A misdeed, in biblical terms, refers to an act that is morally or ethically wrong, often synonymous with sin or transgression against God's commandments. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding misdeeds, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the consequences of sin.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, misdeeds are often associated with the violation of God's laws as given to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational moral code, and any deviation from these commandments is considered a misdeed. For instance, the act of idolatry, as seen in the worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32), is a significant misdeed that provoked God's anger.

The prophets frequently addressed the misdeeds of the people, calling them to repentance. Isaiah 1:16-17 urges, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This passage highlights the need for moral rectitude and social justice as a remedy for misdeeds.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, misdeeds are often discussed in the context of sin and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," indicating that misdeeds are a universal human condition. The teachings of Jesus emphasize the internal nature of misdeeds, focusing on the heart's intentions rather than just external actions. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, stating, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

The apostle Paul frequently addresses misdeeds in his epistles, urging believers to live in accordance with the Spirit rather than the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "acts of the flesh" as misdeeds, including "sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like."

Repentance and Forgiveness

The Bible consistently teaches that repentance is the appropriate response to misdeeds. In 1 John 1:9 , it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's grace and mercy.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the process of repentance and forgiveness. The son's misdeeds lead him to a life of destitution, but upon returning to his father with a repentant heart, he is welcomed and restored. This parable underscores the transformative power of repentance and the readiness of God to forgive those who turn back to Him.

Consequences of Misdeeds

While forgiveness is available, the Bible also warns of the consequences of unrepentant misdeeds. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse highlights the spiritual death that results from sin, contrasting it with the eternal life offered through Christ.

The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of misdeeds within the early church. Their deceit regarding the sale of property led to their immediate deaths, demonstrating the severe consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the Bible addresses misdeeds as actions contrary to God's will, emphasizing the need for repentance, the availability of forgiveness, and the potential consequences of unrepentant sin. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called to live lives of righteousness, seeking to align their actions with God's commandments.(n.) An evil deed; a wicked action.92. adikema -- a wrong, injury
... a wrong, injury. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: adikema Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-eek'-ay-mah) Short Definition: a crime, misdeed Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/92.htm - 7k

Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ...
... To recall peoples gone astray from God. And following misdeed, (while raves
on earth. The horde of robber-renegades, [1467] ) to flee. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book iii of the harmony of.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... What cruel thou mayst think,. Is parent-care's true duty. Lest misdeed. Should further
grow, crime's authors He did quench,. 65 And sinful parents' brood. ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Answer to Objections: Man's Freewill and God's Foreknowledge
... that nothing is comprehensible, or lives as in complete suspense of judgement: Who
that has received a sense perception of a domestic misdeed, forebears to ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter iv answer to objections .htm

Fifth Sunday in Lent. Out of the Depths have I Called unto Thee, O ...
... Lord God! oh hear my prayer! Incline a gracious ear to me,. And bid me not despair:
If Thou rememberest each misdeed,. If each should have its righteous meed,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/fifth sunday in lent out.htm

Crimes of the Manich??ans.
... escaped by crying out. How common must we conclude the practice to have been
which led to the misdeed on this occasion! And this was ...
/.../chapter 19 name of the 2.htm

Now we May Apply this Very Argument to Venus in Exactly the Same ...
... For if, as you maintain and believe, she fills men's minds with lustful thoughts,
it must be held in consequence that any disgrace and misdeed arising from ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/27 now we may apply.htm

Whether it is Possible to have Patience Without Grace?
... sinful evils than for bodily evils: hence some heathens are related to have endured
many hardships rather than betray their country or commit some other misdeed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is possible to 3.htm

Whether There is a Law in the Fomes of Sin?
... as it results from the justice of the Divine law: it is as though we were to say
that the law allows a nobleman to be condemned to hard labor for some misdeed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a law.htm

John Chapter vii. 40-53; viii. 11-Jan
... accuse Him? Had they detected Himself in any misdeed; or was that woman
said to have been concerned with Him in any manner? What ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxiii john chapter vii.htm

Appendix.
... Beholding these adulteries, to which sinners are prone, they therefore easily believe
that sanctions of misdeed and of every filthiness are borrowed from their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/appendix.htm

Misdeed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An evil deed; a wicked action. Multi-Version
Concordance Misdeed (1 Occurrence). Acts 24:20 Or else ...
/m/misdeed.htm - 6k

Forfeit (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) To surrender possession due to error
or misdeed; as, to forfeit property; to forfeit a game. 2 ...
/f/forfeit.htm - 13k

Misconduct (4 Occurrences)

/m/misconduct.htm - 7k

Misdeeds (6 Occurrences)

/m/misdeeds.htm - 8k

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