Topical Encyclopedia
Afflictions, as understood within the biblical context, refer to the various forms of suffering, trials, and hardships that individuals may experience. These can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or circumstantial in nature. The Bible addresses afflictions extensively, offering insights into their purpose, the believer's response, and God's role in them.
Nature and Purpose of AfflictionsAfflictions are often seen as a means through which God refines and strengthens the faith of His people. In the Old Testament, afflictions are sometimes portrayed as a consequence of sin or disobedience, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites. However, they are also depicted as a tool for spiritual growth and maturity. In
Psalm 119:71, the psalmist declares, "It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes" .
The New Testament further elaborates on the purpose of afflictions. In
Romans 5:3-4, Paul writes, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" . This passage highlights the transformative power of afflictions in developing Christian virtues.
Response to AfflictionsThe Bible encourages believers to respond to afflictions with faith, patience, and trust in God.
James 1:2-4 advises, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . This perspective calls for a countercultural response, viewing trials as opportunities for growth rather than mere obstacles.
Prayer is also a vital response to afflictions. The psalmists frequently cry out to God in their distress, seeking His deliverance and comfort. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to bring their burdens to God.
Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .
God's Role in AfflictionsGod's sovereignty and compassion are central to the biblical understanding of afflictions. While He may allow or even ordain afflictions for His purposes, He is also portrayed as a source of comfort and deliverance. In
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul praises God as "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" .
Moreover, the Bible assures believers of God's presence in their afflictions.
Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" . This assurance of divine presence provides hope and strength to endure hardships.
Examples of Afflictions in ScriptureNumerous biblical figures experienced afflictions, serving as examples of faith and perseverance. Job is perhaps the most well-known, enduring immense suffering while maintaining his integrity and ultimately being restored by God. Joseph faced betrayal and imprisonment, yet his afflictions positioned him to save many lives during a famine.
The Apostle Paul frequently encountered afflictions, including persecution, imprisonment, and physical ailments. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission, famously declaring in
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" .
In summary, afflictions are an integral part of the Christian journey, serving as a means of spiritual growth and a testament to God's faithfulness and sustaining grace. Through them, believers are called to trust in God's purposes, rely on His strength, and find comfort in His presence.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Common to all (
Job 5:7;
14:1;
Psalm 34:19); are for the good of men (
James 1:2, 3, 12;
2 Corinthians 12:7) and the glory of God (
2 Corinthians 12:7-10;
1 Peter 4:14), and are to be borne with patience by the Lord's people (
Psalm 94:12;
Proverbs 3:12). They are all directed by God (
Lamentations 3:33), and will result in the everlasting good of his people (
2 Corinthians 4:16-18) in Christ Jesus (
Romans 8:35-39).
Greek
2553. kakopatheo -- to suffer evil... endure
afflictions, suffer hardship. From the same as kakopatheia; to undergo hardship --
be afflicted, endure
afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble.
...3148. mastix -- a whip, scourge
... 24, cf. Heb 11:26). It is an old word that was used forafflictions regarded
as a scourge from God" (, 1 299). When 3148 () refers...
2347. thlipsis -- tribulation
... Word Origin from thlibo Definition tribulation NASB Word Usage affliction (14),
afflictions (6), anguish (1), distress (2), persecution (1), tribulation (16...
4777. sugkakopatheo -- to bear evil treatment along with
... suffer together. From sun and kakopatheo; to suffer hardship in company with --
be partaker ofafflictions. see GREEK sun. see GREEK kakopatheo....
Strong's Hebrew
7463a. raah -- evil, misery, distress, injury... Word Origin from the same as roa Definition evil, misery, distress, injury NASB
Word Usage adversities (1), adversity (7),
afflictions (1), calamities (1
...Library
ThatAfflictions and Persecutions Arise for the Sake of Our Being...
... 9. Thatafflictions and persecutions arise for the sake of our being proved.
In Deuteronomy, "The Lord your God proveth you, that...
EarlyAfflictions
... Chapter II EarlyAfflictions.... When about twelve or thirteen years of age,
otherafflictions set in, such as spinal and female trouble....
Concerning theAfflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt...
... From The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus Out Of Egypt. CHAPTER 9. Concerning The
Afflictions That Befell The Hebrews In Egypt, During Four Hundred Years....
Afflictions Sanctified by the Word.
... III. CONFLICT. Hymn 17Afflictions sanctified by the word. William Cowper
8,8,8,8.Afflictions sanctified by the word. O How I love thy holy word,....
The TemporalAfflictions of Believers are not Correctly Termed "...
... ARTICLE IX The temporalafflictions of believers are not correctly termed
"CHASTISEMENTS," but are PUNISHMENTS for sins. For Christ...
TheAfflictions of the Righteous.
... Chapter XI."TheAfflictions of the Righteous.... For those who in the worship of God
sufferafflictions, suffer them for the expiation of their transgressions."....
Psalm 143. Complaint of HeavyAfflictions in Mind and Body.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 143. Complaint of heavyafflictions
in mind and body. 1 My righteous Judge, my gracious God...
Afflictions and Death under Providence, Job 5 6 7 8
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:83.Afflictions and death under providence, Job 5.
6 7 8. 1 Not from the dust affliction grows, Nor troubles...
Psalm 119:14. Fourteenth Part. Benefit ofAfflictions, and Support...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 119:14. Fourteenth Part. Benefit of
afflictions, and support under them. Ver.153 81 82. 1 Consider...
Psalm 119:18. Last Part. SanctifiedAfflictions; Or, Delight in...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 119:18. Last Part. Sanctifiedafflictions;
or, Delight in the word of God. Ver.67 59. 1 Father...
Thesaurus
Afflictions (24 Occurrences)...Afflictions (24 Occurrences).
... (See NAS). Acts 7:10 and delivered him out of all his
afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
...Natural (49 Occurrences)
... As the body is wasted by theafflictions of life, the soul is renewed; what is death
to the body is life to the soul; asafflictions depotentiate man's...
Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)
... is the translation of theatrizo, "to bring upon the theater," "to be made a spectacle
of," "made a gazing stock both by reproaches andafflictions"; compare 1...
Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)
... is the translation of theatrizo, "to bring upon the theater," "to be made a spectacle
of," "made a gazing stock both by reproaches andafflictions"; compare 1...
Pain (172 Occurrences)
... As a judgment on personal sin pain is also expressed by makh'obh in Job 33:19 Jeremiah
51:8, but this word is used in the sense ofafflictions in Isaiah 53:3...
Amid (31 Occurrences)
... Colossians 1:24 Now I can find joy amid my sufferings for you, and I fill up in
my own person whatever is lacking in Christ'safflictions on behalf of His Body...
Endure (90 Occurrences)
... 1:4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience
and faith in all your persecutions and in theafflictions which you endure....
Affliction (120 Occurrences)
... cause bodily pain or mental distress, as "the bread of affliction" (Deuteronomy
16:3 2 Chronicles 18:26); often in plural, as "Many are theafflictions of the...
Abide (162 Occurrences)
... Genesis 22:5); "The earth abide (continueth) forever" (Ecclesiastes 1:4); "Who can
abide (bear or endure) the day?" (Malachi 3:2); "Afflictions abide (await) me...
Patience (59 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,
in much patience, inafflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (KJV ASV WBS...
Resources
What is lacking in Christ's afflictions (Colossians 1:24)? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view psychotherapy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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