The term "superstitious" refers to beliefs or practices that are based on irrational or unfounded fears, often involving the supernatural or the divine. In the context of the Bible, superstition is generally viewed as contrary to faith in God and His revealed truth. The Bible encourages believers to trust in God and His Word rather than in superstitions or human traditions.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 17:22 : In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the people of Athens at the Areopagus, noting their religious practices. He states, "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious." The Greek word translated here as "religious" can also be understood as "superstitious." Paul uses this observation to introduce the Athenians to the "unknown god" they worship, whom he declares to be the one true God. This passage highlights the distinction between true worship of God and superstitious practices.

2. 1 Timothy 4:7 : Paul advises Timothy, "But reject irreverent and silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness." Here, Paul warns against engaging in superstitions and myths, urging believers to focus on godliness and the truth of the Gospel.

3. Isaiah 8:19 : The prophet Isaiah warns the Israelites against seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, saying, "When they tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God?" This verse underscores the futility and danger of superstitious practices, emphasizing reliance on God for guidance.

4. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 : The Law of Moses explicitly forbids various superstitious practices, including divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead. "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD." This passage reflects God's desire for His people to remain pure and devoted to Him, free from the influence of superstitions.

Theological Implications:

Superstition is often seen as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in something other than God. The Bible consistently calls believers to a faith that is grounded in the knowledge of God and His Word. Superstitions can lead individuals away from the truth and into practices that are not only ineffective but also offensive to God.

Historical Context:

In the ancient world, superstitions were common, with people often seeking to appease various deities or spirits through rituals and offerings. The Israelites, surrounded by pagan nations, were frequently tempted to adopt these practices. The biblical narrative repeatedly calls God's people to reject such influences and remain faithful to Him.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the challenge is to discern and reject modern forms of superstition that may manifest in various cultural or personal practices. Christians are encouraged to cultivate a faith that is informed by Scripture and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, rather than succumbing to irrational fears or practices.1. (a.) Of or pertaining to superstition; proceeding from, or manifesting, superstition; as, superstitious rites; superstitious observances.

2. (a.) Evincing superstition; over scrupulous and rigid in religious observances; addicted to superstition; full of idle fancies and scruples in regard to religion.

3. (a.) Over exact; scrupulous beyond need.

SUPERSTITION; SUPERSTITIOUS

su-per-stish'-un; su-per-stish'-us (deisidaimonia, "fearing demons"): The Biblical use of these words is limited to that of the former in Acts 25:19 the King James Version, and of the latter in Acts 17:22. In the former reference, Festus speaks of the Jews' "superstition" (the Revised Version (British and American) "religion"), thus artfully dodging an avowal of his own convictions "respecting the Hebrew faith." In Acts 17:22 the King James Version Paul tactfully refers to the Athenians as being "too superstitious" (the Revised Version (British and American) "too religious"), thus using the term correctly from both their and his point of view. They were truly too "religious" with their superstitions.

Leonard W. Doolan

1174. deisidaimonesteros -- very fearful of gods, religious ...
... 1173, 1174. deisidaimonesteros. 1175 . very fearful of gods, religious,
superstitious. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1174.htm - 7k

The Superstitious Nature of Human Institutions.
... Book II. Chapter 20."The Superstitious Nature of Human Institutions. 30. All
the arrangements made by men for the making and worshipping ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 the superstitious nature of.htm

The Mother of Galerius, a Woman Exceedingly Superstitious, was a ...
... Chap. XI. The mother of Galerius, a woman exceedingly superstitious, was
a votary of the gods of? The mother of Galerius, a woman ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xi the mother of.htm

In Human Institutions which are not Superstitious, There are Some ...
... Book II. Chapter 25."In Human Institutions Which are Not Superstitious, There are
Some Things Superfluous and Some Convenient and Necessary. 38. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 25 in human institutions which.htm

The Light which Broke Out at the Reformation, Abhorred the Bloody ...
... Address 180: The light which broke out at the reformation, abhorred the
bloody superstitious zeal of these? The light which broke ...
/.../address 180 0 0 the light which.htm

Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of this Superstitious ...
... Chapter III."Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of This Superstitious Man,
Sharply Reproaches Minucius, on the Ground that the Disgrace of This Wicked ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter iii argument octavius displeased at.htm

The Intercourse and Agreement with Demons which Superstitious ...
... Book II. Chapter 24."The Intercourse and Agreement with Demons Which
Superstitious Observances Maintain. 37. And all these omens ...
/.../chapter 24 the intercourse and agreement.htm

Of Hope and True Religion, and of Superstition.
... For they who spent whole days in prayers and sacrifices, that their children
might survive [874] them, were called superstitious. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxviii of hope and true.htm

What Kind of Things Even their Worshippers have Owned they have ...
... For those," he says, "who spent whole days in prayer, and offered sacrifice, that
their children might outlive them, are called superstitious." [184] Who does ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 30 what kind of things.htm

Extracts No. Ix.
... reasonable to suppose that there are always some who entertain serious doubts and
scruples in regard to the propriety of many of the superstitious notions of ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no ix.htm

Whether There Can be any Excess in the Worship of God?
... Christ. ii, 18) "that the good and true Christian rejects also superstitious fancies,
from Holy Writ." But Holy Writ teaches us to worship God. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 3.htm

Superstitious (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to superstition; proceeding from, or manifesting,
superstition; as, superstitious rites; superstitious observances. ...
/s/superstitious.htm - 8k

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)
... Even the cultured are not without a superstitious awe and dread of dreams, attaching
to them different interpretations according to local color and custom. ...
/d/dreamer.htm - 18k

Dream (82 Occurrences)
... Even the cultured are not without a superstitious awe and dread of dreams, attaching
to them different interpretations according to local color and custom. ...
/d/dream.htm - 47k

Superstition (1 Occurrence)
... the like. 5. (n.) Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. SUPERSTITION; SUPERSTITIOUS. su-per-stish ...
/s/superstition.htm - 8k

Supervise (8 Occurrences)

/s/supervise.htm - 9k

Jonathan (109 Occurrences)
... The completeness of the victory was impaired by the superstitious action of Saul
in refusing to allow the people to eat until the day was over (1 Samuel 14:24 ...
/j/jonathan.htm - 59k

Nonimmersionist
... When superstitious views of baptism entered largely into the church and it was held
that no unbaptized child could be saved, the practice arose of encouraging ...
/n/nonimmersionist.htm - 38k

Non-immersionist
... When superstitious views of baptism entered largely into the church and it was held
that no unbaptized child could be saved, the practice arose of encouraging ...
/n/non-immersionist.htm - 38k

Vision (106 Occurrences)
... If one is disposed to regard the method as suited only to primitive peoples and
superstitious natures, it still remains true that the experience is one ...
/v/vision.htm - 45k

Lystra (6 Occurrences)
... had been driven by persecution from Iconium (Acts 14:2-7). Here also he healed a
lame man (8), and thus so impressed the ignorant and superstitious people that ...
/l/lystra.htm - 14k

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