Topical Encyclopedia The term "stricken" in the Bible often conveys a sense of being afflicted, smitten, or struck down, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. It is used to describe various forms of suffering and divine judgment, as well as the human condition in a fallen world. The concept of being stricken is deeply intertwined with themes of sin, repentance, and redemption.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "stricken" is "נָגַף" (nagaph), which means to strike, smite, or plague. This term is frequently used in the context of divine judgment or punishment. For example, in Isaiah 53:4, the Suffering Servant is described as "stricken" by God: "Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted." This passage prophetically points to the Messiah, who would bear the sins and sufferings of humanity. The concept of being stricken also appears in the context of personal affliction. In Psalm 102:4, the psalmist laments, "My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread." Here, the term conveys a deep sense of personal anguish and distress. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent often used is "πληγή" (plēgē), which means a blow or wound. While the term "stricken" itself is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept is present in the sufferings of Christ and the apostles. For instance, in Acts 2:23, Peter speaks of Jesus being "delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross." This reflects the idea of Jesus being stricken for the sake of humanity's redemption. Theological Significance Theologically, being stricken is often associated with the consequences of sin and the need for atonement. The stricken state of humanity due to sin necessitates divine intervention and redemption. The Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 is a profound illustration of this, as it foreshadows Christ's sacrificial death, where He was "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5). In a broader sense, the experience of being stricken can lead to spiritual growth and reliance on God. The afflictions faced by believers are seen as opportunities for refining faith and character, as expressed in James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Practical Implications For believers, understanding the concept of being stricken involves recognizing the reality of suffering in a fallen world and the hope of redemption through Christ. It calls for a response of faith, repentance, and trust in God's sovereign purposes. The stricken state is not the end but a part of the journey toward ultimate restoration and healing in Christ. In pastoral care, addressing the stricken involves offering comfort, encouragement, and the assurance of God's presence and promises. The church is called to be a community that supports those who are afflicted, reflecting the compassion and love of Christ, who was Himself stricken for our sake. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. p. & a.) Struck; smitten; wounded; as, the stricken deer.2. (n.) Worn out; far gone; advanced. 3. (v. t.) Whole; entire; -- said of the hour as marked by the striking of a clock. Greek 4260. probaino -- to go forward ... advance. From pro and the base of basis; to walk forward, ie Advance (literally, or in years) -- + be of a great age, go farther (on), be well stricken. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4260.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5218a. naka -- stricken... naka. 5218b . stricken. Transliteration: naka Short Definition: stricken. Word Origin from naka Definition stricken NASB Word Usage who are stricken (1). ... /hebrew/5218a.htm - 5k 5218. nake' -- stricken 5218b. nake -- stricken 5223. nakeh -- smitten, stricken 5222. nekeh -- smitten, stricken 5061. nega -- a stroke, plague, mark 5221. nakah -- to smite 6879. tsara -- to be struck with leprosy, to be leprous 1856. daqar -- to pierce, pierce through 935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go Library Stricken with Exceeding Grief, He Remembers the Dissolute Passions ... Unhappy Souls! Stricken through with all These Barbarisms as with ... And Just as through a Disobedient virgin Man was Stricken Down and ... When Wounded Sore the Stricken Soul M. Italian. Prayer of a Stricken People. Prophecy. The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 Eusebius the Bishop of C??sarea, of whom I have Made Mention Above ... The Manna Valentinus, Ptolemy and Secundus, Heracleon. Thesaurus Stricken (32 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp & a.) Struck; smitten; wounded; as, the stricken deer. ... 4. (pp) of Strike. Multi-Version Concordance Stricken (32 Occurrences). ... /s/stricken.htm - 15k Awe-stricken (1 Occurrence) Terror-stricken (1 Occurrence) Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Strike (168 Occurrences) Zacharias (11 Occurrences) Terrors (21 Occurrences) Tertius (1 Occurrence) Consciences (12 Occurrences) Strict (7 Occurrences) Resources Why did Isa/Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about child sexual abuse? | GotQuestions.org Stricken: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stricken (32 Occurrences)Luke 1:7 Luke 1:18 Genesis 18:11 Genesis 24:1 Joshua 8:15 Joshua 13:1 Joshua 23:1 Joshua 23:2 Judges 5:26 Judges 20:41 1 Samuel 5:12 1 Samuel 17:12 1 Kings 1:1 Job 19:21 Job 34:26 Psalms 73:5 Psalms 73:14 Psalms 109:22 Proverbs 6:1 Proverbs 23:35 Isaiah 1:5 Isaiah 6:7 Isaiah 16:7 Isaiah 53:4 Isaiah 53:8 Jeremiah 5:3 Jeremiah 6:3 Jeremiah 48:26 Lamentations 4:9 Daniel 4:19 Hosea 6:1 Habakkuk 3:14 Subtopics Related Terms |