Topical Encyclopedia
Accusing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of charging someone with a fault or offense. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is often associated with legal, moral, and spiritual dimensions.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, accusing is frequently linked to legal proceedings and the administration of justice. The Law of Moses provided guidelines for handling accusations to ensure fairness and prevent false testimony.
Deuteronomy 19:15-19 outlines the requirement for multiple witnesses to establish a matter: "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" . This principle was designed to protect individuals from false accusations and ensure that justice was served.
The account of Naboth's vineyard in
1 Kings 21 illustrates the misuse of accusations. Jezebel orchestrates false charges against Naboth, leading to his unjust execution. This narrative highlights the potential for accusations to be manipulated for evil purposes, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, accusing takes on a broader spiritual dimension. Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser," is depicted as the ultimate accuser of humanity.
Revelation 12:10 describes him as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God" . This portrayal underscores the spiritual battle between good and evil, with Satan seeking to undermine believers by highlighting their sins and shortcomings.
Jesus Christ, in contrast, is depicted as the advocate for believers. In
John 8:1-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenges the accusers, saying, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her" . This incident emphasizes the importance of mercy and forgiveness over judgment and condemnation.
Accusations and BelieversThe New Testament also addresses how believers should respond to accusations. In
Matthew 5:11, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" . This beatitude encourages believers to endure false accusations with patience and faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often faced accusations from both Jewish and Gentile opponents. In
2 Corinthians 10:10, he acknowledges the criticisms against him but remains steadfast in his mission, demonstrating the importance of integrity and perseverance in the face of unjust accusations.
ConclusionAccusing, as depicted in the Bible, encompasses legal, moral, and spiritual aspects. It serves as a reminder of the need for justice, the dangers of false testimony, and the spiritual warfare faced by believers. Through the example of Christ and the teachings of the apostles, Scripture provides guidance on responding to accusations with truth, grace, and faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Accuse.
Greek
1228. diabolos -- slanderous,accusing falsely... slanderous,
accusing falsely. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: diabolos
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ab'-ol-os) Short Definition: slanderous, the Slanderer
...2723. kategoreo -- to make accusation
... to speak in the assembly) Definition to make accusation NASB Word Usage accusation
against (1), accuse (10), accused (3), accuses (2),accusing (3), bring...
5396. phluareo -- to talk nonsense
... It is used only in 3 Jn 10. See 5397 (). Word Origin from phluaros Definition to
talk nonsense NASB Word Usage unjustlyaccusing (1). disparage....
1458. egkaleo -- to call in (as a debt or demand), ie bring to...
... Word Origin from en and kaleo Definition to call in (as a debt or demand), ie bring
to account NASB Word Usage accused (4),accusing (1), bring a charge (1...
Library
If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease fromAccusing Me. Lay Down...
... 43. If you wish me to keep silence, cease fromaccusing me. Lay... 43. If
you wish me to keep silence, cease fromaccusing me. Lay...
Thus Soul-Sick was I, and Tormented,Accusing Myself Much More...
... Book VIII Chapter XI Thus soul-sick was I, and tormented,accusing myself
much more severely than my wont? Thus soul-sick was...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O Father...
... We confess then, whether in praising God, oraccusing ourselves.... For why is it
that thou dost now confess inaccusing thyself for thy sin?...
Whether it is Necessary to Proceed by Way of Accusation for the...
... any other time. Objection 4: Further, a man is not prevented fromaccusing
by the fact that he does not accuse at once. But this...
Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to...
... harm he has intended to be inflicted on another, according to Ex.21:24, "Eye for
eye, tooth for tooth." Consequently it is just that he who byaccusing a man...
But Origen Also, You Will Tell Us, in Composing his Work Called...
... caprice. But can it be admitted as right that you should bring in the same
man as your advocate whom just now you wereaccusing?...
Your Origen Allows Himself to Treat of the Transmigration of Souls...
... I am notaccusing another but endeavouring to defend myself and to refute
the false accusation of heresy which is thrown in my teeth....
The Eighth Book
... matter, when our iniquities are made by many a cause of wrath against God, and men
try to avoid seeming themselves worthy of accusation by firstaccusing him....
Of those who Ought not to be Admitted to the Right of Accusation.
... are not of good conversation, or whose life is impeachable, or whose faith and life
and liberty are unknown, should not have the power ofaccusing the priests...
Of the Man with the Withered Hand, who was Restored on the Sabbath...
... has told us how the people put this question to the Lord, "Is it lawful to heal
on the Sabbath-day?" wishing thereby to find an occasion foraccusing Him; and...
Thesaurus
Accusing (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Accusing (13 Occurrences).
... Mark 15:3 And the chief priests
were
accusing him of many things, 'but he answered nothing.' (YLT).
...Falsely (72 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:44 but I -- I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those cursing you,
do good to those hating you, and pray for thoseaccusing you falsely, and...
Cursing (53 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:44 but I -- I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those cursing you,
do good to those hating you, and pray for thoseaccusing you falsely, and...
Vehemently (5 Occurrences)
... KJV ASV WBS). Luke 23:10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently
accusing him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Unjustly (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV). 3 John 1:10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to
his deeds which he does, unjustlyaccusing us with wicked words....
Offense (44 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Acts 23:28 And, wishing to know with certainty the offense of which they
wereaccusing him, I brought him down into their Sanhedrin, (WEY)....
Jason (5 Occurrences)
... When the mob failed to find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and "certain brethren"
before the politarchs,accusing Jason of treason in receiving into his...
Loudly (31 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 17:6 But, failing to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the other
brethren before the magistrates of the city, loudlyaccusing them....
Gossiping (2 Occurrences)
... Gossiping (2 Occurrences). 3 John 1:10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention
to his deeds which he does, unjustlyaccusing us with wicked words....
Wishing (25 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Acts 23:28 And, wishing to know with certainty the offense of which they
wereaccusing him, I brought him down into their Sanhedrin, (WEY)....
Resources
What did Job mean when he said “my redeemer lives” in Job 19:25? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Stephen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAccusing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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