The term "ill-treated" refers to the experience of being subjected to harsh or unjust treatment, often involving suffering, persecution, or abuse. In the biblical context, this concept is frequently associated with the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful, as well as the unjust treatment of individuals by others.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the theme of being ill-treated is evident in the narratives of the patriarchs, prophets, and the nation of Israel. Joseph, for example, was ill-treated by his brothers, who sold him into slavery out of jealousy (Genesis 37:23-28). Despite his suffering, Joseph remained faithful to God, and his account is a testament to divine providence and redemption.

The Israelites themselves experienced ill-treatment during their bondage in Egypt. Exodus 1:11-14 describes how the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites with forced labor, making their lives bitter. This period of suffering set the stage for God's deliverance through Moses, highlighting the theme of liberation from oppression.

Prophetic Warnings and Experiences

The prophets often spoke against the ill-treatment of the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers, emphasizing God's concern for justice and righteousness. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophets themselves frequently faced ill-treatment for their messages, as seen in the life of Jeremiah, who was persecuted and imprisoned for speaking God's truth (Jeremiah 20:1-2).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of one who was ill-treated. Despite His sinlessness, He was mocked, scourged, and crucified. Isaiah 53:7 prophetically describes Him: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth." Jesus' suffering was part of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating the depth of His love and the cost of salvation.

The early Christians also faced ill-treatment for their faith. In Acts 5:40-41 , the apostles were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus, yet they rejoiced "that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." The epistles frequently address the reality of persecution, encouraging believers to endure suffering with patience and hope. Hebrews 11:36-38 recounts the experiences of the faithful: "Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword."

Theological Implications

The experience of being ill-treated is not without purpose in the biblical narrative. It often serves as a test of faith, a means of spiritual growth, and an opportunity to witness to the power of God's grace. Romans 8:17 reminds believers that "if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him."

The Bible assures believers that God is aware of their suffering and will ultimately bring justice. Revelation 21:4 offers hope for the future: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This promise encourages Christians to remain steadfast in the face of ill-treatment, trusting in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.1847. exoudeneo -- to despise, treat with contempt
... 1847 () is an intensified word meaning "bring (completely) to naught"; (passive)
utterly disregarded, rejected (despised, scorned); "ill-treated with contempt ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1847.htm - 7k

2558. kakoucheo -- to ill-treat
... hurt, torment. Word Origin from kakos and echo Definition to ill-treat NASB
Word Usage ill-treated (2). to maltreat, torment. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2558.htm - 6k

In Consequence of the Translation, Many of the Christians are Ill ...
... Book V. Chapter XX."In Consequence of the Translation, Many of the
Christians are Ill-Treated. Theodore the Confessor. Temple ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xx in consequence of the.htm

To the Best of Our Ability, Therefore, as in a Treatise of this ...
... we have answered the objection, that "if Jesus had really wished to manifest his
divine power, he ought to have shown himself to those who ill-treated him, and ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxvii to the best.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... which did not belong to their fellow-believers, these Moors were ordered to pay
all honour to them, as well as to the clergy, whom the Vandals had ill-treated. ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

Endurance of the World's Censure.
... They have to bear being ridiculed, slandered, ill-treated, overreached, disliked.
All this is not pleasant to them naturally, any more than to other people. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon x endurance of the.htm

The Greatest Trial on Record
... who have forgotten that Christ sees them; and they have ill-treated his people ... how
shamefully wast thou illtreated by those who pretended to be the curators of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

Rom. xiv. 25-27
... Philippians 2:7.) It is because this was not the only thing he wished to point out,
that He became man, but that He was also ill-treated, and obtained a bad ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii rom xiv 25-27.htm

The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs.
... Speratus said: We have never done ill, we have not lent ourselves to wrong, we have
never spoken ill, but when ill-treated we have given thanks; because we pay ...
/.../unknown/the passion of the scillitan martyrs/the passion of the scillitan 2.htm

Judas Hangs Himself.
... When Jesus was being mocked and ill-treated by the soldiers in the guardroom
of Caiaphas' palace, Judas wandered to and fro in despair. ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter vi judas hangs himself.htm

Kingo's Later Years
... Kingo's work with the hymnal had brought him much disappointment and some loss of
popularity. He felt not without justification that he had been ill treated. ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter seven kingos later years.htm

The Joy of the Lord.
... It is true He wept, He had sufferings, He was tempted, He was ill-treated, cast
out, maligned, accused of evil and rejected, but joy filled His heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the joy of the lord.htm

Illtreated (1 Occurrence)
...Illtreated (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound
with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body. ...
/i/illtreated.htm - 6k

Ill-treated (7 Occurrences)
Ill-treated. Illtreated, Ill-treated. Ill-treatment . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Illtreated, Ill-treated. Ill-treatment . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-treated.htm - 8k

Mistreated (14 Occurrences)
... They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins
and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (See NIV). ...
/m/mistreated.htm - 10k

Treated (69 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 7:24 Seeing one of them wrongfully treated he took his part, and secured
justice for the ill-treated man by striking down the Egyptian. ...
/t/treated.htm - 26k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... David sends ambassadors with his good wishes to Hanun on his ascending the throne
of the Ammonites; these are ill-treated, and war follows, David's troops ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Wrongfully (15 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:24 Seeing one of them wrongfully treated he took his part, and secured justice
for the ill-treated man by striking down the Egyptian. (WEY). ...
/w/wrongfully.htm - 10k

Ill-treatment (4 Occurrences)
Ill-treatment. Ill-treated, Ill-treatment. Illuminate . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WEY). Ill-treated, Ill-treatment. Illuminate . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-treatment.htm - 7k

Ill-treat (3 Occurrences)
Ill-treat. Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-treat.htm - 7k

Third (192 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:5 Yet a third he sent, and him they killed. And he sent many besides, and
them also they ill-treated, beating some and killing others. (WEY). ...
/t/third.htm - 39k

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