Outbursts
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Definition and Context
Outbursts, in a biblical context, refer to sudden and intense expressions of emotion, often anger or frustration, that can lead to sinful behavior. The Bible addresses the issue of outbursts, particularly those of anger, as they can disrupt personal relationships and hinder one's spiritual walk.

Biblical References
The Bible provides several references to outbursts, particularly in the context of anger and self-control. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against such behavior in his letters to the early churches. 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: "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" .

Theological Implications
Outbursts of anger are seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome. The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, as a means to combat such tendencies. Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check" . This highlights the biblical view that wisdom and self-restraint are virtues to be cultivated.

Practical Guidance
Scripture provides practical guidance for dealing with outbursts. James 1:19-20 advises, "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 encourages believers to practice patience and active listening as a means to prevent outbursts.

Additionally, Ephesians 4:26-27 instructs, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold" . This suggests that while anger itself is not inherently sinful, it must be managed carefully to avoid giving the enemy an opportunity to cause further harm.

Examples in Scripture
Several biblical figures experienced outbursts, with varying consequences. Moses, for instance, had an outburst of anger when he struck the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:10-12). This act of disobedience resulted in Moses being denied entry into the Promised Land.

Conversely, Jesus demonstrated righteous indignation when He cleansed the temple, driving out those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12-13). This act was not a sinful outburst but a demonstration of zeal for God's house and a call to purity in worship.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons
The Bible teaches that outbursts, particularly those of anger, can lead to sin and must be controlled. Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's help in cultivating self-control and to follow Christ's example of righteous anger that aligns with God's will. By doing so, they can maintain peace in their relationships and grow in spiritual maturity.
Greek
2372. thumos -- passion
... Word Origin from the same as thuella Definition passion NASB Word Usage angry tempers
(1), fierce (2), indignation (1), outbursts of anger (1), passion (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2372.htm - 7k
Library

Preface by the Translator.
... Reformer, for the most part unfolding in the simplest manner the great doctrines
of the Gospel, but occasionally indulging in volcanic outbursts of indignation ...
/.../preface by the translator.htm

The Book of Humanity
... It is not necessary for us to remark upon the outbursts of the prophets against
those who would put property interests above human interests. ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter iii the book of.htm

These Testimonies of the Soul are Simple as True...
... But he who does not regard those outbursts of the soul as the teaching of a congenital
nature and the secret deposit of an inborn knowledge, will say that the ...
/.../tertullian/the souls testimony/chapter v these testimonies of.htm

Introduction
... Mediaeval outbursts of the Free Spirit, the sectaries whom Luther had to check,
and the English Ranters, are notorious cases in point. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/introduction 4.htm

The Faithful Servant
... The young general in one of his outbursts of generosity would have permitted this,
but that Nicanor happened in at an evil moment and drew such pictures of ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxi the faithful servant.htm

God, Man and the New Covenant
... crises, and settlement at last upon the things that are sure: his debates with God
and strifes with men, which while they roused him to outbursts of passion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture viii god man and.htm

That Worthy Name.
... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is and what we have in Him should
fill our hearts with praise and our lips with outbursts of praise, lift us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Christ's Resurrection Song.
... people (Heb. ii:12). One of these sweet outbursts of praise is contained
in the opening verses of the xl Psalm. The first three ...
/.../gaebelein/the lord of glory/christs resurrection song.htm

Twenty-Second Day. Holy Zeal.
... zeal of our Great Exemplar! His were no transient outbursts of ardor, which
time cooled and difficulties impeded. His life was one ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-second day holy zeal.htm

The Family of a Saint
... heedless brutality. That is why it will not do to exaggerate the outbursts
of Patricius, which his son mentions discreetly. Although ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the family of a.htm

Thesaurus
Outbursts (5 Occurrences)
...Outbursts (5 Occurrences). ... Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies,
outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, (WEB WEY NAS). ...
/o/outbursts.htm - 8k

Factions (5 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/f/factions.htm - 7k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/j/jealousy.htm - 29k

Outburst (8 Occurrences)

/o/outburst.htm - 8k

Outcast (6 Occurrences)

/o/outcast.htm - 9k

Anger (387 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/a/anger.htm - 54k

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/q/quarreling.htm - 11k

Jealousies (2 Occurrences)
... Jealousies (2 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife,
jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, (WEB ASV DBY). ...
/j/jealousies.htm - 7k

Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire;
that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...
/g/gossip.htm - 9k

Resources
How should a Christian view borderline personality disorder (BPD)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Toronto Blessing? | GotQuestions.org

What is a reviler in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Outbursts (5 Occurrences)

Luke 21:11
There will be great earth-shocks and outbursts of disease in a number of places, and men will be without food; and there will be wonders and great signs from heaven.
(BBE)

2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;
(WEB BBE NIV)

Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
(WEB WEY NAS)

Ezra 4:15
So that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: and you will see in the book of the records that this town has been uncontrolled, and a cause of trouble to kings and countries, and that there were outbursts against authority there in the past: for which reason the town was made waste.
(BBE)

Ezra 4:19
And I gave orders for a search to be made, and it is certain that in the past this town has made trouble for kings, and that outbursts against authority have taken place there.
(BBE)

Subtopics

Outbursts

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Outburst
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