In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "bothered" can be understood as experiencing distress, anxiety, or agitation. While the specific term "bothered" may not appear frequently in the biblical text, the emotions and situations it describes are prevalent throughout Scripture. The Bible addresses the human experience of being troubled or disturbed and offers guidance on how to respond to such feelings.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Martha and Mary: One of the most illustrative examples of being bothered is found in the account of Martha and Mary. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha is described as being "distracted with much serving" while her sister Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Martha, feeling overwhelmed and bothered by the tasks at hand, approaches Jesus and asks Him to tell Mary to help her. Jesus responds, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42). This passage highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.

2. Anxiety and Worry: The Bible frequently addresses the issue of anxiety, which is closely related to being bothered. In Philippians 4:6-7, believers are instructed, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This passage encourages Christians to turn to prayer and trust in God’s peace when they feel troubled.

3. Jesus’ Teachings on Worry: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks directly to the issue of worry, which can be seen as a form of being bothered. In Matthew 6:25-34, He advises His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. Jesus emphasizes that God knows their needs and will provide for them, urging them to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

4. The Disciples in the Storm: Another example is found in Mark 4:35-41, where the disciples are in a boat with Jesus during a fierce storm. They become terrified and wake Jesus, who is asleep, asking, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38). Jesus calms the storm and questions their faith, highlighting the importance of trusting in His power and presence even in troubling circumstances.

5. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: The Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, which he describes as a source of great distress. Despite his pleas for its removal, God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul learns to embrace his weaknesses and troubles, understanding that they allow Christ’s power to rest upon him.

Practical Application

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that guide believers in handling feelings of being bothered. It encourages turning to God in prayer, trusting in His provision, and prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns. By focusing on God’s promises and presence, Christians can find peace and strength amidst life's disturbances.(imp. & p. p.) of Bother.2350a. thorubazo -- to disturb
... to disturb. Transliteration: thorubazo Short Definition: bothered. Word Origin from
thorubos Definition to disturb NASB Word Usage bothered (1). 2350, 2350a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2350a.htm - 5k5221. nakah -- to smite
... root Definition to smite NASB Word Usage attack (5), attacked (6), attacks (3),
beat (3), beat down (1), beaten (5), beating (1), blows (1), bothered (1), cast ...
/hebrew/5221.htm - 7k

Fret not Thyself
... FRET NOT THYSELF. To fret means to chafe, to be irritated, to be uneasy, to be troubled
and bothered. It is just the opposite of peaceful, trustful rest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty fret not thyself.htm

The Real Thing of Light.
... They were bothered, in John's old age when he is writing, with false lights,
make-pretend lights, that led people astray. Every ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the real thing of light.htm

The Sweetness of Tears
... conjectures. It is likely that his mother was bothered about household expenses
and could no longer afford to keep him at Carthage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the sweetness of tears.htm

In the Homes of the People
... you all the little things she did. Aye, but she bothered about us, she did.
I never knew the like. The year that Kate Lee was born ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ix in the homes of.htm

Making and Breaking Connections.
... Another difficulty that has bothered some of us is in the great variety of language
used in speaking of this life of power; a variety that seems confusing to ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on power/making and breaking connections.htm

Apprehending God
... They have never bothered to think the matter out for themselves, but have heard
about Him from others, and have put belief in Him into the back of their minds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/iv apprehending god.htm

Conflicts with Giant Mistake
... It was only after I made some blunder or said some tactless thing that Mistake
bothered me, but at such times he gave me untold trouble. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter eight conflicts with giant.htm

The Sacrament of Living
... a feeling of deep frustration, telling ourselves pensively that there's a better
day coming when we shall slough off this earthly shell and be bothered no more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/x the sacrament of living.htm

When Diamond Got Home He Found his Father at Home Already...
... Don't you remember how I bothered you about some of the words?". "Yes, child," said
his mother heedlessly, thinking only of what she should do after to-morrow. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 23 when diamond got.htm

Tire-Trouble
... I have known them to tell a lie, although nobody else knew it, and it bothered them
so inside that it was like sand on the inside of the tire causing a sand ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/tire-trouble.htm

Bothered (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bothered (2 Occurrences). Luke 10:41 Jesus answered her,
"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, (See NAS). ...
/b/bothered.htm - 7k

Bother (9 Occurrences)

/b/bother.htm - 9k

Bothering (3 Occurrences)

/b/bothering.htm - 7k

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