In biblical terminology, the term "buffet" is often used to describe a form of physical or metaphorical affliction or hardship. The word is derived from the Greek "kolaphizó," which means to strike with the fist or to treat with violence. This concept appears in various contexts within the Bible, illustrating both physical suffering and spiritual trials.

New Testament References

One of the most notable references to "buffet" is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," which he describes as a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him: "or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." . Here, the term "buffet" is used metaphorically to describe a persistent trial or affliction that Paul endures. This passage highlights the theme of humility and reliance on God's grace, as Paul learns to accept his weakness as a means to experience God's strength.

In the context of persecution, the term is also used to describe the physical abuse suffered by Jesus Christ. In Mark 14:65, during the trial before the Sanhedrin, it is recorded: "Then some began to spit on Him, to blindfold Him, and to strike Him with their fists, saying, 'Prophesy!' And the officers received Him with slaps in His face." . This passage illustrates the physical buffeting that Jesus endured as part of His passion and suffering, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.

Old Testament Parallels

While the specific term "buffet" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept of being struck or afflicted is prevalent. The trials of Job, for example, can be seen as a form of buffeting. Job experiences severe physical and emotional suffering, yet remains steadfast in his faith. His account is a profound exploration of theodicy and the human response to divine testing.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of being buffeted is often associated with the idea of testing and refinement. Just as physical buffeting can strengthen the body, spiritual trials can strengthen faith and character. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

In the Christian life, buffeting can serve as a reminder of the fallen nature of the world and the believer's dependence on God's grace. It is through enduring such trials that believers are conformed more closely to the image of Christ, who Himself was buffeted and yet overcame.

Practical Application

For Christians, understanding the concept of buffeting can provide comfort and perspective during times of hardship. Recognizing that trials can serve a divine purpose encourages believers to seek God's strength and wisdom. The Apostle Paul's response to his own buffeting, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , offers a model for believers: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In summary, the biblical concept of buffeting encompasses both physical and spiritual trials, serving as a means of testing and strengthening the believer's faith. Through these experiences, Christians are called to rely on God's grace and to find strength in their weaknesses, following the example of Christ and the apostles.1. (n.) A cupboard or set of shelves, either movable or fixed at one side of a room, for the display of plate, china, etc., a sideboard.

2. (n.) A counter for refreshments; a restaurant at a railroad station, or place of public gathering.

3. (n.) A blow with the hand; a slap on the face; a cuff.

4. (n.) A blow from any source, or that which affects like a blow, as the violence of winds or waves; a stroke; an adverse action; an affliction; a trial; adversity.

5. (n.) A small stool; a stool for a buffet or counter.

6. (v. t.) To strike with the hand or fist; to box; to beat; to cuff; to slap.

7. (v. t.) To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against; as, to buffet the billows.

8. (v. t.) To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.

9. (v. i.) To exercise or play at boxing; to strike; to smite; to strive; to contend.

10. (v. i.) To make one's way by blows or struggling.

BUFFET

buf'-et (kolaphizo, "to beat with the fist"): Refers to bodily maltreatment and violence: "Then did they spit in his face and buffet him" (Matthew 26:67 Mark 14:65 1 Corinthians 4:11 1 Peter 2:20). Paul speaks of "a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Used figuratively of self-control: "I buffet (the King James Version keep under, the Revised Version, margin "bruise") my body, and bring it into bondage" (1 Corinthians 9:27). The Greek in this passage reads hupopiazo, literally "to give a blow beneath the eye." In Luke 18:5 the same word is rendered "wear out": "Lest she wear roe out by her continual coming" (the King James Version "weary me" the Revised Version, margin "bruise me") (see Pape's Lexicon, under the word).

L. Kaiser

2852. kolaphizo -- to strike with the fist
... kolaphizo Phonetic Spelling: (kol-af-id'-zo) Short Definition: I strike with the
fist, maltreat Definition: I strike with the fist, buffet; hence: I mistreat ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2852.htm - 7k

928. basanizo -- to torture
... to torture. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: basanizo Phonetic Spelling:
(bas-an-id'-zo) Short Definition: I torment, torture, buffet Definition: I examine ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/928.htm - 7k

5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye
... From a compound of hupo and a derivative of optanomai; to hit under the eye (buffet
or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), ie (figuratively) to tease or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5299.htm - 7k

Perfection of Righteousness and Full Security was not Even in Paul ...
... yet that he might not be lifted up, he was not left to his own choice and will,
but received "the thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet him; on ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 18 perfection of righteousness and.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 24
... Ver.27. "But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage lest by any means, after
that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 1 cor ix.htm

2 Cor. xii. 1
... not be exalted overmuch, through the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there
was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me.". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 2 cor xii.htm

Before Caiaphas
... And some began to spit on Him, and to cover His face, and to buffet Him, and to
say unto Him, Prophesy: and the officers received Him with blows of their hands ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 53-65 before caiaphas.htm

The Same Continued: "He Reveals Wisdom. "
... Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 xi the same continued .htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, as
not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Goths at Antioch
... Cranes!' till one of the younger Goths, more quick-tempered and less disdainful
than his brothers, gave a buffet to one of these ill-mannered tonguesters which ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm

Happiness and goodness, according to canting moralists, stand in ...
... There was never anything less proved or less probable: our happiness is never in
our own hands; we inherit our constitution; we stand buffet among friends and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stevenson/a christmas sermon/iii.htm

2D Day. Needful Grace.
... The "thorn" may still be left to goad, the trial may still be left to buffet;
but "more grace" has been given to endure them. Oh! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the faithful promiser/2d day needful grace.htm

The Hand Felt Its Way up his Arm, And...
... The moment he was through the hole in the roof, all the winds of heaven seemed
to lay hold upon him, and buffet him hither and thither. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 6 the hand felt.htm

Buffet (4 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A small stool; a stool for a buffet or counter. 6. (vt) To strike with
the hand or fist; to box; to beat; to cuff; to slap. ...BUFFET. ...
/b/buffet.htm - 9k

Overmuch (16 Occurrences)
... greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given
to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I ...
/o/overmuch.htm - 11k

Exalting (10 Occurrences)
... of the revelations I might not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn
in the flesh, a messenger of the Adversary, that he might buffet me, that I ...
/e/exalting.htm - 9k

Buffeted (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Buffet. Multi-Version Concordance
Buffeted (4 Occurrences). Matthew 14:24 Meanwhile the ...
/b/buffeted.htm - 7k

Blows (105 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him,
and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of ...
/b/blows.htm - 35k

Blow (124 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The infliction of evil; a sudden calamity; something which produces mental,
physical, or financial suffering or loss (esp. when sudden); a buffet. ...
/b/blow.htm - 42k

Buffalo's (1 Occurrence)

/b/buffalo's.htm - 6k

Captive (123 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV). 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest after
having preached to others I should be myself rejected. (DBY). ...
/c/captive.htm - 43k

Body (562 Occurrences)
... Hence, the expression, "buffet my body" (1 Corinthians 9:27, hupopiazo, a word adopted
from the prize-ring, palaestra), the body being considered as the lurking ...
/b/body.htm - 59k

Abundance (194 Occurrences)
... should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there
was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest ...
/a/abundance.htm - 41k

Buffet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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