In biblical literature, the term "cut-throats" is not explicitly used; however, the concept is represented through various terms and descriptions of violent and murderous individuals. The Bible frequently addresses the nature and actions of those who engage in violence and bloodshed, often condemning such behavior and associating it with wickedness and sin.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals and groups who could be described as cut-throats due to their violent actions. One of the earliest instances is found in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain, in a fit of jealousy and anger, murders his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). This act of violence is condemned by God, who declares, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10).

The Psalms frequently mention violent men, often in the context of prayers for deliverance from their schemes. Psalm 140:1-2 states, "Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long." Here, the psalmist seeks God's protection from those who are intent on causing harm and destruction.

The prophets also speak against violence and bloodshed. In Isaiah 59:7 , the prophet describes the wicked: "Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake." This passage highlights the eagerness of such individuals to commit acts of violence and the resulting chaos they bring.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts towards the internal motivations and the heart condition that lead to violent actions. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, addresses the root of murder by equating anger with the act itself: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22). This teaching underscores the importance of addressing the heart's condition to prevent violent actions.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, lists acts of violence among the works of the flesh. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Here, Paul warns against behaviors that are contrary to the Spirit, including those that lead to violence and harm.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently portrays violence and murder as antithetical to God's will and character. The sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), is a clear directive against taking innocent life. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as a God of justice who abhors violence and calls His people to pursue peace and righteousness.

The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek transformation through the renewal of the mind and heart, aligning with the teachings of Christ. In Romans 12:2 , Paul exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is essential for overcoming the tendencies that lead to violence and for living a life that reflects God's love and peace.

Conclusion

While the term "cut-throats" is not directly found in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a comprehensive view of the nature and consequences of violence. Through various narratives, laws, and teachings, the Bible calls for a rejection of violence and an embrace of peace, justice, and love as central to the life of faith.

Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest"
... It would seem as if men loved those most who have killed the most of them. They
call those greatest who have been the greatest cutthroats. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jesusall blessing and all blest.htm

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... The knife is meant to cut wood, to cut cheese, to cut pencils, to cut throats;
for a myriad ingenious or innocent human objects. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... and necessity of the end, then certainly any mean shall be lawful in the case of
just and necessary defence, then we may employ Irish cut throats, then we may ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Apollyon, the Destroyer. These are far above the rank of ordinary cut-throats;
for they murder the souls of men. They are continually ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 32 upon our lords.htm

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
... When such writers as this, who has no spirit but that of malice, pretend to inform
the age, Mohocks and cut-throats may well set up for wits and men of pleasure ...
/.../sect ix against the modern.htm

The Life of the Honourable Archibald Campbel Marquis of Argyle.
... without mercy, and although he was at last defeated and totally routed by general
Lesly at Philiphaugh, yet such was the cruelty of those cut-throats, that the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of the honourable.htm

The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572
... though in the case of the Cardinal, he was), but had said that the lawless proceedings
shocked him more than if they had been done by common cut-throats. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xviii the last years.htm

The God of Peace
... progress of truth. Everyone says to me""Look there at your brethren! I never
saw such a set of cut-throats in my life. I never saw ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Cut-throats (1 Occurrence)
Cut-throats. Cutteth, Cut-throats. Cutting . Multi-Version Concordance
Cut-throats (1 Occurrence). Acts 21:38 "Are you ...
/c/cut-throats.htm - 6k

Cutteth (37 Occurrences)

/c/cutteth.htm - 18k

Riot (14 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:38 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot of the
4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" (WEY). ...
/r/riot.htm - 12k

Excited (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 21:38 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot
of the 4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" (WEY). ...
/e/excited.htm - 9k

Ago (61 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:38 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot of the
4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" (WEY NAS NIV). ...
/a/ago.htm - 24k

Cutting (178 Occurrences)

/c/cutting.htm - 46k

Desert (322 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:38 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot of the
4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" (WEY YLT NIV). ...
/d/desert.htm - 46k

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