The term "bristly" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of bristles or bristly characteristics can be associated with certain biblical themes and imagery. In a biblical context, bristles can symbolize roughness, defensiveness, or a hardened exterior, often used metaphorically to describe attitudes or spiritual conditions.

Symbolism and Imagery

1. Animal Imagery: In the Bible, animals with bristles, such as boars or certain types of wild animals, are sometimes used to convey ideas of wildness or untamed nature. For example, Psalm 80:13 mentions, "The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it." Here, the boar, known for its bristly appearance, symbolizes destruction and chaos, reflecting the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the resulting divine judgment.

2. Metaphorical Use: The concept of bristliness can also be metaphorically applied to human behavior. A bristly demeanor might represent a person who is defensive, resistant to change, or hardened in heart. This can be contrasted with the biblical call to humility and openness to God's word. Proverbs 29:1 states, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." The "stiff-necked" individual, akin to a bristly attitude, is resistant to correction and ultimately faces consequences.

Spiritual Application

1. Hardened Hearts: The Bible frequently addresses the issue of hardened hearts, which can be likened to a bristly spiritual condition. In Ezekiel 36:26 , God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation from a hardened, bristly heart to one that is soft and receptive is central to the message of redemption and renewal.

2. Defensiveness Against God: A bristly attitude can also reflect a defensive posture against God's will. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The call to humility is a call to lay down one's defenses and submit to God's authority, moving away from a bristly stance to one of surrender and trust.

Practical Considerations

1. Interpersonal Relationships: In practical terms, a bristly demeanor can affect relationships within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:2 encourages believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This exhortation challenges Christians to move beyond bristly interactions and cultivate a spirit of gentleness and patience.

2. Personal Reflection: Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts for bristly attitudes that may hinder their spiritual growth. Psalm 139:23-24 offers a prayerful approach: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." This introspection allows for the softening of one's heart and alignment with God's purposes.

In summary, while the term "bristly" is not explicitly used in the Bible, its conceptual implications are woven throughout Scripture, offering insights into human nature, spiritual conditions, and the transformative power of God's grace.(a.) Thick set with bristles, or with hairs resembling bristles; rough.5569. samar -- bristling, rough
... 5568, 5569. samar. 5570 . bristling, rough. Transliteration: samar Phonetic
Spelling: (saw-mar') Short Definition: bristly. Word ...
/hebrew/5569.htm - 6k

Book viii. On the Various Meanings of Words and Names
... Obedience to the teachings of God is smooth; in Isaiah: the same as above. Disobedience
is, in contrast, harsh and bristly; in Isaiah: the same as above. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book viii on the various.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... His spear shivered against its bristly hide into a hundred fragments, when, leaping
from his steed, which he directed Pedrillo to hold, he drew his falchion of ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of ...
... And in order that she might escape the anger of Juno, just as she was, now covered
with bristly hair, and in the shape of a heifer, she is said to have swam ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the origin life.htm

Bristly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Thick set with bristles, or with hairs resembling
bristles; rough. Multi-Version Concordance Bristly (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bristly.htm - 6k

Brittle (1 Occurrence)

/b/brittle.htm - 6k

Bristling (1 Occurrence)

/b/bristling.htm - 6k

Caterpillars (4 Occurrences)
... call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz; appoint a
captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the bristly caterpillars. ...
/c/caterpillars.htm - 7k

Banner (20 Occurrences)
... call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz; appoint a
captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the bristly caterpillars. ...
/b/banner.htm - 18k

Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)
... death. The hairs are white, like those of the head and eyebrows, but are
harsh and bristly, and a tenth of an inch in length. The ...
/p/pharaoh.htm - 60k

Oak (22 Occurrences)
... It is distinguished by its large sessile acorns with hemispherical cups covered
with long, narrow, almost bristly, scales, giving them a mossy aspect. ...
/o/oak.htm - 33k

Bristly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus