Topical Encyclopedia The term "kick" in the Bible is often used metaphorically to describe resistance or rebellion against authority, particularly divine authority. The imagery of kicking is associated with stubbornness and opposition, illustrating a futile struggle against a greater power.One of the most notable uses of this metaphor is found in the New Testament, in the account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In Acts 26:14, during Saul's encounter with the risen Christ, Jesus says to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." . This phrase, "kick against the goads," refers to an agricultural practice where a goad, a pointed stick, was used to prod oxen to move in the desired direction. If an ox kicked against the goad, it would only cause itself more pain. Thus, Jesus was illustrating Saul's resistance to God's will as both futile and self-damaging. The metaphor of kicking against the goads highlights the futility of resisting God's plans and purposes. It underscores the idea that human rebellion against divine authority is ultimately self-defeating. Saul, who later becomes the Apostle Paul, is a prime example of someone who initially resisted God's call but ultimately submitted to His will, leading to a transformative impact on the early Christian church. In the Old Testament, the concept of kicking is also present, though not always explicitly stated. The rebellious nature of Israel is often depicted through similar imagery. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:15, the term "Jeshurun" (a poetic name for Israel) is described as having "grown fat and kicked," symbolizing Israel's complacency and rebellion after experiencing prosperity and blessing from God. This passage reflects the tendency of God's people to turn away from Him when they become self-sufficient, leading to spiritual decline and judgment. The use of "kick" in these contexts serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of resisting God's authority. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of rebellion and to submit to God's guidance and direction. The imagery of kicking against the goads is a vivid illustration of the struggle between human will and divine purpose, urging a posture of humility and obedience before God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To strike, thrust, or hit violently with the foot; as, a horse kicks a groom; a man kicks a dog.2. (v. i.) To thrust out the foot or feet with violence; to strike out with the foot or feet, as in defense or in bad temper; esp., to strike backward, as a horse does, or to have a habit of doing so. Hence, figuratively: To show ugly resistance, opposition, or hostility; to spurn. 3. (v. i.) To recoil; -- said of a musket, cannon, etc. 4. (n.) A blow with the foot or feet; a striking or thrust with the foot. 5. (n.) The projection on the tang of the blade of a pocket knife, which prevents the edge of the blade from striking the spring. 6. (n.) A projection in a mold, to form a depression in the surface of the brick. 7. (n.) The recoil of a musket or other firearm, when discharged. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KICK(laktizo): In the famous vision on the road to Damascus the unseen voice said to Saul: "Why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad" (Acts 9:4; Acts 26:14). The words are omitted from the best manuscripts in Acts 9:4. This was a familiar proverb in both Greek and Latin literature, and refers to the severer goading received by an ox which kicks back at the goad used to guide or urge him on. The words seem to mean that Paul's paroxysm of persecution was a painful as well as profitless resistance to the pricks of conscience by which God was leading him into the light. Greek 2979. laktizo -- kick. ... laktizo. 2979a . kick. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: laktizo Phonetic Spelling: (lak-tid'-zo) Short Definition: I kick Definition: I kick. kick. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2979.htm - 5k 2979b. laktizo -- to kick 2979a. lakao -- kick. Strong's Hebrew 1163. baat -- to kick... baat. 1164 . to kick. Transliteration: baat Phonetic Spelling: (baw-at') Short Definition: kick. ... root Definition to kick NASB Word Usage kick (1), kicked (1). ... /hebrew/1163.htm - 5k Library It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ... Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus Christ's Remonstrances Acts xxv. 23 The Figurative Language of Scripture. Christ's Peace The Third Beatitude His Conversion Hatred Without Cause Thesaurus Kick (8 Occurrences)... discharged. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KICK. (laktizo ... me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad" (Acts 9:4; Acts 26:14). The ... /k/kick.htm - 10k Goad (2 Occurrences) Spurn (13 Occurrences) Goads (4 Occurrences) Fling (5 Occurrences) Persecutest (7 Occurrences) Pricks (4 Occurrences) Persecute (48 Occurrences) Kicked (9 Occurrences) Kib'za-im (1 Occurrence) Resources What does it mean to kick against the pricks? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is divine providence? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to backslide? | GotQuestions.org Kick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Kick (8 Occurrences)Acts 9:5 Acts 26:14 Leviticus 26:15 1 Samuel 2:29 Psalms 106:24 Jeremiah 6:19 Jeremiah 31:37 Ezekiel 20:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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