The term "kicked" in the context of the Bible is often associated with rebellion, resistance, or opposition to divine authority. While the specific word "kicked" may not frequently appear in English translations, the concept is vividly illustrated in several passages, particularly in the metaphorical sense of resisting God's will.

Acts 26:14
One of the most notable references to the concept of "kicking" is found in Acts 26:14, where the Apostle Paul recounts his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In this passage, Jesus speaks to Paul, then known as Saul, saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." . This phrase, "kick against the goads," is a metaphor derived from agriculture, where a goad is a pointed stick used to drive oxen. When an ox kicks against the goad, it only causes itself more pain. Here, Jesus is illustrating the futility and self-destructive nature of resisting divine guidance and authority.

Deuteronomy 32:15
Another related concept is found in Deuteronomy 32:15, where the Israelites are described metaphorically as having "kicked" in their prosperity. The verse states, "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, thick, and sleek—then he forsook God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation." . In this context, "kicked" signifies a turning away from God due to complacency and self-reliance, leading to spiritual rebellion.

1 Samuel 2:29
In 1 Samuel 2:29, the term is used in a figurative sense to describe the contempt shown by Eli's sons towards the sacrifices offered to God. The verse reads, "Why do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling?" . Here, "kick" conveys a sense of disdain and irreverence towards God's ordained practices, highlighting the sons' rebellion and disrespect.

Theological Implications
The imagery of "kicking" against divine authority serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of resisting God's will. It underscores the futility of human rebellion against the Creator and the self-inflicted harm that results from such actions. The metaphor of "kicking against the goads" particularly emphasizes the pain and difficulty that accompany a life lived in opposition to God's purposes.

Practical Application
For believers, these passages serve as a caution against the dangers of pride, self-reliance, and rebellion. They encourage a posture of humility and submission to God's will, recognizing that true peace and fulfillment are found in alignment with His purposes. The metaphorical use of "kicking" challenges individuals to examine areas of resistance in their own lives and to seek a heart of obedience and surrender to God's leading.1163. baat -- to kick
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to kick NASB Word Usage kick (1), kicked (1).
kick. A primitive root; to trample down, ie (figuratively) despise -- kick. ...
/hebrew/1163.htm - 5k

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... She kicked off him, and took up"whom? ... No, no"the Caballero was kicked out of the
saddle, and the muleteer sprang up"There she lies, the brute! ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

The Test of Courage
... with him. Many and many a time he struck Stanislaus; and often, after knocking
him down, kicked him and then tramped on him. And ...
/.../chapter vii the test of.htm

The First Season
... "then beware lest thou forget the Lord." So indeed it happened: for "Jeshurun waxed
fat and kicked." How then may a Christian keep his heart from pride and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Races --A Letter
... The Negresses, I am sorry to say, forgot themselves, kicked up their legs,
shouted to the bystanders, and were altogether incondite. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xv the racesa letter.htm

By the Wayside
... But the Maccabee climbed out of the roadway and, finding a sheltered spot behind
a boulder, kicked together some of the dead weeds and twigs and set fire to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

The Cry of "Snakes! Snakes!"
... had entered into her. She struck and kicked those persons who tried to
hold her, and abused many in very foul language. I saw and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter six the cry of.htm

That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ...
... burnt incense to Baal." [1212] For it is a very great proof of His love, that, though
knowing well the shamelessness of the people that had kicked and bounded ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm

And it came to Pass, after Jesus had Returned Out of Egypt...
... But He, not wishing to grieve His mother, with His right foot kicked the hinder
parts of the dead boy, and said to him: Rise, thou son of iniquity for thou art ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 26 and it came.htm

The Sad State of the Corinthian Church after Sedition Arose in it ...
... was bestowed upon you, and then was fulfilled that which is written, "My beloved
did eat and drink, and was enlarged and became fat, and kicked." [14] Hence ...
/.../chapter iii the sad state of.htm

Epiphanius Intervenes
... And when the Antiochenes began to suspect the object of all these inquiries of this
unsavoury monk, he narrowly escaped being kicked and pelted out of the city ...
/.../chapter xliv epiphanius intervenes.htm

Kicked (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kicked (9 Occurrences). ... Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun
grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. ...
/k/kicked.htm - 9k

Kick (8 Occurrences)

/k/kick.htm - 10k

Kicketh (6 Occurrences)

/k/kicketh.htm - 8k

Jeshurun (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jeshurun (4 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun
grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. ...
/j/jeshurun.htm - 10k

Lightly (31 Occurrences)
... eyes. (YLT). Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have
grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. ...
/l/lightly.htm - 16k

Loathed (13 Occurrences)
... in the desolation without them, and they accept the punishment of their iniquity,
because, even because, against My judgments they have kicked, and My statutes ...
/l/loathed.htm - 10k

Forsook (37 Occurrences)
... RSV). Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have grown
fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. Then ...
/f/forsook.htm - 17k

Esteemed (44 Occurrences)
... eyes. (YLT). Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have
grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. ...
/e/esteemed.htm - 20k

Doting (5 Occurrences)
... For thou rendest with pain thine eyes, In vain thou dost make thyself fair, Kicked
against thee have doting ones, Thy life they do seek. (YLT). ...
/d/doting.htm - 8k

Puttest (18 Occurrences)
... For thou rendest with pain thine eyes, In vain thou dost make thyself fair, Kicked
against thee have doting ones, Thy life they do seek. (YLT). ...
/p/puttest.htm - 12k

Will we have free will in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

If our salvation is eternally secure, why does the Bible warn so strongly against apostasy? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is the God of Jeshurun? | GotQuestions.org

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