Topical Encyclopedia The term "woeful" is often used to describe a state of deep sorrow, distress, or lamentation. In the context of the Bible, it is associated with expressions of grief and the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. The concept of being woeful is frequently linked to the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where prophets lament the spiritual and moral decline of Israel and other nations.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the prophets often use language that conveys a sense of woe to describe the impending judgment on Israel and other nations due to their unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew word often translated as "woe" is "הוֹי" (hoy), which is an exclamation of lament or distress. For example, in Isaiah 5:20 , the prophet declares, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter." The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is a poignant expression of the woeful state of Jerusalem following its destruction by the Babylonians. The entire book is a series of laments, capturing the deep sorrow and distress of the people. Lamentations 1:1 begins with, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow." New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus Himself uses the term "woe" in His teachings, particularly in the context of the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism. Matthew 23:27 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." The Book of Revelation also contains expressions of woe, particularly in the context of the end times and the judgments that will befall the earth. Revelation 8:13 warns, "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice: 'Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'" Theological Implications The concept of being woeful in the Bible is closely tied to the themes of judgment, repentance, and redemption. It serves as a warning to individuals and nations to turn from their sinful ways and return to God. The woeful state is not merely about experiencing sorrow but is often a call to recognize one's spiritual condition and the need for divine intervention. In the prophetic tradition, the declaration of woe is both a lament over the current state of affairs and a prophetic warning of the consequences of continued disobedience. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, urging a return to righteousness and faithfulness. Practical Application For believers, the biblical concept of being woeful serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. It calls for self-examination and repentance, recognizing the areas in one's life that may be out of alignment with God's will. The woeful pronouncements in Scripture encourage believers to seek God's mercy and grace, trusting in His redemptive power to restore and renew. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Woful.Strong's Hebrew 605. anash -- to be weak, sick... root Definition to be weak, sick NASB Word Usage desperately sick (1), incurable (6), sick (1), woeful (1). desperately wicked, incurable, sick, woeful. ... /hebrew/605.htm - 6k Library O Woeful Hour! when from the Night On Grace. From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the ... The Adventures of Saint David of Wales. Our Lord in the Garden That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ... Results of True Repentance. The Third Word from the Cross Index of First Lines How it was with Him on the Cross According to the Exterior Man. Thesaurus Woeful (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Woful. Multi-Version Concordance Woeful (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 17:16 As for me, I have not ... /w/woeful.htm - 6k Woe (102 Occurrences) Longed (24 Occurrences) Woes (3 Occurrences) Wretched (14 Occurrences) Pastor (1 Occurrence) Baleful (1 Occurrence) Utterance (21 Occurrences) Uttered (60 Occurrences) Passes (74 Occurrences) Resources Woeful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Woeful (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 17:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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