Topical Encyclopedia Grievousness, in a biblical context, refers to the state or quality of being severe, oppressive, or causing great sorrow and distress. It is often associated with sin, suffering, and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The term is used to describe actions, situations, or conditions that are burdensome and cause deep emotional or spiritual pain.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, grievousness is frequently linked to the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's laws. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the grievousness of sin and its impact on the people of Israel. Isaiah 10:1 declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees." Here, grievousness is associated with injustice and the heavy burden it places on society. The Psalms also reflect on the grievousness of suffering and the cry for deliverance. In Psalm 10:1 , the psalmist laments, "Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?" This verse captures the sense of distress and the feeling of abandonment that can accompany grievous situations. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, grievousness is often related to the trials and tribulations faced by believers. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, acknowledges the reality of suffering but encourages believers to endure with faith. In Hebrews 12:11 , it is written, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." Here, grievousness is seen as a temporary state that can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. The teachings of Jesus also address the concept of grievousness, particularly in the context of burdens imposed by religious leaders. In Matthew 23:4 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." This highlights the oppressive nature of legalism and the grievousness it can cause. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, grievousness is a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption through Christ. It underscores the reality of sin and its consequences, while also pointing to the hope and healing found in a relationship with God. The Bible encourages believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord, as seen in 1 Peter 5:7 : "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." Grievousness, therefore, serves as both a warning and an invitation. It warns of the dangers of sin and the weight of its consequences, while inviting individuals to seek God's grace and find rest in His promises. Through faith and perseverance, believers are called to overcome grievousness and experience the peace and joy that come from walking in obedience to God's will. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GRIEVOUS; GRIEVOUSLY; GREIEVOUSNESSgrev'-us; grev'-us-li; grev'-us-nes: In addition to several of the words mentioned under GRIEF (which see), we have kabhedh ("heavy") 8 t, e.g. Genesis 12:10, "The famine was grievous in the land," the Revised Version (British and American) "sore"; marats ("powerful"), "a grievous curse" (1 Kings 2:8); cur, "to turn aside" (Jeremiah 6:28), "grievous revolters"; qasheh, "to make sharp" (1 Kings 12:4 2 Chronicles 10:4); tachalu'im (Jeremiah 16:4), "They shall die grievous deaths," the Revised Version, margin "deaths of sicknesses"; `athaq (Psalm 31:18), "which speak grievous things proudly," the Revised Version (British and American) "against the righteous insolently"; cheT, "sin" (Lamentations 1:8), "Jerus hath grievously sinned" (literally, "hath sinned a sin"); ma`al, "trespass" (Ezekiel 14:13), "trespassing grievously" (literally, "trespassing a trespass") the Revised Version (British and American) "committing a trespass"; kobhedh, "weight" (Isaiah 21:15), "grievousness"; barus, "heavy," "grievous wolves" (Acts 20:29), "grievous charges" (Acts 25:7), "His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3); okneros, the Revised Version (British and American) "irksome" (Philippians 3:1); poneros, "evil" (Revelation 16:2), "a grievous sore"; dusbastaktos, "grievous to be borne" (Matthew 23:4 Luke 11:46); deinos, "greatly," "grievously tormented" (Matthew 8:6); kakos, "badly," "grievously vexed" (Matthew 15:22). Thesaurus Greievousness... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GRIEVOUS; GRIEVOUSLY; GREIEVOUSNESS. grev'-us; grev'-us-li; grev'-us-nes: In addition to several ... /g/greievousness.htm - 8k Greets (9 Occurrences) Grievously (17 Occurrences) Grievous (73 Occurrences) Grew (133 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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