The term "retorted" refers to a sharp or witty reply, often in response to an accusation or criticism. In the context of the Bible, retorts can be seen in various interactions where individuals respond to challenges or questions with wisdom, authority, or sometimes sarcasm. The use of retorts in Scripture often highlights the speaker's discernment, authority, or the folly of the one being addressed.

Biblical Examples:

1. Jesus and the Pharisees:
One of the most notable examples of a retort in the Bible is found in the interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees. In Matthew 22:18-21 , when the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus perceives their malice and retorts, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the tax." After they present a denarius, He asks, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" When they answer, "Caesar's," Jesus replies, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This retort not only silences His critics but also conveys a profound truth about the relationship between earthly and divine obligations.

2. Paul and the High Priest:
In Acts 23:3 , the Apostle Paul retorts to the high priest Ananias after being struck on the mouth: "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck." Paul's retort exposes the hypocrisy of the high priest and underscores the injustice of the situation.

3. Job and His Friends:
The Book of Job contains several instances where Job retorts to his friends' accusations and misguided counsel. In Job 12:2 , Job sarcastically responds to his friends' claims of wisdom: "Truly then you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!" Job's retorts throughout the dialogue reveal his frustration with their lack of understanding and his steadfastness in maintaining his integrity.

Theological Implications:

Retorts in the Bible often serve to reveal deeper truths, challenge hypocrisy, and assert divine wisdom over human folly. They can be seen as a tool for defending the faith, correcting error, and demonstrating the authority of God's messengers. The use of retorts by biblical figures like Jesus and Paul underscores their role as teachers and defenders of truth, often leaving their opponents speechless or convicted.

Practical Application:

For believers, the biblical use of retorts can serve as a model for engaging in discussions or debates with wisdom and grace. While sharp replies should be used judiciously, they can be effective in exposing falsehoods and affirming truth. Christians are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning when and how to use retorts in a manner that honors God and edifies others.(imp. & p. p.) of Retort.

The Charge of Infanticide Retorted on the Heathen.
... Book I. Chapter XV. "The Charge of Infanticide Retorted on the Heathen.
Since we are on a par in respect of the gods, it follows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xv name charge of.htm

The Vile Calumny About Onocoetes Retorted on the Heathen by ...
... Book I. Chapter XIV. "The Vile Calumny About Onocoetes Retorted on the Heathen by
Tertullian. Report has introduced a new calumny respecting our God. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xiv name vile calumny.htm

Unfairness of Charging the Disciples of the New Prophecy with ...
... Chapter XV."Unfairness of Charging the Disciples of the New Prophecy with
Harshness The Charge Rather to Be Retorted Upon the Psychics. ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xv unfairness of charging the.htm

The Christian Refusal to Swear by the Genius of C??sar Flippancy ...
... Book I. Chapter XVII. "The Christian Refusal to Swear by the Genius of
C??sar Flippancy and Irreverence Retorted on the Heathen. ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xvii name christian refusal.htm

Ad Nationes
... Chapter XIV. --The Vile Calumny About Onocoetes Retorted on the Heathen by Tertullian.
Chapter XV. --The Charge of Infanticide Retorted on the Heathen. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/

If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from ...
... Do not adopt a method with another which can at once be retorted on yourself. ... Do
not adopt a method with another which can at once be retorted on yourself. ...
/.../22 if any one wishes.htm

It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ...
... I may as well shine as not.". "No harm?" retorted Diamond. ... "Well, I don't grudge
yours what he gets by me," said Ruby. "Gets!" retorted Diamond. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 32 it was friday.htm

The Love of Rameses
... "Thou dost forget thyself," she retorted, wrenching her hand from him. ... "I would have
thee use me respectfully, reverently," Har-hat retorted warmly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxv the love of.htm

On Monogamy
... Chapter XV.--Unfairness of Charging the Disciples of the New Prophecy with
Harshness The Charge Rather to Be Retorted Upon the Psychics. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on monogamy/

Preface
... them obscurantists on account of their barbarous Latinity, their uncritical methods,
and their pointless wranglings; the Scholastics retorted by denouncing ...
/.../history of the catholic church renaissance to french revolution/preface.htm

Retorted (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Retorted (2 Occurrences). Matthew 15:3 "Why do you, too,"
He retorted, "transgress God's commands for the sake of your tradition? ...
/r/retorted.htm - 7k

Retort (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A return to an argument or a charge; a harsh reply. n.) To bend or curve
back; as, a retorted line. 2. (n.) To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect. ...
/r/retort.htm - 7k

God's (602 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS). Matthew 15:3 "Why do you, too," He retorted, "transgress God's
commands for the sake of your tradition? (WEY). Matthew 15 ...
/g/god's.htm - 33k

Retraced (2 Occurrences)

/r/retraced.htm - 6k

Commands (216 Occurrences)
... heavens. (YLT NIV). Matthew 15:3 "Why do you, too," He retorted, "transgress
God's commands for the sake of your tradition? (WEY). ...
/c/commands.htm - 35k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... WBS). Matthew 15:3 "Why do you, too," He retorted, "transgress God's commands
for the sake of your tradition? (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Matthew ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... The Philistines threatened the life of his bride, and she in turn wrung from Samson
the answer; whereupon he retorted (in Dr. Moore's version): `If with my ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

Antichrist (4 Occurrences)
... of Frederic II so as to enable him to identify his great antagonist with "the beast
coming up out of the sea": this identification the emperor retorted on the ...
/a/antichrist.htm - 26k

Retorted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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