Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "threaten" encompasses both human interactions and divine warnings. The term is often associated with intimidation, warnings of impending judgment, or the assertion of authority. The Bible provides numerous instances where threats are issued, both by humans and by God, serving as a means to convey seriousness, demand repentance, or assert power.Old Testament Instances 1. Human Threats: In the Old Testament, threats are frequently seen in the context of warfare and conflict. For example, Goliath, the Philistine giant, threatened the armies of Israel, challenging them to send a warrior to fight him (1 Samuel 17:10). His threats were intended to instill fear and assert dominance over the Israelites. 2. Divine Warnings: God often used threats as a form of warning to His people, urging them to turn from their sinful ways. In the book of Deuteronomy, God warns Israel of the consequences of disobedience, including curses and exile (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). These threats were not empty but were meant to lead the people to repentance and obedience. 3. Prophetic Threats: Prophets in the Old Testament, such as Jeremiah and Isaiah, conveyed God's threats of judgment against Israel and other nations. Jeremiah 18:7-10 illustrates how God threatens to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation if it does evil, but also promises to relent if the nation repents. New Testament Instances 1. Religious Authorities: In the New Testament, threats are often seen in the context of religious authorities attempting to suppress the early Christian movement. The apostles faced threats from the Sanhedrin, who commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:17-21). Despite these threats, the apostles continued to preach boldly, trusting in God's protection. 2. Divine Warnings: Jesus Himself issued warnings and threats of judgment, particularly against the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, warning them of the consequences of their hypocrisy and leading others astray. 3. Apostolic Warnings: The apostles also issued warnings to the early church. Paul, in his letters, often warned believers about false teachers and the dangers of turning away from the true gospel. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul threatens that anyone preaching a gospel contrary to the one they received should be accursed. Theological Implications The use of threats in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. While human threats often stem from a desire to control or instill fear, divine threats serve a redemptive purpose, calling individuals and nations to repentance and a right relationship with God. The Bible portrays God as just and righteous, and His threats are consistent with His character, aiming to bring about repentance and restoration rather than mere punishment. Practical Application For believers, understanding the biblical concept of threats involves recognizing the gravity of sin and the necessity of heeding God's warnings. It also involves trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, knowing that His threats are not arbitrary but are rooted in His desire for holiness and redemption. Christians are called to respond to divine warnings with humility and repentance, seeking to align their lives with God's will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.2. (v. t.) To exhibit the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to threaten death. 3. (v. i.) To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance. Greek 546. apeileo -- to threaten ... to threaten. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apeileo Phonetic Spelling: (ap-i-leh'-o) Short Definition: I threaten, forbid by threatening Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/546.htm - 6k 4324. prosapeileo -- to threaten further 1764. enistemi -- to place in, to be at hand, perf. part. to be ... Library But, Before I Make My Answer to Your Letter, I must Expostulate ... Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. x. 28, "Be not Afraid of them ... Utterances of the Prophet Isaiah Regarding the Resurrection of the ... The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. Introduction. Obedient Disobedience Martin Escapes from a Falling Pine-Tree. part v. The Lord Therefore, as God, Stayed the Mouths of the Demons... Thesaurus Threaten (4 Occurrences)... the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to ... /t/threaten.htm - 8k Threat (7 Occurrences) Threatened (11 Occurrences) Jezebel (20 Occurrences) Offer (403 Occurrences) Justly (22 Occurrences) Let's (74 Occurrences) Warn (35 Occurrences) Isaiah (64 Occurrences) Insults (34 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to flee from temptation? | GotQuestions.orgHow is God our refuge? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to bullying? | GotQuestions.org Threaten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Threaten (4 Occurrences)Acts 4:17 Ephesians 6:9 1 Peter 2:23 Psalms 73:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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