuestions.org Why is "the devil made me do it" not a valid excuse? | GotQuestions.org Blame: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blame (14 Occurrences)John 12:7 2 Corinthians 7:3 2 Corinthians 8:20 Ephesians 1:4 1 Thessalonians 3:13 1 Thessalonians 5:23 1 Timothy 5:7 1 Timothy 6:14 Genesis 43:9 Genesis 44:10 Genesis 44:32 1 Samuel 25:24 2 Samuel 14:9 Job 1:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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