The term "pricked" in the Bible often conveys the idea of being pierced or wounded, both physically and metaphorically. It is used to describe a sensation of sharp pain or a deep emotional or spiritual conviction. This entry explores the various contexts in which "pricked" appears in the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in biblical narratives and teachings.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the concept of being "pricked" is frequently associated with physical pain or injury. For example, in Numbers 33:55, the Israelites are warned that if they do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those remaining will become "pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides." This metaphorical use of "pricks" suggests a persistent source of irritation and trouble, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the term takes on a more spiritual dimension. One of the most notable uses is found in Acts 2:37, where Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost leads to a profound reaction among the listeners: "When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" . Here, "pricked in their heart" signifies a deep conviction and realization of sin, prompting a desire for repentance and salvation.

Another significant reference is in Acts 9:5, during Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. Jesus confronts Saul, saying, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "pricked" here, the imagery of goads—sharp sticks used to drive cattle—implies a similar concept of being pierced or prodded, symbolizing resistance to divine guidance.

Theological Implications

The use of "pricked" in the Bible often underscores the transformative power of God's word and the Holy Spirit. It illustrates how divine truth can penetrate the human heart, leading to conviction, repentance, and ultimately, spiritual renewal. This piercing of the heart is a crucial step in the process of conversion, as it awakens individuals to their need for God's grace and forgiveness.

In a broader sense, the concept of being "pricked" serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers. Just as physical pricks can cause discomfort and pain, spiritual pricks can challenge complacency and prompt growth in faith. The believer is called to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting, allowing God's truth to continually shape and refine their character.

Conclusion

The biblical use of "pricked" encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, illustrating the profound impact of God's word on the human heart. Whether through the conviction of sin or the call to obedience, being "pricked" serves as a catalyst for transformation and a deeper relationship with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Prick.2660. katanusso -- to prick violently
... 2660 (from 2596 , "down" and 3572 , "pierce") -- properly, pierce , ie () pained;
"emotionally pierced through"; psychologically pricked, emotionally (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2660.htm - 7k5350. niqqud -- perhaps what is crumbled or easily crumbles ...
... Crumb, Biscuit. From the same as naqod; a crumb (as broken to spots); also a biscuit
(as pricked) -- cracknel, mouldy. see HEBREW naqod. 5349, 5350. ...
/hebrew/5350.htm - 6k

Pricked in their Heart
... Pricked in Their Heart. A Sermon (No.2102). ... When we follow the run of Peter's argument,
we do not wonder that his hearers were pricked in their hearts. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/pricked in their heart.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ...
... For, as the Apostles spake, they were pricked; [2955] they were pricked in conscience,
who had pricked Him with the spear; and being pricked they sought for ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxix on the words.htm

Psalm IV.
... [97] In your chambers be ye pricked." This is what has been expressed already "in
heart." For this is the chamber, of which our Lord warns us, that we should ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iv.htm

'Lovest Thou Me?'
... and how Peter's heart must have throbbed, and the others' ears been pricked up,
when it was broken by 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?' We may listen with ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/lovest thou me.htm

Acts ii. 37
... Acts II. 37. Acts II.37 "Now when they heard these words (EV this,') they were pricked
in their heart ... You will ask, where is the proof that they were pricked? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

Psalm XXX.
... 13. "That my glory should sing unto Thee, and I should not be pricked"
(ver.12). That now, not my humiliation, but my glory should ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxx.htm

Life in London
... soon after this, possibly the same evening, while sewing together some sheets of
paper on which to take notes of the lectures, I accidentally pricked the first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter v life in london.htm

Psalm LIII.
... Wonder not, soft are even the roots of brambles; if any one handle them, he is not
pricked: but that wherewith thou shalt be pricked from thence hath birth. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm liii.htm

Peter's First Sermon
... Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter
and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters first sermon.htm

part viii.
... For he was at least pricked in his conscience, when Naboth had been murdered, and
was afraid at the sight [1741] of Elijah, but this man neither reverenced the ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Pricked (2 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Prick. Multi-Version Concordance Pricked (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV ASV DBY WBS
YLT). Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. ...
/p/pricked.htm - 7k

Prick (2 Occurrences)
... a skewer. 2. (n.) The act of pricking, or the sensation of being pricked;
a sharp, stinging pain; figuratively, remorse. 3. (n.) A ...
/p/prick.htm - 11k

Pricking (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) The driving of a nail into a horse's foot so as to produce lameness.
4. (n.) Same as Nicking. 5. (n.) A sensation of being pricked. ...
/p/pricking.htm - 7k

Kidneys (15 Occurrences)
... So the reins instruct (Psalm 16:7) or are "pricked" (Psalm 73:21), and God can be
said to be far from the reins of sinners (Jeremiah 12:2). In all of these ...
/k/kidneys.htm - 16k

Ferment (3 Occurrences)
... in a ferment. (WEY). Psalms 73:21 When my heart was in a ferment, and I
was pricked in my reins, (DBY JPS). Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead ...
/f/ferment.htm - 7k

Reins (15 Occurrences)
... heart. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and
I was pricked in my reins. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). Psalms ...
/r/reins.htm - 13k

Printed (2 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/printed.htm - 13k

Print (3 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/print.htm - 15k

Printing
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary or pricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a ...
/p/printing.htm - 13k

Cracknel
... The Hebrew word is niqquddim, from naqadh, "to prick" or "mark"; most probably
cakes with holes pricked in them like our biscuits. ...
/c/cracknel.htm - 6k

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