In biblical terms, an "outburst" often refers to a sudden and intense expression of emotion, typically anger or wrath. The Bible addresses the concept of outbursts in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the dangers of unchecked emotions.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples of outbursts, particularly in the narratives of key figures. One notable instance is the anger of Moses. In Numbers 20:10-11, Moses, frustrated with the Israelites' complaints, strikes the rock twice to bring forth water, an act of disobedience to God's command to speak to the rock. This outburst of anger ultimately leads to Moses being denied entry into the Promised Land. This narrative highlights the consequences of allowing emotions to override obedience to God.

Proverbs, a book of wisdom literature, frequently addresses the theme of anger and outbursts. Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back." This verse underscores the biblical principle that wisdom is demonstrated through restraint and self-control, contrasting the behavior of the wise with that of the foolish.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the importance of controlling one's emotions. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often warns against outbursts of anger as part of the sinful nature. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "outbursts of anger" among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

James 1:19-20 offers practical advice for believers, stating, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage highlights the importance of patience and listening as means to prevent outbursts and align one's behavior with God's righteousness.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, outbursts of anger are seen as manifestations of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. The transformation of character, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 , involves cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Self-control, in particular, is the antidote to outbursts, enabling believers to respond to situations in a manner that reflects Christ's character.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in managing their emotions and to practice self-discipline. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community are vital tools for overcoming tendencies toward outbursts. By fostering a spirit of humility and reliance on God's strength, believers can navigate the challenges of life with grace and composure, reflecting the peace of Christ in their interactions with others.(n.) A sudden, violent display of emotion.2372. thumos -- passion
... passion. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: thumos Phonetic Spelling:
(thoo-mos') Short Definition: an outburst of passion, wrath Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2372.htm - 7k

3709. orge -- impulse, wrath
... [" comes from the verb meaning, 'to teem, to '; and thus implies that it is not
a sudden outburst, but rather (referring to God's) , controlled, passionate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3709.htm - 7k

6555. parats -- to break through
... 2), destroyed (1), distributed (1), employ violence (1), everywhere (1), increase
(1), increased (3), infrequent* (1), made (1), made an outburst (1), outburst ...
/hebrew/6555.htm - 6k

7858. sheteph -- a flood
... Word Origin from shataph Definition a flood NASB Word Usage flood (5), outburst
(1), overflowing (1). flood, outrageous, overflowing. ...
/hebrew/7858.htm - 6k

2750. chori -- burning
... Definition: fierce. Word Origin from charah Definition burning NASB Word Usage
fierce (4), hot (1), outburst (1). fierce, great, heat. From ...
/hebrew/2750.htm - 6k

8241. shetseph -- little
... Word Origin the same as sheteph, qv. little From shataph (for alliteration with
qetseph); an outburst (of anger) -- little. see HEBREW shataph. ...
/hebrew/8241.htm - 6k

6556. perets -- a bursting forth, breach
... Word Origin from parats Definition a bursting forth, breach NASB Word Usage breach
(10), breaches (3), breakthrough (2), gap (1), mishap (1), outburst* (2). ...
/hebrew/6556.htm - 6k

5678. ebrah -- overflow, arrogance, fury
... anger, rage, wrath. Feminine of eber; an outburst of passion -- anger, rage, wrath.
see HEBREW eber. 5677, 5678. ebrah. 5679 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5678.htm - 6k

Otherwise, if Everything which Goes against Origen and his ...
... The outburst of hatred which immediately after your translation blazed up through
the whole world against Origen who before had been read without prejudice was ...
/.../12 otherwise if everything which.htm

How Anger Should be Repressed.
... A fool declares his anger in the very same hour, but a prudent man hides his shame."
[2009] For he does not lay it down that a shameful outburst of anger ought ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxvii how anger should.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... That the world was well prepared for such an outburst has been shown already,[1]
but it is necessary to emphasise the fact that the real interests of religion ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

The Glory Song.
... i:5-6). This great outburst of praise may well be called "the Glory Song." It glorifies
the Lord Jesus Christ; it reveals also the Glory of those He has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the glory song.htm

Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide
... This outburst of eloquence took its rise in a war of invasion. ... Primarily, this glorious
outburst was addrest to the exiles as heads of families. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/hillis god the unwearied.htm

His Missionary Travels
... In the outburst of enthusiasm which led the first Christians to share their property
with one another, he sold his estate and laid the money at the apostles ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

The Swift Destroyer
... evil' would overtake him. God shows him that his safety was a condition
precedent to its outburst. Lot barred the way. God could not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift destroyer.htm

The Period of Controversy, 1614-1645.
... The organ and choristers the Scotch could abide, but the proposal of "images" aroused
such an outburst of opposition on the part of the people that James ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter v the period of.htm

The Transfiguration.
... Happily the impulsiveness of Peter gives Him little space for anxiety; for he, with
that generous outburst of affectionate trust which should ring through ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the transfiguration.htm

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... Her painstaking to please her husband is constrained, not the spontaneous outburst
of a loving heart; and her relationship and her duties become the burden of ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

Outburst (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A sudden, violent display of emotion.
Multi-Version Concordance Outburst (8 Occurrences). Numbers ...
/o/outburst.htm - 8k

Outbursts (5 Occurrences)

/o/outbursts.htm - 8k

Outbreaks (1 Occurrence)

/o/outbreaks.htm - 6k

Josiah (51 Occurrences)
... The outburst of national grief on account of his death became proverbial (Zechariah
12:11; Comp. Revelation 16:16). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOSIAH. ...
/j/josiah.htm - 42k

Gin (10 Occurrences)
... ground, and have taken nothing at all?" Job writing in mental and physical discomfort
on the ash heap included all methods mentioned in one outburst: "For he ...
/g/gin.htm - 12k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... people strongly resented this act of profanation (Numbers 25:6). A pestilence was
raging in the camp, and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, in an outburst of zeal ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 21:24 The man of pride, lifted up in soul, is named
high-hearted; he is acting in an outburst of pride. (See NAS). ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Tasted (18 Occurrences)
... while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was tasted, the wrath of
the Lord was moved against the people and he sent a great outburst of disease ...
/t/tasted.htm - 11k

Midianitish (4 Occurrences)
... people strongly resented this act of profanation (Numbers 25:6). A pestilence was
raging in the camp, and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, in an outburst of zeal ...
/m/midianitish.htm - 8k

Behaves (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Proverbs 21:24 The man of pride, lifted up in soul, is named
high-hearted; he is acting in an outburst of pride. (See NIV). ...
/b/behaves.htm - 7k

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