Topical Encyclopedia The term "sullen" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible , but the concept can be understood through various biblical narratives and teachings that address attitudes of gloominess, resentment, or a brooding spirit. In Scripture, such attitudes are often contrasted with the virtues of joy, gratitude, and contentment that are encouraged among believers.Biblical Examples and Contexts: 1. Cain's Disposition: One of the earliest examples of a sullen attitude can be seen in the account of Cain. After God did not look with favor on Cain's offering, Cain became very angry, and his face was downcast. The Lord addressed Cain's sullen demeanor, saying, "Why are you angry, and why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:6-7). This passage highlights how a sullen attitude can lead to further sin if not addressed. 2. Ahab's Reaction: King Ahab of Israel exhibited a sullen attitude when he could not obtain Naboth's vineyard. The Bible describes Ahab as "sullen and angry" because Naboth refused to sell his inheritance (1 Kings 21:4). Ahab's sulking led to the wicked actions of his wife Jezebel, resulting in Naboth's unjust death. This narrative illustrates how a sullen spirit can lead to destructive behavior and injustice. 3. Jonah's Displeasure: The prophet Jonah displayed a sullen attitude after God spared Nineveh. Jonah was displeased and became angry, expressing his discontent with God's mercy (Jonah 4:1-3). God's response to Jonah's sullen spirit was to teach him about compassion and divine grace, emphasizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding. Theological Insights: · Sin and Sullenness: A sullen attitude is often associated with sin, as it can stem from pride, envy, or a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. The Bible warns against harboring such attitudes, as they can lead to further disobedience and separation from God. · Joy and Contentment: In contrast to sullenness, Scripture encourages believers to cultivate joy and contentment. Philippians 4:4 exhorts, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This joy is rooted in a relationship with Christ and the assurance of His promises. · Transformation through Christ: The New Testament teaches that believers are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). This transformation includes shedding negative attitudes like sullenness and embracing the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and attitudes regularly, seeking to align them with the teachings of Scripture. Prayer, fellowship, and meditation on God's Word are vital practices for overcoming a sullen spirit. By focusing on God's goodness and faithfulness, Christians can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and joy, reflecting the light of Christ in a world often marked by darkness and despair. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Lonely; solitary; desolate.2. (a.) Gloomy; dismal; foreboding. 3. (a.) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious. 4. (a.) Gloomily angry and silent; cross; sour; affected with ill humor; morose. 5. (a.) Obstinate; intractable. 6. (a.) Heavy; dull; sluggish. 7. (n.) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit. 8. (n.) Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness; as, to have the sullens. 9. (v. t.) To make sullen or sluggish. Greek 4659. skuthropos -- with a gloomy look ... Word Origin from skuthros (sullen) and ops (eye) Definition with a gloomy look NASB Word Usage gloomy face (1), looking sad (1). sad, gloomy. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4659.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5620. sar -- stubborn, resentful, sullen, implacable... 5619, 5620. sar. 5621 . stubborn, resentful, sullen, implacable. Transliteration: sar Phonetic Spelling: (sar) Short Definition: sullen. ... /hebrew/5620.htm - 6k Library Whether the Philosopher Suitably Assigns the Species of Anger? 'Thy Will be Done' Resignation The Entreaties of God The Story of Joseph The Last Supper. Psalm XLIV. Significant Phrases The Tears of the Penitent. Literary Expressions Thesaurus Sullen (4 Occurrences)... 8. (n.) Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness; as, to have the sullens. 9. (vt) To make sullen or sluggish. ...Sullen (4 Occurrences). ... /s/sullen.htm - 8k Morose (2 Occurrences) Sulky (2 Occurrences) Sulphur (7 Occurrences) Vexed (37 Occurrences) Naboth (18 Occurrences) Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences) Jezreelite (9 Occurrences) Lower (72 Occurrences) Lowering (2 Occurrences) Resources Who was Naboth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jezebel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-pity? | GotQuestions.org Sullen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sullen (4 Occurrences)Colossians 3:21 1 Kings 20:43 1 Kings 21:4 1 Kings 21:5 Subtopics Related Terms |