In the context of the Bible, the term "wretches" is often used to describe individuals who are in a state of deep moral or spiritual misery. This term can be associated with those who are lost in sin, experiencing the consequences of their actions, or in desperate need of redemption. The concept of wretchedness is closely tied to the human condition and the need for divine grace and salvation.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 7:24 : "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" In this passage, the Apostle Paul expresses his inner turmoil and struggle with sin. He acknowledges his wretched state, highlighting the human condition of being trapped in sin and the need for deliverance through Jesus Christ.

2. Revelation 3:17 : "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." Here, the church in Laodicea is admonished for their spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency. Despite their material wealth, they are described as wretched, emphasizing the disparity between their perceived and actual spiritual state.

3. Psalm 34:6 : "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." While the term "wretched" is not directly used, the psalmist describes a state of distress and need. The acknowledgment of one's wretchedness leads to calling upon the Lord, who is faithful to save and deliver.

Theological Implications:

The recognition of one's wretchedness is a crucial step in the journey of faith. It involves an honest assessment of one's sinful nature and the inability to achieve righteousness through human effort alone. This acknowledgment is not meant to lead to despair but to drive individuals toward repentance and reliance on God's grace.

The Bible consistently teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This universal condition of sinfulness renders humanity wretched apart from the redemptive work of Christ. The good news of the Gospel is that through Jesus' sacrifice, even the most wretched can find forgiveness, transformation, and new life.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In biblical times, the concept of wretchedness would have been understood in both physical and spiritual terms. Physical wretchedness might refer to poverty, illness, or social marginalization, while spiritual wretchedness pertains to the state of one's soul before God. The Bible often uses physical conditions as metaphors for spiritual realities, illustrating the depth of human need for divine intervention.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to maintain a posture of humility, recognizing their ongoing need for God's grace. The awareness of one's wretchedness should lead to a deeper appreciation for the mercy and love of God, fostering a spirit of gratitude and worship. It also serves as a reminder of the mission to share the hope of the Gospel with others who are in similar states of spiritual need.

In summary, the concept of wretchedness in the Bible underscores the profound need for salvation and the transformative power of God's grace. It calls individuals to a life of repentance, faith, and reliance on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.2556. kakos -- bad, evil
... bad, evil NASB Word Usage bad (1), bad things (1), evil (32), evil men (1), evil
things (1), evildoer (1), harm (4), loathsome (1), wretches (1), wrong (5). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2556.htm - 7k

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... carefully concealed it. 4. The proof of their having or not having food
was found in the bodies of the poor wretches. Those of them ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... like women. "Living for unholy acts of audacity, these fickle wretches do
reckless and nefarious deeds," says the Sibyl. For their ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... of philosophers. The Cross? It is a death of shame"the death of slaves
and wretches. Tell your tale to slaves, not to us. To give ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiv greek en toyto.htm

The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ...
... What can a man call this procedure of yours but the sport of fortune, when he
sees a whole nation coming to protect a sink of wicked wretches? ...
/.../chapter 4 the idumeans being.htm

Against Atheism and Infidelity.
... These are the wretches, who, without any show of wit, learning, or reason, publish
their crude conceptions with an ambition of appearing more wise than the ...
/.../sect viii against atheism and.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... the only way now likely to do this being sensibly to convince them of their mistake
herein, by a strict prosecution of all such, irreligious wretches, who thus ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

How a Great Many of the People Earnestly Endeavored to Desert to ...
... The indication they made use of whether they had any or not was taken from the bodies
of these miserable wretches; which, if they were in good case, they ...
/.../chapter 10 how a great.htm

The Overthrow of the Tyrants and the Words which they Uttered ...
... [2788] And by him to whom a little before we seemed impious wretches and atheists
and destroyers of all life, so that we were not permitted to dwell in any ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x the overthrow of the.htm

A God in Pain
... him"he was a favourite. But what did they care for poor, ugly, deformed,
unfortunate, foolish wretches? Surely the gods despised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ...
... When Nero was gone out of the world, you did as the wickedest wretches would have
done, and encouraged yourselves to act against us by our civil dissensions ...
/.../chapter 6 how the romans.htm

Wretches (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wretches (1 Occurrence). Matthew 21:41 "He will
put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and ...
/w/wretches.htm - 6k

Wring (4 Occurrences)

/w/wring.htm - 8k

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/v/vine-dressers.htm - 11k

Vintage (14 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/v/vintage.htm - 11k

Wretched (14 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/w/wretched.htm - 10k

Wretchedness (1 Occurrence)

/w/wretchedness.htm - 6k

Reply (61 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/r/reply.htm - 23k

Rent (76 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/r/rent.htm - 32k

Entrust (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/e/entrust.htm - 9k

Produce (140 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:41 "He will put the wretches to a wretched death," was the reply, "and
will entrust the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render the produce ...
/p/produce.htm - 37k

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